Jacknife (1989)

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

Director:

David Hugh Jones (as David 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	...	Megs (as Robert DeNiro)
Kathy Baker	...	Martha
Ed Harris	...	Dave
Sloane Shelton	...	Shirley
Ivar Brogger	...	Depot Mechanic
Michael Arkin	...	Dispatcher
Tom Isbell	...	Bobby Buckman
Kirk Taylor	...	Helicopter Gunner
Jordan Lund	...	Tiny
Charles S. Dutton	...	Jake (as Charles Dutton)
Bruce Ramsay	...	Corridor Student (as Bruce Ramsey)
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, with whom he lives, when she becomes romantically involved with the Army buddy who reminds him of the tragic battle they both survived.

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Plot Keywords:

vietnam war veteran | vietnam | playing footsie | truck driver | teacher | 

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Taglines:

No matter how hard you try...he will always be the best friend you ever had.

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 March 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bicska

Filming Locations:

Connecticut, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$32,597, 12 March 1989

Gross USA:

$2,049,769

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,049,769

Company Credits

Production Co:

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

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo (in selected theatres)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Since he starred The Deer Hunter (1978) in 1978, this is the second appearance of Robert De Niro in a film about Vietnam War victims thematic.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Joseph 'Jacknife' Megessey: Rise and shine cause it is time!

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Connections

References The Wizard of Oz (1939)

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Soundtracks

Beat Me Up
Written by Dyna Brein

User Reviews

An emotional accomplishment...as the video cover infers.

A good video selection of a movie, especially if you have not seen it before, ...if you can't find a New Release you'd like to look at. Robert De Niro, Kathy Baker, and Ed Harris supply a well rounded look of 'Healing'. Kathy Baker was just great as a supporting role.

I missed Viet Nam by one year, my draft number was high enough in the year that the severe de-escalation started. This is not a 'Platoon', or 'Full Metal Jacket'. This film is about a couple of Vets in the years' aftermath. Takes place back in the States, after the War is over. Very few flashbacks were done, but were neccessary to bring context to the film. Ed Harris plays the one person who is in the most pain, and is always on the edge of hurting others because of it. Kathy Baker plays his sister. Robert De Niro was just perfect for the part he played, as he comes into both their lives. It is not a perfect film, or screenplay; but the the actors pull it off. I believe Ed Harris was nominated for a certain award for his efforts (not Oscar, another kind).

You don't have to have been to Viet Nam to appreciate this movie. Though it is about the aftermath of Viet Nam experience, it can also be about Self. About how we have these opposites within ourself and how the best parts of ourself, even though they may be injured, try to reach out and save the most darkest part that we have. That movie describes what I just wrote and I could not avoid tears, myself, toward the movie's end. If you just stay with it; you may know or appreciate what I mean.