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Jacknife (1989) Reviews

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This little-known Robert DeNiro film is set several years after the war in Vietnam. DeNiro plays an unpredictably explosive war veteran, while Ed Harris co-stars as his army buddy, who's trying his best to forget his Vietnamese experiences by crawling into a bottle. While visiting Harris and Harris' sister Kathy Baker, DeNiro frightens both with his neurotic ramblings. Still, Baker is grateful that DeNiro's presence seems to be lifting Harris out of his deep funk. She encourages DeNiro to stay on for a while, thereby setting the stage for a blossoming romance. Baker has no way of knowing that Harris' depression has been brought about by the death of a wartime pal--a death he blames on DeNiro. Violence threatens to erupt at every turn in Jacknife, but the film refuses to play down to its audience by wallowing in the obvious. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Starring:: Robert De Niro, Ed Harris, (more)

Director(s):: David Jones

Theatrical MPAA Rating:: R

Format(s):: DVD
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Average Ratings

(7 member reviews)

Member Reviews

	Deepak R.

9 out of 9 people found this review helpful

I loved this movie. There are few movies in which de Niro gets out-acted by his co-star. This is one of them. Ed Harris is splendid as Davey.

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	Carol B.

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful

I loved this movie. In fact, I am going to purchase it. I thought I have seen most of DeNiro's movies, but not this one. I don't know why it wasn't a bigger hit. The story was great, in addition to the excellent performances by DeNiro and Harris!

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	Cassie A.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

My husband and I both loved this movie. Excellent acting. A bit 'different' for DeNiro, but as usual he's great, and Harris is superb. There are real life lessons in this movie. Kudos to the director, for telling a story bubbling with potential violence, in a powerful way, while remaining respectful of the viewer's intelligence.

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	Job G.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful

Good storyline and the acting was credible.

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	Wendy S.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent movie! Can't figure out why it didn't get more attention when it came out.

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	Ellie C.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful

Never heard of this back in the 80's/90's, so I'm glad I came across it. A very moving film. DeNiro and Harris are excellent as the surviving members of a trio of soldiers who fought in Viet Nam together. Kathy Baker plays the shy sister of Harris's character, who becomes involved with DeNiro's character. What could have been a very sad movie is actually quite uplifting. Some may think it is too slow, but I think that just gives you time to get to know and appreciate the characters. (I almost missed Charles S. Duttton in a small part because he's so much thinner in this movie.)

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	William S.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful

What a great cast!! It may not be the best film that DeNiro has starred in but it is a great film. with a suprise ending!

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Member Reviews

	Deepak R.

9 out of 9 people found this review helpful

I loved this movie. There are few movies in which de Niro gets out-acted by his co-star. This is one of them. Ed Harris is splendid as Davey.

Was this review helpful? Yes | No

	Carol B.

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful

I loved this movie. In fact, I am going to purchase it. I thought I have seen most of DeNiro's movies, but not this one. I don't know why it wasn't a bigger hit. The story was great, in addition to the excellent performances by DeNiro and Harris!

Was this review helpful? Yes | No

	Cassie A.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

My husband and I both loved this movie. Excellent acting. A bit 'different' for DeNiro, but as usual he's great, and Harris is superb. There are real life lessons in this movie. Kudos to the director, for telling a story bubbling with potential violence, in a powerful way, while remaining respectful of the viewer's intelligence.

Was this review helpful? Yes | No

Read All 7 Reviews

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