From Netflix:
Sean Penn wrote and directs this poignant drama inspired by Bruce Springsteen’s song “Highway Patrolman.” When small-town deputy sheriff Joe Roberts (David Morse) takes in his troubled Vietnam vet brother, Frank (Viggo Mortensen), things get very rocky. Joe is determined to help Frank make a new life with his pregnant girlfriend, Dorothy (Patricia Arquette), but Frank’s simmering anger threatens to ruin everything.
Before writing this review I had not fully realized how old the film was – 23 years to be exact. Because David Morse (Dr. Jack Morrison of the 1988 “St. Elsewhere”) looked so young, I should have guessed. Such a powerful lineup of actors:
- David Morse (Joe Roberts
- Viggo Mortensen (Frank Roberts)
- Patricia Arquette (Dorothy)
- Charles Bronson (Mr. Roberts)
- Sandy Dennis (Mrs. Roberts)
- Dennis Hopper (Caesar)
WARNING: This powerful, well-written, well-directed, and well-acted film is a tragedy from beginning to end.
Substitute Vietnam with Afghanistan or Iraq and there is no difference.
Well worth a serious watch!