Good Morning Vietnam (1987)

“An unorthodox and irreverent DJ begins to shake up things when he is assigned to the U.S. Armed Services Radio station in Vietnam.” -IMDB

Cast

Robin Williams Adrian Cronauer
Forest Whitaker Edward Garlick
Tung Thanh Tran Tuan
Chintara Sukapatana Trinh

Directed by

Barry Levinson

Written by

Mitch Markowitz

Other Info

Biography, Comedy, Drama, War
R
Fri 15 Jan 1988 UTC
121min
IMDB Rating: 7.3

Robin Williams’ portrayal of Adrian Cronauer got him the silver screen reputation that would carry him through a lifetime of earth-shattering roles. Of course, he was taken too soon. This film stands as the one where he took chances only he could take to make comments we all need to hear. For me, this is the iconic film of 1987.

Director Barry Levinson was no household name when he took on this project. He went on to do many amazing films including Donnie Brasco. I say anyone who can coach Robin Williams to these heights is a superstar director by anyone’s standard.

This is a star studded cast. At the same time, they all pale in comparison to the lead performer. He is truly a remarkable talent. He left us a huge body of work but one can’t help but wonder what he could have gone on to show us after his untimely death.

A military DJ comes to town in the Vietnam war turning tables on the establishment. I awed at the things he said and did. I am familiar with protocol and red tape as a teacher. I’m always careful what I say. This character has to watch what the establishment demands while encouraging the troops and seeking love with a local girl he falls into a crush with. He teaches everyone lessons of humanity, including we the viewers. He is a champion of going after your passions even if it means ruffling some feathers.

FINAL THOUGHTS
This is an absolutely incredible performance. It’s the antithesis of shyness! It represents the year 1987 so well. I myself was 17 watching this in a theater with a couple of my gangly friends. We knew Mork and Mindy on tv but this was a wholly different film with someone we knew we didn’t recognize. We loved him. He added so much to all of our lives. This film was only the beginning of an education from Williams.

5/5