Low-key drama about Vietnam survivors and the teen daughter of one who died in the war
A 17 year-old girl from western Kentucky (Emily Lloyd) lives with her Vietnam vet uncle (Bruce Willis) while dating a couple of guys (Kevin Anderson & John Terry). She seeks to know more about her father who died in the war when she was in the womb. Joan Allen plays her mother who lives in Lexington while Judith Ivey is on hand as a nurse semi-involved with the uncle.
"In Country" was one of three PTSD Vietnam flicks released in 1989, which also include “Jacknife” and “Born on the 4th of July.” “Jacknife” is my favorite while “Born on the 4th of July” is harrowing in its portrayal of the ugly, awful truth. This one takes the understated route and is therefore the most obscure. It’s a slice-of-life drama about coming-of-age for the teen and learning of her heritage, but also about vets coming to terms with their time in Vietnam and finding healing.
It’s muted yet successfully brings you into the small town world of middle America. You gotta respect a movie that refuses to exaggerate. I watched it right after the death of a precious loved one and it was just what I needed. There are gems to mine.
The film runs 1 hour and 54 minutes and was mostly shot in the Mayfield area of western Kentucky.
GRADE: B-/C+