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IMDb > Combat Shock (1986)
Combat Shock
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Combat Shock (1986) More at IMDbPro »

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Overview

User Rating:
6.2/10   709 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 33% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer:
Buddy Giovinazzo (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for Combat Shock on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
14 May 1986 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
Fighting, killing, maiming. Agent orange and the torture cages were the easy part!...
Plot:
A dangerously disturbed Vietnam veteran struggles with life 15 years after his return home, and slowly falls into insanity from his gritty urban lifestyle. full summary | add synopsis
User Reviews:
Fictional soldier-in-poverty film is strong and powerful on fact. more (39 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Rick Giovinazzo ... Frankie Dunlan (as Ricky Giovinazzo)
Veronica Stork ... Cathy Dunlan
Mitch Maglio ... Paco (gang leader)
Asaph Livni ... Labo (gang member)
Nick Nasta ... Morbe (gang member)
Michael Tierno ... Mike (junkie)
Arthur Saunders ... Pimp
Lori Labar ... Lead prostitute / Vietnamese woman
Jim Cooney ... Interogating GI
Ray Pinero ... Welfare worker
Leo Lunney ... Frankie's father
Eddie Pepitone ... Terry (strung-out junkie)
Martin Blank ... Doctor
Bob Mireau ... Security guard
Tom Desantis ... Man behind Frankie
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
American Nightmare (USA) (festival title (working title))
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Runtime:
85 min | Norway:90 min | USA:92 min (director's cut)
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:

Fun Stuff

Quotes:
Cathy Dunlan: [looking to Frankie] You're not looking for a job... you're waiting for the world to end... more
Movie Connections:

FAQ

What are the differences between the theatrical version and the Unrated Director's Cut of the movie?
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3 out of 3 people found the following review useful.
Fictional soldier-in-poverty film is strong and powerful on fact., 24 December 1998
8/10
Author: Jason C. Atwood from Suffolk, Virginia

What another guilty pleasure this is! And a truly incredible one! COMBAT SHOCK is not what you'd expect from Troma, but it doesn't matter anyway. This is a strong and powerful account of Frankie, a former American P.O.W. in Saigon facing a harsh dilemma of society and family matters back home following the war. It's all based on true experiences with very disturbing levels of detail, and does become nerve-shattering. There possibly has never been a film that could deliver a high amount of intensifying power like this before, even outweighing its minimal plot and graphic violence. While some will find the infant looking like a stupid clone of E.T., others will worry about its povertic and dying state, but the character becomes a victim in its notorious shocking ending. This was the first "Tromatized" movie I've seen, and it sure ain't like the rest of 'em! A rock solid independent outing from Buddy G, whose brother plays the leading role as Frankie. Low budget, but delivers powerful meaning. Asks the all-important question of the hour: "Where will you be tomorrow?". Highly recommended!

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Combat Shock (1986)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Question for Buddy G... askmonroville
No wonder Rudy Giuliani cleaned up 42nd St. forry-777
is this movie appropriate for like 12 year old kids? billie_joe_777
Coincidence? yourcoughiskiller
directors cut? zebra7787
Fantasia Film Festival... korova48
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