The sacrifice of the cow was real because it was a real tribe in the Philippines that lived by that ritual. Like Native Americans, they eat and use every part of that cow after each sacrifice. In the documentary, Coppola was clearly disturbed, just like you, when he first witnesses that tribe doing that. But he understood that it was how they lived and could also see it as a metaphor for the brutality and cruelty of war. That's why he chose to film it later when they performed that ritual again.

“We train young men to drop fire on people, but their commanders won't allow them to write 'fuck' on their airplanes because it's obscene.”

“do you know who’s in charge here?” “…yeah” That scene goes so HARD

06:53 "he's so young" Indeed. Laurence Fishburne lied about his age to get the part and was only 14 when the production began

“There isn’t any animal cruelty in this movie, is there?” - 😬

To me the unsung hero in this film is the boat captain. I dont know who that actor is or where that accent comes from but as a veteran, I can tell you he gave the most authentic performance. His demeanor and attitude is exactly like that of a man who has authority and responsibility thrust upon him and is managing the best that he can under extreme pressure. I saw this movie for the first time right after I was discharged and the boat captain left the biggest impression on me.

This film is a cinematic MASTERPIECE which will be studied for years to come. It's also nice to see you taking the time after seeing the film to investigate it further on IMDB. The cinematography in this film is mind blowing. So many KZfaq reaction channels just move on to the next film and never really acknowledge or fully appreciate the people who make these films we hold in high regards.

Fun fact: the "TV journalist" telling the captain and soldiers to "run through...act like you're fighting." was the movie's director, Francis Ford Coppola.

The book its based on, Heart of Darkness, is also worth a read; its about a seaman going to the Beliguim-controlled Congo, in the 19th century, and telling of the horrors he seen there. The book also revolves around the mysticism of Kurtz and the narrator's obsession with him.

Dennis Hopper as the whacked-out reporter/photographer is phenomenal.

The Doors' "The End" during Kurtz's death is perfect.

I am deeply moved by the compassion and emotions you feel, for the hell that soldiers and veterans live and die with, whenever you watch a war movie. You cry for their pain, their fear, their loss and for the sacrifices that so many of them have made. You often acknowledge how much we owe to those in uniform. I am a veteran. And your genuine sincerity touches me more than the almost obligatory "thank you for your service" that people nowadays just blurt out like a conditioned response. For YOU, and people like you, it was my honor to serve.

I've seen quite a few reactions to this film but I can say, without question, yours is the best ever. You really thought about every step the film was taking and then you would express those thoughts so well. A very real pleasure watching you watch this film. Bravo! As we say in Texas; y'all be safe.

"You're an errand boy, sent by grocery clerks, to collect a bill." Definitely one of my favorite lines! I have seen this movie many times(First time on VHS! 😆). Loved your reaction😊..You are very good at this! Sorry it made you feel unwell! I have terrible anxiety and depression issues since forever..I definitely need to be in the right mood and feelin well to put this film on. Someone should have warned you!😢

"I watched a snail crawl along the edge of a straight razor. That's my dream; that's my nightmare. Crawling, slithering, along the edge of a straight razor... and surviving." _--(Kurtz)_ Genius-level, both the writing, and the delivery of the line! You _feel_ that line, as if the snail is really one of the lobes of your brain, being sliced by that unforgiving metal edge. Surreal!

This masterpiece was based loosely on The Heart of Darkness (a novella) and all of your observations were very insightful. I've seen it multiple times and I still notice or hear something new every time. I was impressed by your insights because you're so young and weren't present during the Vietnam era...or when guys were coming home from Vietnam (horribly wounded, disabled, psychologically destroyed), and we as a country completely dropped the ball on helping them....or even hospitable treatment of them in many cases. If you want to learn about the "causes", you have to go back further and study WWII, which led to the Cold War....which led to the West's determination to stop the spread of communism wherever they saw it, et al. I think Coppola does a superb job at immersing the viewer into the horror of true human nature at its most primal level, basically forcing your participation, if that makes any sense. Who is capable of "the horror"? Anyone and everyone. Civilized norms and behaviors are constructs that are very fragile, but we just largely take for granted at our own potential peril. Side Note: I don't know whether or not they had the strict laws about animal treatment at this time. I'm sure glad they do now.

Brando was suppose to be dying of malaria but when he showed up on the set he weighed 300 lbs, so they kept him in the shadows. The young black gunner on the boat was Lawrence Fishburne (Morpheus). There is a back story of many difficulties making this movies including some of them really getting malaria, rain, military needing their helicopters back, Martin Sheen was going through a real divorce (that he didn't want), so in the opening scene in the motel he broke down.

That intro with the Doors has honestly stuck in my head ever since I saw this back in the day

I used to talk to a guy online who was ex-Special Forces and had served in Vietnam. He had PTSD, so he'd never watched a Vietnam war movie in his life. One day he told the "chopped-off babies' arms" story as an anecdote of something he'd seen personally. When it was pointed out to him that the story was used in Apocalypse Now, he looked up the production team, and it turned out that a guy who was with his unit that day was a military advisor on the film... So, as far as I know, it was a real story...😧

Your reaction and reasoning feel beyond the average persons perceptions, being a veteran and having experienced this time in our history your ideas and reality comfort and warm my heart. Thank you.

Absolute cinematic masterpiece!! Life was imitating art, as Copolla was clearly losing his mind during the endless filming, as documented in his wife's documentary, Hearts of Darkness. I seen this in the theater twice during periodic re-releases and I felt kinda sad knowing that there will probably never be a movie made that looks this awesome on screen. I grew up right as Vietnam was ending, but I clearly remember seeing the trauma and anguish that many soldiers experienced both during and after the war. Copolla brilliantly captured the horrors of Vietnam with Apocalypse Now.

Martin Sheen was indeed on something for real in the opening scene. One of the greatest films.

The "absurdity of this war", you hit on the essence of this classic film...

Apocalypses Now is truly the ultimate war film. It captures to morality and psychology of war like no other film.

Michael Herr wrote the voice over. As a reporter in Vietnam he wrote the book “Dispatches”. The book isn’t long, however, the experience of reading this book will not leave you.

The scene where he gets drunk in his room is legit. Martin Sheen was shit faced and FFC just kept filming him ... even after he cut himself hitting the mirror and bled everywhere :(

I saw this in theaters in is first run and it pretty crazy. It was in the early days of surround sound so the sound effects really were stunning. That freaking tiger attack sounded like it was coming from behind us and scared the crap out of everyone. "Apocalypse Now!" Is painted on the rocks at Kurtz' camp to establish copyright. In order to establish copyright, the title of the movie has to appear in writing but Copola wanted to show the film without credits. That was against the rules of either the directors or editors guilde (i forget), which caused him to be suspended for a while. Instead they handed out a booklet, dozens of pages, with credits, and details of the filming. I wish so much that i had hung on to that! The movie was filmed in the Philippines. The hardships were unbelievable. They rented helicopters and pilots from the Philippine military. They were fighting a guerilla insurgency at the time so they would have to paint the choppers each day for filming then repaint them for the military to go on missions. They built the village you see get attacked by the Duvall's company and the other sets. But most of it was destroyed by typhoon and had to be rebuilt. The Part of Willard was supposed to be played by Harvey Keitel but when they got in site, Coppola realized he wasn't right for the role and got Sheen to step in. There are some scenes in the boat where it is Keitel but you can't see his face. Sheen was really doing a lot of drugs and accidently punched the mirror, cutting his hand, but they kept filming. Sheen had a heart attack which delayed production. Brando showed up way overweight, freaking Coppola out. He decided to shoot Brando in shadows to hide how big he really was.

Yes absolutely, the river and the journey is a metaphor for the descent both into madness and hell, the hell of war. For example at the Do Lung Bridge scene where the soldiers are wading through the water screaming for them to take them is a rendering of Homers odyssey by boat through Hades, there is a painting of the souls screaming and trying to get on the boat, out of hell. A number of occasions both Chef and Willard reference never getting off the boat. The boat is a metaphor for sanity and civilisation so getting off it means fully leaving your sanity behind - Willard say Kurts got off the boat, and split from the entire program, meaning once you cross a line you are never coming back - you are utterly destroyed as a human being by war and how obscene it is. Willard wonders what Kurts saw that sent him down this path, into insanity - then when he meet Kurts reveals the incident of they children's arms being cut off, thats the final straw where he loses his mind and humanity - he says he wants to tear his teeth out, his brain simply cant compute or cope with that horror and obscene cruelty - what happens is this turns him into the monster. But yet it is still not that simple because at every point we have seen women and children mown down and sliced to bits, schools and villages napalmed while soldiers surf, Playboy bunnies appear and Lances water skies behind the boat - is this not insane, isn't everyone insane who decides the lines of morality? Willard never entirely gets off the boat, he never entirely loses himself, he is irrevocably damaged but unlike Kurts he knows this and understands how war has changed him but holds onto humanity, he never entirely gets off the boat. This is what the opening scene is about, he is so torn and damaged by what he has done and seen but he is aware of this and is going towards self destruction but manages to hold on somehow, he certainly is unable to function back at home. This is required for the story because Willard is our moral conscious, as the narrator he has to explain the utter immorality of those in charge and their hypocrisy - what they require means the young men fighting are destroyed physically and mentally and emotionally, putting swear words on your jet fighter is bad but dropping napalm on children and civilians is good. By clinging and always returning to the boat on we hope Willard is able to return home and explain to Kurts's son what the war, the politicians and senior leaders did to him and what this meant - and hopefully in a small way prevent Vietnam or similar happening again, perhaps a shred of hope remains as a shred of humanity remains in Willard.

I watch that movie when I was a kid. Now seeing it again as a adult I understand it. Movies back then had meaning and hits you in different ways. War is dark. People change.

Vietnam was in our living rooms in a way that no longer happens. Enjoyed your reaction. Young Marlon (A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront, the Wild One) established Marlon as a leading man.

Was supposed to be directed by George Lucas, but we got lucky and that never happened.

One of my favorite films. I have watched all of the reactions to this and yours is by far my favorite one. Your insights and feelings towards this masterpiece are spot on. Yes, it's incredible, horrifying, disgusting and disturbing and that is exactly what Coppala was intending. Congratulations on just a fantastic reaction !

Excellent reaction, Ames, as usual. I've seen this movie more than a few times and, for some reason, the one part that never fails to give me chills is Kurtz's letter to his son. On one hand, you have this soldier who, as thanks for his years of loyal service, is falsely accused of a crime and targeted for assassination by his own government, and the hypocrisy is infuriating. On the other hand, it's pretty clear by the tone of the letter that he's lost at least some perspective on who he is, or who he used to be, and you can't help but feel gratitude that his son will never have to read it because the disconnect is heartbreaking. This is a hard watch but thanks for putting yourself through it, because it was an awesome reaction!

Great Reaction! It's a shame that you didn't get to see this film as it was meant to be seen, in a darkened movie theater, on the Big Screen, in Surround Sound, with an audience around you sharing the experience. This film in a way, was like the final act of the Vietnam War, that the American Public had watched every night on the News for 10 long years. It helped the public understand why their Sons, Husbands and Brothers, were so damaged when they returned. One day they were in the Jungle fighting to survive, and some one would tap them in the shoulder and tell them, "Your orders came through, you're on the next chopper out." And it was over, 2 days later they were sitting on the couch in their childhood home.

All things considered, one of a handful of the greatest movies ever made. I think easily among the top five. I’m glad you chose this version. The extended cuts are an example of misguided effort. You really should react to Coppola’s ‘The Conversation’, which along with this one and Godfathers 1 and 2, are worthy of long indulgence and many viewings. And The Conversation is still quite rare among reactors.

Thank you! I'm 76, that was my time, those were my filmmakers... You just did The Best by far, reaction to any movie by any reactor on YT! (I was a film critic on Denver radio in the 90s & still live through movies.) ❤❤❤❤💯

My first year in college in the mid 80's in a semi rural town, i lived in student apartments and we only had reception for 2 local t.v. channels so we got a VHS player. We had only 2 VHS tapes and we had them playing nonstop all day long everyday whether anyone was watching or not so we basically had the 2 films memorized. The 2 films were Caddyshack and Apocalypse Now, two of the most quoted films for decades by the way.

No one seems to have mentioned, but the budget overrun was LEGENDARY, in fact, the schedule delays were so well-known that a parody called "Pork Lips Now" was made in the immediate afterglow of its release. Coppola was as out of his mind as Kurtz.

2:11 - Martin Sheen was actually bleeding for this. The shoot was a nightmare, and lots of the cast were drinking and doing drugs to cope with the hellish environment. Sheen was one of them. He was drunk in this scene, which called for him to break down. Coppola didn't have a set vision for what the breakdown would look like, he told Martin to just go with the flow. So that's what a drunken Martin Sheen did. Eventually, he decided it would be a good idea to punch the mirror, which he did, slicing his hand open and dripping blood everywhere. It looked good, and it fit the breakdown idea, so they left it in.

Thank you for sharing this first time reaction with us. You nailed it!

I don't know if you caught it, but the kid on the boat was a 17 year old Laurence Fishburne from "The Matrix" and "John Wick" and "What's Love got to do with it".

Oh! About Robert Duvall: If you haven't seen them yet, I recommend the movie "Open Range" and the Western series "Lonesome Dove." I am a huge Robert Duvall fan and HIGHLY recommend them. You will also see some very familiar faces in those as well. Trust me.

Wow,the emotions were raw comin out of you.awesome reaction.you have an eye for details.loved it

Just wanted to say your reactions are thoroughly enjoyable to watch. There are no wasted comments. Your knowledge of film comes through, thus making your comments meaningful. Thank you!

Saw this in the theater at the time- been stuck in my head ever since. You look like, in one sitting- got the lion share figured out. You are quite perceptive!

The cow slaughter scene was real. But Coppola did not direct it. He filmed it as the real tribe did the act. It is a real custom/tradition of the Ifugao tribe and the brilliance to include it made lots of people mad but it is an integral of the story. At the Cannes Film Festival in 1979, the acclaimed filmmaker famously said: “My film is not a movie. My film is not about Vietnam. It is Vietnam.”

Some of this masterfilmmaker's greatest work.

Honestly, your reaction to Apocalypse Now is the best I've seen so far. Indeed, there are many philosophical topics and questions that this film raises, such as the question of human nature. The horror that Kurtz refers to is our dark side, which emerges in a hostile and violent environment such as war. That is why he expresses his admiration for the villagers who cut off the arms of the inoculated children. We can say that Kurtz took that idea to the extreme. This movie is definitely a masterpiece. The cinematography and music match the dark and ominous tone of the story perfectly.

Great reaction to this movie. I believe you really got it. I was in high school when this came out and remember hearing about all of the challenges faced by the production crew and director and anticipation for its completion was high. If you're interested in another war movie highlighting the surreal and maddening effect of war on soldiers I would highly suggest you consider Catch-22. It was a bit overshadowed by MASH, which came out around the same time. Really enjoyed this.

To appreciate this movie read Joseph Conrad’s novel, “The Heart of Darkness,” upon which this is based. Duvall’s character is based on Col. Dave Hackworth (see, “About Face”). Kurtz was drawn from the character of Kurtz in the novel and Hackworth. You might also consider watching, “Apocalypse Now Redux,” which is longer and contains footage cut from the theatrical release.

So glad you finally watched this film. It is a masterpiece on many levels. It would be great to have added some of your additional reactions and thoughts you had while you were editing. ❤ as always!

Thank you so much! Can’t tell you what watching movies on your channel means to me, especially as a veteran.

Robert Duvall has many great roles. However, some of his best were not leading roles. I do recommend The Great Santini and if you are up for another miniseries, I cannot recommend Lonesome Dove highly enough. I think it's Duvall's best performance ever

A classic. There's a great documentary about the production called 'Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse' that is worth a watch. It was an intense production, injuries, heart attach and metal breakdown, and that was just Sheen.

I really enjoyed your reaction to this film. I’ve watched this movie a dozen times or more, and its emotional impact never subsides.

“I love the smell of napalm in the morning” is such a raw line.

The book this film was based on, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, is even better. One of the most harrowing psychological journeys ever.

you made some great point about Madness, in fact Coppolla himself almost has a nervous breakdown during the filming. It really was " a journey into madness"

I’ve only just come across your channel, but I have to say of all the ‘First time reactors’ out there, you’re the best I’ve come across. You are intelligent, insightful and down to earth. I like the fact you’re aren’t over the top like a lot of other people.

Spectacular reaction video, Ames. You have a vast knowledge of not only cinema, but historical events as well. One of the best Vietnam War themed films. My personal favorite of this sub-genre is Stanley Kubrick's 'Full Metal Jacket.' That one excelled on every single level for me, cast, direction, cinematography, soundtrack, etc.

I can only watch this every few years, or longer. ( Been blessed to get older) thru the decades, it changes in every way to me...except the Horror . Thanks for reacting to this, masterpiece, it was nice to watch with some good company. 👍✌️💯

Hey Ames, I'm so glad you finally reviewed this movie! Thanks a lot!

Great reaction! As always your awareness, understanding and insightful comments are so appreciated. I watch a lot of reactors on KZfaq and you're the best!

"This is the end, beautiful friend. This is the end, my only friend, the end. Of our elaborate plans, the end. Of everything that stands, the end. No safety or surprise, the end. I'll never look into your eyes, again."

Movies at that time dared much. The German movie "The Tin Drum" ("Die Blechtrommel") did share the "Palme d'Or" with "Apocalypse Now" in Cannes 1979 - and is a wild ride as well!

I felt the same way as you when I first watched it……the film is more relevant today than ever, sadly. I really enjoyed the thoughtful commentary. And glad to see you are such an animal lover like myself.

I only watched this again bcuz you were reacting and I am glad I did. That had to be the best, most inciteful and real reaction I have seen

Excellent reaction, Ames. I always really enjoy your observations on and appreciation for the actual filmmaking during these videos. The making of Apocalypse Now is as interesting as the final product honestly, it's well worth seeking out Hearts of Darkness on your own time. Before a screening at Cannes, Coppola said "My film is not about Vietnam, it *is* Vietnam." For a lesser film that would sound so pretentious, but Apocalypse Now really does live up to that hype. I can't think of another movie from a mainstream filmmaker that captures such a visceral sense of insanity and dread, and forces it onto the audience

Echoing others here, the documentary of this movie is phenomenal as well and a must see for filmmaking buffs.

Martin Sheen had been drinking all day in preparation for the "Saigon Hotel" sequence. He really was nearly unable to stand up while doing his martial arts kata in front of the mirror, with Director Coppola egging him on to a very dark place. Sheen truly struck the very real mirror which actually did split open his hand. That blood everywhere was actually Sheen's blood. Coppola yelled cut and called for a doctor, but Sheen insisted they keep going. He literally had a nervous breakdown letting out a lot of demons he was experiencing- all caught on camera. The tension became so high the crew had no idea what Sheen would do- at one point he looked as if he might attack the cameraman or Coppola himself. The next day Sheen told everyone he didn't remember a thing from last night's shoot. However in a 1990s documentary he admitted he remembered all of it.

Apocalypse Now is the greatest film ever made, in my eyes. The brilliance of the script, the amazing acting performances, the mind-blowing cinematography and rich sound design. it's just a visual and story telling masterpiece. I really enjoyed your reaction and analysis of the film - you are very observant and that really makes your content enjoyable.

'CinemaTyler' has been doing an awesome behind the scenes and making of series. Thanks for sharing your reactions! What a roller coaster. One of favourite movies.

“Area Girlfriend Still Hasn't Seen Apocalypse Now.” - The Onion, 2000

Robert Duvall - 1979 - "The Great Santini"

Tears running down my face just hearing The End at the beginning of the film :(

Thank you for including the classic line..... "'I asked for a mission and for my sins they gave me one..."".... Thank you

Falling Down 1993 is good film to watch with Michael Douglas and Robert Duvall...

"Do you know that 'if' is the middle word in life? If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, if you can trust yourself when all men doubt you"

I saw this in the theatre when it was initially released. I was 10 (yes, different times). At the film's end, I walked out of the theatre feeling heavy, like I was on that boat going through the journey and horrors of war alongside the crew. I didn't have all the wonderful insight you had after viewing it and didn't understand parts of it, but I have never forgotten that feeling after seeing it.

Here's a fun piece of sub text: When Willard heads back to Kurtz the home base is calling the boat. The boat code name is "Street Gang" and home base's code name is "Almighty". As Almighty is trying to reach him he turns off the radio and becomes the Almighty. He is now playing God as he stalks and kills Kurtz.

Hi Ames! Another real good Robert Duvall movie is "Open Range" in it he stars a long with Kevin Costner. I highly recommend it to anyone.😀

I love the smell of napalm in the morning😂. My 2 fave movies w narration overlayed are “Snatch”2000 and “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” ‘98. Worth watching if u haven’t seen.

One of my very favourite films...and by far the BEST reaction vid. Well done....I've seen it 12 times and still seeing more with every watch.

Excellent watching episode, as always! I first saw this first run at the theater as a teen with my Mom. Never have forgotten it and it is far deeper to me now as an adult. This was one of the first major Vietnam War movies and it was only a few years after the war. Robert Duvall and Marlon Brando completely transformed from "The GodFather" and Lawrence Fishburne has had an excellent career since. Further study of the film making for Apocalypse Now and the Vietnam War are definitely worth it. Thanks!

I’m addicted to your channel. Robert Duvall is one of my all time faves! I highly recommend Lonesome Dove. I’d love to see a reaction video to it.

Brilliant reaction!! 🙏 I rode a motorcycle through Vietnam’s central highlands (the area of lots of conflict) a few years back which definitely felt eerie and poignant, will never forget it.

Ames:"There's no cruelty to animals in this movie is there"? Us: Uh oh.😯

Thank you, great reaction. On this same topic, I recommend "We Were Soldiers", the story of the first use of helicopters in battle in Vietnam. Excellent video as always.

robert duvall movie, try "falling down" also has michael douglas in it :)

An astonishing film, 40-plus years later. Your immediate insights took me years to comprehend. Kudos, and thanks for post.

I was 17 when I saw this in the theater and I was just young enough to have missed the draft. This movie made a tiny portion of the real horror of war real to those of us that never served in combat. Especially combat in Vietnam. Every friend I had that had been to Vietnam had been changed and would never look at life the same again. They stood out in a way and those that i knew were the good 8nes.

Martin Sheen is astonishing in this film. His voice over performance is one of the great narrations in any film ever made. Most voice overs are a crutch, but in the hands of a capable filmmaker like Coppola, it’s such a powerful tool for getting into a character’s head.

Robert Duvall's very favorite part was Augustus McCrae in Lonesome Dove...it is am absolute career defining performance. Based on real events, you will not believe the things that happen in this story. Taken from the 800 page book the only Western ever to win a Pulitzer Prize, it had to be a miniseries so this is just for you if it's too long to put on here. With Tommy Lee Jones, once watched you never forget the story of their friendship, their love, for each other. An unbelievable movie that I really hope you'll treat yourself to. If you're a reader, this is book 3 in the 4 book saga of thede men's lives from the time they were young men to their old age. It's many peoples favorite movie of all time. You'll see why. I very rarely rewatch movies more than once but Ive probably watched this over 50 times!

This was an excellent reaction. I’ve seen quite a few & you’re one of the ones who really seemed to comprehend what this film was actually attempting to do.

Great reaction to this beautiful and harrowing war movie! I saw it in the cinema when it was released in 1979, just after I had finished high school. I went to see it with a friend and we were both left speechless and emotionally overwhelmed and exhausted at the end. I have seen it a few times since, and the emotional wallop is always there, along with astounding acting, cinematography, sound design and soundtrack, etc. No CGI in this one, as far as I know...

I laughed out loud when she asked "we're going to go into the deep psychological side of things aren't we?"

If you want more Duvall I highly recommend Tender Mercies!

Academy award for the lighting effects and Martin Sheen had a heart attack during the filming

Love your authentically emotional and intelligent reaction to this film. It was an exceptionally difficult shoot which was plagued by many mishaps, but the final result is special. It's rare these days to find a filmmaker so devoted to capturing a certain personal vision at all costs. I prefer this original cut to Coppola's much later "special edition" with added scenes in a French village that they visit on the way. It was an important aspect to Coppola in terms of telling the Vietnam story but I think it slows things down and was rightfully cut. There's a fine documentary directed by Coppola's wife Eleanor called "Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse" which features lots of fascinating behind-the-scenes stuff.

This is my favourite film of all time. I first saw it when I was 17, I knew about the film's reputation beforehand as one of the best films ever made and I was already a fan of Coppola's work in general, so I was hyped from the get go. The opening scene of the film completely blew my mind and I knew right there and then that I was going to love this film. I remember sitting watching in awe as the jungle blows up with Jim Morrison's vocals in the background and I think I actually just said "Wow" out loud, because I felt like I'd never seen a film open like that before ever. I don't think you need to have a lot of understanding about the Vietnam War, because I feel like this movie has as much to do with authentically portraying the Vietnam War as much as Star Wars has to do with the reality of space travel. Apocalypse Now is supposed to be a modern version of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, so the Vietnam War itself is just a backdrop for the main story which is the eventual confrontation between Willard and Kurtz as well as the descent into madness along the way (the latter of which does highlight a lot of absurdities about the Vietnam War). If you want a film that is much more grounded in the reality of the Vietnam War, I recommend Oliver Stone's Platoon which coincidentally stars Charlie Sheen in the lead role.