1969

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"The year the country split apart and a generation came together."
  • R
  • 1997
  • 1 hr 35 min
  • 5.7  (3,951)

1969 is a 1988 drama film that looks at the social and political climate of America during the year of 1969, a year that saw some of the most transformative moments of the 20th century. Directed by Ernest Thompson and produced by Century Productions Inc., this film features Robert Downey Jr., Kiefer Sutherland, and Bruce Dern. This movie takes place against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement, and it explores the tensions and divisions that existed within American society at that time.

The film is centered around Ralph Carr (Downey Jr.), a young man from California who is about to begin his freshman year at college. Ralph is a free-spirited and idealistic young man who is eager to experience all that life has to offer. He soon meets his new roommate, Scott (Sutherland), who is the complete opposite of him. Scott is a conservative from a wealthy family in the Midwest, and the two of them clash from the very beginning.

As the two boys try to adjust to college life, they are both pulled into the larger events of the day. The Vietnam War is raging, and protests against it are becoming more and more widespread. As Ralph becomes more politically active, he starts to distance himself from Scott, who is not interested in social activism. Ralph also becomes romantically involved with Beth (Winona Ryder), a young woman who is passionate about making a change in the world.

Meanwhile, Scott is struggling to find his place in the world. He is estranged from his father (Dern), who is a right-wing politician with his eye on the presidency. Scott struggles to reconcile his own beliefs with those of his father, and he begins to question the Vietnam War and the policies of the government.

The movie takes us through the year of 1969, as the country is torn apart by protests and violence. We see the events of that year through the eyes of Ralph and Scott, as they both try to find their own way in the world. The film captures the mood of the time, with its music, its fashion, and its politics. We see the rise of the counterculture, with its emphasis on peace, love, and freedom. We see the anger of the anti-war protestors, who are frustrated by the government's inability to end the war.

The movie is well-acted, with Downey Jr. giving a particularly poignant performance as Ralph, a character that is both optimistic and vulnerable. Sutherland is also impressive as Scott, a character that evolves throughout the film, as he tries to find meaning and purpose in his own life. Dern is suitably imposing as Scott's father, a character that represents the establishment and the old guard.

The film itself is a powerful statement on the times in which it was made. It captures the mood of the late 1980s, a time when a new generation was struggling to make sense of the world that they had inherited. 1969 is a film that reminds us of the importance of activism and social change, and it is a powerful call to action for all those who want to make a difference.

In conclusion, 1969 is a must-see for anyone who is interested in the history of the counterculture and the social movements of the late 20th century. It is a film that captures the mood of the time, and it is a poignant reminder of the importance of political activism and social change. With powerful performances and an evocative soundtrack, this film is a true gem of the 1980s, and it is a movie that should not be missed.

1969
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Description
  • Release Date
    1997
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 35 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.7  (3,951)
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