‘Masterpiece’ 1979 film branded ‘best war movie of all time’ | Films | Entertainment

War films are always extremely popular with audiences around the world. Over the last few decades, those who enjoy seeing conflicts on screen have been treated to many releases that have been called “masterpieces”.

But there is one film in particular that is still regularly described as the greatest war movie ever made. Some go as far as to say that it’s the greatest movie ever made. It was released more than 45 years ago and still holds an impressive 91% critics’ score and 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

That film is Apocalypse Now. The film was released in 1979 and directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

It is set during the Vietnam War and stars Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Harrison Ford, Laurence Fishburne and Dennis Hopper.

The story follows a dangerous mission through Southeast Asia during the conflict and the production itself became almost as famous as the finished film.

Filming began in 1976 and was originally expected to last around five months. However, severe weather, production issues and delays stretched the shoot to more than a year.

When the film was finally released in August 1979, it performed strongly at the box office and went on to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

It was also nominated for eight Academy Awards and won Oscars for Best Cinematography and Best Sound.

And, those who have seen it do not hold back in their praise.

One person said in a review on Rotten Tomatoes: “What can I say. Best war movie of all time and quite possibly the best movie ever made. To call it a masterpiece would be an understatement.”

Another added: “If you want a war film that makes you feel like you’re actually in it… this is the one! This epic about the Vietnam War is truly an experience that you’ll never forget.”

A third wrote: “Apocalypse Now is an absolute cinematic masterpiece, an intense, hypnotic journey into the heart of human darkness that blends raw power with breathtaking artistry. Watching this movie is nothing short of a life-changing experience.”

Someone else commented: “There is a reason it is so often branded as the best war movie. I genuinely think that this is the greatest movie of all time; war film or otherwise.”

The film made a huge impact, and in 2000, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry due to its cultural and historical significance.

Francis Ford Coppola later revisited the movie with extended versions, including Apocalypse Now Redux in 2001 and Apocalypse Now Final Cut in 2019.

Apocalypse Now (1979) is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.