Cineplex-Odeon Films

Kings Road Entertainment

Sandollar-Schaffel Productions

Not part of a collection.

Jacknife

Name: Jacknife
Released: 1989-10-05T00:00:00.000000Z
Rating: 6.4

Three buddies in Vietnam. Two survived. Only one is really alive.

1989 • 102 min • ★ 6.4 (140) • Released

Drama War

A conflict develops between a troubled Vietnam veteran and the sister he lives with when she becomes involved romantically with the army buddy who reminds him of the tragic battle they both survived.

IMDb ↗

Original title: Jacknife
Language: EN
Country: CA,US
Budget: —
Revenue: —

Reviews & Ratings 2

kevin2019

Jun 6, 2025 · via TMDB

★ 10.0

"Jacknife" is based upon the stage play "Strange Snow" by Stephen Metcalfe and yet it has been very skilfully adapted into a screenplay which allows the many meaningful character moments to be subtly played out. Its depiction of the veterans who fought in Vietnam paints a portrait of damaged men now struggling to maintain at least a semblance of the normality they once took for granted in a world which once enthusiastically jeered and spat upon them. The legacy of that deeply contentious war is soul destroying where every day must seem to be trying to find a reason to go on living such a haunted life. This is certainly an extremely thought provoking and emotional film which attempts to give some meaning and understanding to the people coming to terms with the after effects of war.

John Chard

Apr 19, 2014 · via TMDB

★ 7.0

Dave, Megs and Martha. Jacknife is directed by David Jones and adapted to screenplay by Stephen Metcalfe from his own play Strange Snow. It stars Robert De Niro, Ed Harris and Kathy Baker. Music is by Bruce Broughton and cinematography by Brian West. De Niro and Harris play two Vietnam War veterans trying to come to terms with their lives post the war. Things are further complicated when De Niro gets romantically involved with Harris sister played by Baker. Wonderfully sedate and intimate, Jacknife, whilst not creating anything new in the “coming home from Nam” genre of film, is somewhat refreshing in how it relies on dialogue and believable character interactions. Some cliches do find their way into the play later in the day as Harris’ character starts to come out of is troubled shell, but this is mostly a thoughtful treatment of loneliness and the on going effects of the war. The three up top performances are well delivered, with De Niro unsurprisingly carrying the film with ease. A box office flop on release, there’s a good chance that Jones’ film came too late in the Vietnam War movie cycle. It’s also safe to say that the slow pace and the dialogue heavy nature of it made it only appealing to a certain demographic of film lovers. It’s worth seeking out now as an anti-dote to blunderbuss blockbusters, because it’s good film making that has a story that is touching and often humorous, and for many of a certain era, it’s all too real. 7/10

User reviews courtesy of TMDB.

Keywords 1

vietnam war

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Cast 19

Robert De Niro

Joseph 'Jacknife' Megessey

Kathy Baker

Martha Flannigan

Ed Harris

David 'High School' Flannigan

Ivar Brogger

Depot Mechanic

Jordan Lund

Tiny

Charles S. Dutton

Jake, Veteran Encounter Group Leader

Bruce Ramsay

Corridor Student

Jessalyn Gilsig

His Girlfriend

Josh Pais

Rick

Gabrielle Carteris

College Girl in Bar

Kirk Taylor

Helicopter Gunner

George Gerdes

Tony

Lois Dellar

Cocktail Waitress

Loudon Wainwright III

Ferretti

Sloane Shelton

Shirley

Walter Massey

Ed Buckman

Elizabeth Franz

Pru Buckman

Madison Arnold

Sam, Bartender

Tom Rack

William Green

Crew 3

David Hugh Jones

Director

Carol Baum

Producer

Bruce Broughton

Original Music Composer

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US Release Dates 1

Mar 10, 1989

R Premiere