Apocalypse Now
At the height of the Vietnam war, Captain Benjamin Willard is sent on a dangerous mission that, officially, "does not exist, nor will it ever exist." His goal is to locate - and eliminate - a mysterious Green Beret Colonel named Walter Kurtz, who has been leading his personal army on illegal guerrilla missions into enemy territory.
Critics Sentiment
Kilgore leads air assault with Ride of Valkyries
Kurtz drops Chef's severed head into Willard's lap
The film peaks with Kilgore's legendary helicopter assault sequence then gradually declines through the final act as Brando's underwhelming Kurtz fails to match the buildup.
Apocalypse Now opens with universally acclaimed sequences including Willard's breakdown and Kilgore's helicopter assault that reviewers consider among cinema's greatest moments. The river journey maintains strong critical reception through shocking deaths and atmospheric tension building. However, the final act featuring Kurtz receives more mixed reviews, with many critics finding Brando's performance disappointing despite the powerful assassination climax.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 49
Martin Sheen
Captain Benjamin Willard
Marlon Brando
Colonel Walter Kurtz
Frederic Forrest
Jay 'Chef' Hicks
Albert Hall
Chief Phillips
Laurence Fishburne
Tyrone 'Clean' Miller
Sam Bottoms
Lance B. Johnson
Robert Duvall
Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore
G.D. Spradlin
General Corman
Harrison Ford
Colonel
Jerry Ziesmer
Jerry, Civilian
Scott Glenn
Lieutenant Richard M. Colby
Kerry Rossall
Mike from San Diego
James Keane
Kilgore's Gunner
Tom Mason
Supply Sergeant
Cynthia Wood
Playmate of the Year
Dennis Hopper
Photojournalist
Colleen Camp
Miss May
Linda Carpenter
Playmate
Aurore Clément
Roxanne Sarrault
Jack Thibeau
Soldier in Trench
Crew
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