Watch I Want You

I Want You is a powerful and emotional drama from 1951 that explores the difficult aftermath of war and the impact it has on soldiers and their families. The film stars Dana Andrews as Sgt. Joe Peterson, a World War II veteran who has returned home to start a new life with his wife, Amy (played by Dorothy McGuire). However, Joe is haunted by the memories of the war and struggles to adjust to civilian life.

The central conflict of the movie arises when the government enacts a new draft law, requiring all eligible men to register for military service. Joe is initially reluctant to reenlist, but he is torn by a strong sense of duty and patriotism. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Tom (played by Farley Granger), is eager to join the military and is frustrated by Joe's indecision.

As the family grapples with these conflicting emotions, they must also confront the personal demons that have arisen since the war. Joe's PTSD symptoms become increasingly severe, and he begins to distance himself from his wife and family. Amy, meanwhile, struggles to understand and support her husband, while also dealing with her own feelings of isolation and loneliness.

One of the strengths of I Want You is its nuanced exploration of these complex psychological and emotional issues. The film does not shy away from depicting the difficulties of living with PTSD or the challenges of adjusting to civilian life after serving in the military. At the same time, it is also a poignant tribute to the sacrifices that soldiers and their families make in service of their country.

The performances in the film are uniformly excellent, with Andrews delivering a particularly powerful portrayal of a man grappling with the demons of war. McGuire is also outstanding as his loving and supportive wife, while Granger brings a youthful energy to his role as Joe's brother.

In addition to its powerful performances, the film also boasts striking visuals that capture both the beauty and the darkness of suburban life in postwar America. Director Mark Robson, who went on to direct The Bridges at Toko-Ri and The Harder They Fall, uses a deft touch in balancing the film's broader social commentary with its intimate family drama.

Overall, I Want You is a moving and thought-provoking film that continues to resonate today in its exploration of the human cost of war. It is a must-see for anyone interested in classic American cinema and the history of post-World War II America.

I Want You is a 1951 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.