A Different Kind of War Story

Read Time:3 Minute, 41 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Coming Home
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Genre: Drama, Romance, War
Year Released: 1978, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 2h 7m
Director(s): Hal Ashby
Writer(s): Waldo Salt, Robert C. Jones, Nancy Dowd, Rudy Wurlitzer
Cast: Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, Bruce Dern, Penelope Milford, Robert Carradine, Robert Ginty, Mary Gregory, Kathleen Miller
Where To Watch: available now here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In the shadows of the Vietnam War's fallout, COMING HOME emerges as a light of personal storytelling, veering away from the tales of combat to cast a spotlight on the war's profound impact on the soul. This film captivates from the get-go with its focus on the echoes of war rather than the clamor of battle, delivering a narrative that's as touching as it is relatable. This story is about the price we pay, soldiers' souls, and the shadow that will always follow them.

At its essence, COMING HOME explores the lives of Sally Hyde (Jane Fonda) and Luke Martin (Jon Voight), caught in a vortex of affection, loss, and the quest for meaning amid the war's aftermath. Adrift after her husband Bob's (Bruce Dern) deployment, Sally finds solace and purpose at a veterans' hospital. She re-encounters Luke, a high school acquaintance whose war injuries drastically reshaped his future. This reunion sparks a tale that dives deep into the complexities of emotion, unpacking themes of fidelity, deception, and the pursuit of personal redemption amidst national unrest.

Under Hal Ashby's discerning direction and propelled by the remarkable performances of Fonda, Voight, and Dern, COMING HOME sidesteps the conventional war story for a more reflective and impactful examination of its aftermath. The personal conflicts reflected broader societal issues of the time, blending the personal with the political in a poignant narrative. For a story told in the late 70s, this film was far ahead of the curve in telling the stories of those who suffer long after their physical wounds heal.

One of the film's standout elements is its evocative soundtrack, which amplifies the story's emotional undertones and encapsulates the era's cultural ethos. Featuring iconic tracks from the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, the music elevates the film, bridging divides and enhancing the viewer's connection to the period. Music was an iconic staple of this period in filmmaking; it tells stories independently without even having to be a whisper of dialogue.

COMING HOME transcends conventional categorization, critiquing the war while delivering a message of optimism and recovery. It is an ode to storytelling's might, urging viewers to peer past the surface and contemplate the human cost of conflict. The film's nuanced depiction of its characters' journey towards empathy and reconciliation is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit. The power of the journey, of those who sacrifice the most, is a telling tale of heart!

This movie resonates on multiple emotional, political, and cultural levels, securing its status as entertainment and an essential cultural touchstone. It captures a pivotal moment in American history, providing insight into war, love, and healing complexities. Through its storytelling and memorable characters, COMING HOME encourages reevaluating our views on courage, sacrifice, and the potential for personal transformation in the wake of adversity.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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