Watch Gardens of Stone

Gardens of Stone is a classic war drama film set during the Vietnam War era. The movie follows the story of Richard 'Hawkeye' Forley (played by James Caan), a veteran soldier who has been assigned to train the new soldiers that will be sent to fight in the Vietnam War. However, he finds himself in a dilemma when he realizes that most of the young soldiers he's training won't survive.

Gardens of Stone showcases the harsh realities of war and the sacrifices that soldiers must make in order to survive. The story is set in the backdrop of a military base in Arlington Cemetery where Forley trains his men to fight in Vietnam. The base is a place where the memories of the fallen are honored and the war is fought with reverence and discipline.

Forley's character is that of a knowledgeable and experienced soldier who has seen it all. He is placed in the position of having to prepare the young soldiers who are eager to fight but not prepared for the dangers that they'll face. It's through his interactions with the new soldiers that we see the human side of war, the dreams and aspirations of young people who want to make a difference.

One of the standout performances in the movie is that of James Earl Jones, who plays Sgt. Maj. 'Goody' Nelson, Forley's old friend and mentor. Nelson's character is that of a war hero who is respected by all the soldiers on the base. He serves as a guide to Forley and offers him sound advice on how to deal with the young soldiers.

Anjelica Huston plays Samantha ‘Sam’ Davis, a journalist who is covering the war. She is initially skeptical about life in the military but begins to understand the importance of the soldiers' sacrifice as she spends more time on the base. Sam’s character provides a contrasting viewpoint to the soldiers that are fully immersed in the war. She is an outsider who wants to understand the reasons behind the soldiers' actions.

The film's cinematography is beautifully done, as it captures the vastness of the military base, the solemnity of the cemetery, and the brutality of war. The camera work is particularly impressive during the scenes that depict the soldiers training for combat. The shots are narrow and focused, allowing the viewer to feel immersed in the physical and emotional struggles of the soldiers.

Gardens of Stone is a thought-provoking and emotional movie that sheds light on the effects of war on soldiers and their loved ones. The film captures the essence of war and the sacrifices soldiers make in the name of duty, honor, and country. It also highlights the dangers of romanticizing war, urging viewers to appreciate the true bravery and sacrifice of those who fight on the front lines.

Overall, Gardens of Stone is a timeless movie that will leave viewers with a deep appreciation for those who serve in the military. It’s a must-see for those who enjoy war dramas and those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices that soldiers make on a daily basis.

Gardens of Stone is a 1987 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.