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Blue Sky is a 1994 drama film directed by Tony Richardson and starring Jessica Lange, Tommy Lee Jones and Powers Boothe. Set in the 1960s, the story follows the Flagg family, the wife Hank (Lange), a devoted mother and wife, and her husband Hank (Jones), a military officer who must navigate through the challenges of his job and family life during a time of great social change in America.

The film opens with a glimpse into life on a military base in the 1960s. We see Hank and her family setting up their new home on a new military base, as Hank's husband, Hank, is transferred from one base to another. Hank is frustrated with her husband's lack of attention to her and their two daughters, while Hank is preoccupied with his work and the politics of the Vietnam War.

It doesn't take long for Hank's frustration and restlessness to come to a boiling point, leading to a series of events that test the entire family. Hank also finds herself caught in a dilemma, as she is caught in a forbidden affair with another military officer, Vince Johnson (Boothe), who is also her husband's superior officer.

Hank's relationship with Vince Johnson is the underlying thread throughout the film, as it serves as a metaphor for the larger societal issues at play during this tumultuous time in America's history. Hank struggles with the idea of what is right and wrong, and her love for Vince, despite the fact that he is married and is her husband's superior officer, and the risks that come with such a relationship.

The film tackles themes such as the inherent corruption within military hierarchies, the challenges of maintaining relationships in the military, and the struggle of being a woman in a male-dominated society. It also explores the anxieties that come with living in the shadow of the threat of nuclear war and the tension between soldiers and military officials who have differing views on the Vietnam War.

The cast's performances are stunning, particularly Lange's portrayal of Hank, who is both the film's protagonist and antagonist. Lange's embodiment of Hank is layered, evocative, and deeply vulnerable, and shows how she can make good choices and yet still navigate questionable morals. Jones also excels in his portrayal of Hank's husband, Hank, a man struggling with the horrors of the Vietnam War and the demons that come with life as a military officer.

Boothe's performance is also noteworthy, as his character, Vince, becomes a formidable opponent for Hank's affections but remains enigmatic throughout the film. The supporting cast is made up of veterans actors such as Chris O'Donnell, Carrie Snodgress, and Amy Locane.

The film's plot is well-developed and raises questions that are still relevant to society today. It presents a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving too much power to people with ulterior motives, as the military officials in the film use their positions to manipulate others for personal gain.

The film's visual aesthetics are also noteworthy, particularly the use of color to symbolize Hank's turbulent emotional state. The score is also impactful, evoking the cultural and social shifts of the era with a mix of blues, jazz, and rock.

In summary, Blue Sky is an engaging drama that is as timely today as when it was released in 1994. Its themes of love, loss, and morality are explored in a way that feels fresh and impactful, with powerhouse performances from its lead actors. It serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of the Vietnam War on American society and how individuals sometimes play a critical role in shaping the course of their own lives.

Blue Sky is a 1994 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.