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Jacknife is a poignant drama film directed by David Hugh Jones and starring Robert De Niro, Kathy Baker, and Ed Harris. The movie is based on the novel "Calling It Quits" by Adrian Lyne and it explores the lives of two Vietnam War veterans and their struggles to cope with the aftermath of the war. The film begins with Megs (De Niro) working in a Pennsylvania gas station and struggling with PTSD after returning from Vietnam. His friend and fellow veteran Dave (Harris) visits him after many years and they reminisce about their time in the army. However, their reunion is not as smooth as they hoped, as Megs is still struggling with the consequences of the war and Dave is dealing with his own personal issues.

Megs is haunted by the trauma he faced in the war and has turned to alcohol to cope with his memories. He is estranged from his wife and son and finds solace in his friendship with Dave. Dave, on the other hand, is struggling with a failed marriage and an addiction to gambling. However, his primary concern is helping Megs overcome his PTSD and get his life back on track.

As the movie progresses, the complexities of the two veterans' lives are revealed, and the audience is drawn into their emotional struggles. The chemistry between De Niro and Harris is palpable and their performances are realistic and heartfelt. The veteran actors do an excellent job of conveying the emotional depth of their characters, and it's easy to sympathize with the internal struggles they face. The movie reaches a poignant and emotional climax, leaving the viewer with a profound sense of the lasting impact of war on those who serve.

The film also features strong performances from Kathy Baker as Megs' love interest and her son (played by Brooks Gardner) who serves as a representation of the innocence lost to war. Baker's character provides a sense of hope and stability for Megs, but also helps to highlight the enormity of the psychological scars that veterans carry with them.

The cinematography is understated but effective, capturing the mood of the movie with dark tones and muted colors. The use of flashbacks to Megs' time in Vietnam adds depth to the character's experiences and helps the audience to understand the post-traumatic stress that he is dealing with.

Overall, Jacknife is a compelling and poignant portrayal of the plight of Vietnam War veterans dealing with PTSD. The film tackles themes of loss, trauma, and redemption, and does so with sensitivity and respect. The strong performances by De Niro, Harris, and Baker, and the emotional depth of the film, make it a must-watch for fans of drama and war films.

Jacknife is a 1989 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.