War films are often hit and miss. Some are incredible and find themselves on ‘must-watch’ lists, while others leave a lot to be desired. But there is one film from 1979 that is still being hailed as one of the greatest movies ever made, and fans of The Godfather might want to take note.
That film is Apocalypse Now, a dark and visually stunning “war epic” directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Best known for The Godfather trilogy, Coppola turned his attention to the Vietnam War for this psychological masterpiece, and it’s widely seen as one of his finest achievements.
Apocalypse Now holds a 90% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 94% audience rating.
One review simply called it: “The greatest war film ever made.” Another added: “I genuinely think this is the greatest movie of all time; war film or otherwise.”
The film stars Martin Sheen as Captain Willard, a US Army officer sent on a secret mission to assassinate Colonel Kurtz, a once-celebrated commander who’s gone rogue deep in the jungle.
Kurtz is played by Marlon Brando, who also famously starred as Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather.
This link alone is enough to tempt many Godfather fans, but there’s more.
Both films are known for their powerful themes, unforgettable performances, and breathtaking cinematography.
One explores organised crime, the other the madness of war, but they share the same rich storytelling and visual style that define Coppola’s best work.
One viewer wrote: “The only problem with the movie is that it finishes.” Another review said: “Closest thing to real Vietnam you are likely to ever witness. Casting is spot on, could not have been better.”
While The Godfather is known for its tight plot and iconic lines, Apocalypse Now is more surreal and philosophical, taking inspiration from Joseph Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness.
It’s a film that looks into the human psyche, asking what war does to a person, and what it reveals about society.
The film had a famously troubled production, with delays, weather disasters, and even a heart attack suffered by Martin Sheen during filming.
But despite everything, Apocalypse Now went on to win two Academy Awards and the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes.
It has since been added to the US National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant”.
So if you’re a fan of The Godfather or just great cinema in general, Apocalypse Now might deserve a place at the top of your watchlist.