Losing everything... After watching this film, there was a real respect for Ralph Macchio and John Lithgow. In this beautiful film, Ralph proved that he is a great actor in such heavy dramatic roles. In fact, all of the actors performed 100% of their roles. Also, through this film, I discovered John Lithgow, a wonderful actor I had never heard of before, shamefully. Perhaps this film is the best of all his filmography.
The plot tells about the relationship between father and son, after an incredibly long separation. Both have their own history, in which psychological and mental problems are clearly expressed, at least due to interrupted contact with each other.
First of all, it is worth noting the experiences of Mark (father), who was taken to the war, where he mentally remained, after all the horrors he saw. I think Mark didn't want to go home without his soul. However, a very long time passes, and it only gets worse, because now he not only lost his family, but also allowed his son to grow up without a father.
The son does not understand the father, but longs to know both him and the answer to his main question - why the father abandoned him.
Of course, not without the secrets that are revealed at the end of the film, and which allow Jack’s father (son) to finally free himself from the bonds of his soul.
In the original version of the film in the final were credits with information about how many more such “forest veterans” hang out in the local forests of the United States. But under government pressure, this information had to be removed, although there were opinions that those figures (tens of thousands) were underestimated, not to mention that the film itself is directly based on the stories of such “forest veterans”, who at that time lived in the forests.
Finally, I will say that the film has an inimitable atmosphere, thanks to unusual soundtracks, landscapes and something else “mystical”.
The movie is worth watching! If you love high-quality drama, this movie is for you. Also, the film will be interesting to people who like – “Karatist Boy” (80s) or “Crossroads”, with Ralph Macchio, because this is his most difficult role in the movie.
So,
10 - for a great story and its ingenious film adaptation,
10 - for excellent selection of actors,
10 - for the best performance of actors, their entire career,
10 - for the incredible and inimitable atmosphere.
10 out of 10