1969 (1988)

[Cassette Carl]

Title: 1969

Tagline: The year the country split apart and a generation came together.

Genre: Drama, War, Romance

Director: Ernest Thompson

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Kiefer Sutherland, Bruce Dern, Mariette Hartley, Winona Ryder, Joanna Cassidy, Christopher Wynne, Mert Hatfield, Scott N. Stevens, Kara Zielke, Keller Kuhn, Steve Foster, Welton Tootle, Don Devendorf, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jason Summers, Michael Fowler, David Webster, Jennifer Rothschild, John Garber, Paul Dillon, Alfred Cerullo, Mical Whitaker, James O. Stafford Jr., Maureen Paglia, David Whiting, Bobby Catania, Howard Kingkade, Carl Espy, Lawrence Lowe, Richard Young, Roy E. Hubbard, Kelly Briggs Jackson

Status: Released

Release: Aug 17, 1988

Runtime: 95

Plot: Two rebellious youths, Ralph and Scott, find themselves struggling with adulthood as the Vietnam War rages. Feeling trapped in their small town, Scott battles with his conservative veteran father, Cliff, and Ralph deals with his desperately sexual mother, Ev. When tragic news arrives from overseas, the entire town, inspired by Ralph and Scott's antiwar efforts, reevaluates its attitude toward the war.

"1969" is a poignant drama that captures the tumultuous spirit of its titular year, reflecting the generational divide and the impact of the Vietnam War on American society. Directed by Ernest Thompson, the film features a young Robert Downey Jr. and Kiefer Sutherland, both of whom were rising stars in the 1980s. Their performances bring depth to the characters of Ralph and Scott, two friends navigating the complexities of youth and rebellion amidst national unrest.

The film's release in 1988 places it towards the end of the decade, a time when America was reflecting on the cultural and political shifts of the previous decades. The 1980s saw a resurgence of interest in the 1960s, with films and music often revisiting the era's themes of change and conflict. "1969" fits into this narrative, offering a look back at a pivotal moment in history through the lens of personal stories and familial tensions.

The movie's exploration of antiwar sentiment and the generational gap resonates with the broader cultural reflections of the 1980s, making it a significant piece for those interested in both the era it depicts and the decade in which it was made.