Jacknife (1989)

A conflict develops between a troubled Vietnam veteran and the sister he lives with when she becomes involved romantically with the army buddy who reminds him of the tragic battle they both... See full summary »

Director:

David Hugh Jones

Writers:

Stephen Metcalfe (play), Stephen Metcalfe (screenplay)

Stars:

Robert De Niro, Kathy Baker, Ed Harris

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert De Niro	...	Joseph 'Jacknife' Megessey
Kathy Baker	...	Martha Flannigan
Ed Harris	...	David 'High School' Flannigan
Sloane Shelton	...	Shirley
Ivar Brogger	...	Depot Mechanic
Michael Arkin	...	Dispatcher
Tom Isbell	...	Bobby 'Red Sox' Buckman
Kirk Taylor	...	Helicopter Gunner
Jordan Lund	...	Tiny
Charles S. Dutton	...	Jake, Veteran Encounter Group Leader (as Charles Dutton)
Bruce Ramsay	...	Corridor Student
Jessalyn Gilsig	...	His Girlfriend
George Gerdes	...	Tony
Josh Pais	...	Rick
Lois Dellar	...	Cocktail Waitress

Storyline

A conflict develops between a troubled Vietnam veteran and the sister he lives with when she becomes involved romantically with the army buddy who reminds him of the tragic battle they both survived.

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Plot Keywords:

vietnam | vietnam veteran | alcoholism | post traumatic stress disorder | loneliness | 

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Taglines:

Three buddies in Vietnam. Two survived. Only one is really alive.

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 March 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bicska

Filming Locations:

Connecticut, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$2,049,769 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cineplex-Odeon Films, Kings Road Entertainment, Sandollar-Schaffel Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Originally set to be a star vehicle for Jeff Bridges.

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Connections

References The Wizard of Oz (1939)

User Reviews

An Afterwar Masterpiece

Jacknife is a masterpiece of the 80's. It's a movie that breaths through amazing acting and a very interesting directing touch. In Jacknife both lovers of European and American cinema can find things to relate on. The screenplay is very compelling and full of beautiful characters. Ed Harris is giving one of the greatest performances up to date. He portrays his alcoholic hero superbly making us feel his broken heart in each line, in each move. Robert De Niro makes us once again think of him as one of the greatest actors of all time in one of the simplest but also most realistic performances in his career. Jacknife is never getting boring as it shows its heroes clear of any typical Hollywood's typical character elements. After the war none is a hero. Everybody is a loser, and this movie is about that simple truth. None can mend up his pieces after a war, just like the heroes of this movie. Jacknife is about the diseases of the soul that war creates. Simply magnificent movie.