The War (1994)

Vietnam War vet Stephen Simmons must deal with a war of a different sort between his son and their friends, and a rival group of children. He also must deal with his own personal and ... See full summary »

Director:

Jon Avnet

Writer:

Kathy McWorter

Stars:

Elijah Wood, Kevin Costner, Mare Winningham

1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Elijah Wood	...	Stu Simmons
Kevin Costner	...	Stephen Simmons
Mare Winningham	...	Lois Simmons
Lexi Randall	...	Lidia Joanne Simmons
LaToya Chisholm	...	Elvadine
Christopher Fennell	...	Billy Lipnicki
Donald Sellers	...	Arliss Lipnicki
Leon Sills	...	Leo Lipnicki
Will West	...	Lester Lucket
Brennan Gallagher	...	Marsh
Adam Henderson	...	Chet
Charlette Julius	...	Amber
Jennifer Tyler	...	Ula Lipnicki
Lucas Black	...	Ebb
Justin Lucas	...	Willard

Storyline

Vietnam War vet Stephen Simmons must deal with a war of a different sort between his son and their friends, and a rival group of children. He also must deal with his own personal and employment problems that have resulted from his Vietnam experiences.

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Plot Keywords:

cardiopulmonary resuscitation | coming of age | bullying | anti war | post traumatic stress disorder | 

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Taglines:

What's worth fighting for?

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for the intense depiction of human struggle and conflict

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 November 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

La guerra

Filming Locations:

Beaufort, South Carolina, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$16,551,365

Company Credits

Production Co:

Island World

Technical Specs

Runtime:

126 min

Sound Mix:

DTS DTS-Stereo Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Film debut of Lucas Black.

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Goofs

When Billy falls through the top of the water tower, there is a large hole in it. After the boys rescue him and take him out, the top of the tower is back to the way it was before.

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Quotes

Lois: Lidia Simmons, what is the matter with you?
Lidia: It's you. You don't got good shoes, you hardly ever eat anything. You work all the time. This money was gonna be a new chance for you. Why are you always giving your chances away?
Lois: Now listen here. All your dad has ever done is fault to make this world a better place for us. Yes, he struggles. Yes, he has had dirt kicked in his face. All the more reason he needs our help. Now, you don't wanna help him that's okay... you gotta follow your instincts. But...

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Crazy Credits

When the credits are over and the music ends, we hear a helicopter.

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Connections

References Gone with the Wind (1939)

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Soundtracks

Think
Written by Aretha Franklin and Ted White
Performed by Aretha Franklin
Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp.
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products

User Reviews

BEAUTIFUL & SADLY UNDERRATED

"The War" is one of the few "kid" movies that takes itself seriously enough to be loved and appreciated by young and old audiences alike. I would have supported this film to the very end. After all, any vehicle that convincingly gives peace and love a chance deserves a little attention. (Peace and love are such rare qualities nowadays.)

The cast is excellent. Kevin Costner is a little stiff at the beginning but I think that's a good thing. Giving the younger (and equally talented) stars a chance to shine is a smart move on his part. He does get to cut loose in a few fleeting scenes. Also outstanding (when is he not?) is Elijah Wood (a.k.a. the next Tom Hanks) as Costner's angry, multi-layered, deeply troubled son. His frustrations are so well expressed that often times you feel like you could just step in and help him solve his problems.

What is worth fighting for? Nothing. Because as long as you have love, you have everything. Wisdom for both the kiddies and the grown-ups. Just be warned that the film does contain some strong violence and language.