Jacknife

Another wonderful discovery courtesy of Cinématographe! David Hugh Jones’s Jacknife is a quietly powerful and deeply human drama about friendship, trauma, guilt, and the difficulty of moving on from the past. Featuring Robert De Niro, Ed Harris, and Kathy Baker, it’s a surprisingly intimate film that deserves far more recognition.

Rather than focusing on the Vietnam War itself, the film explores its lasting emotional consequences. De Niro delivers a wonderfully restrained performance as a veteran trying to reconnect with his troubled friend, while Ed Harris is absolutely heartbreaking as a man consumed by guilt and alcoholism. Kathy Baker is equally impressive, bringing warmth, vulnerability, and considerable emotional depth to a character who could easily have been overshadowed by the two male leads.

The film’s theatrical origins occasionally become apparent, and some of its emotional developments feel a little predictable. Nevertheless, the outstanding performances and understated direction make it a genuinely affecting experience. It’s the kind of character-driven adult drama that Hollywood rarely seems interested in producing anymore.

Cinématographe has once again done an exceptional job bringing an overlooked title back into the spotlight. The new restoration offers a welcome opportunity to rediscover the film, while the thoughtfully assembled supplements — including interviews with Ed Harris and Kathy Baker, an audio commentary, and several critical essays — provide…

A stunning production, featuring three stellar performances from Ed Harris, Robert De Niro, and Kathy Baker. Terrific extras too, including interviews with the cast. Essential.

Great movie I didn’t even know existed til VS released it. Robert De Niro and Ed Harris both deliver great work and it was nice to see a more optimistic brotherly depiction of returning from Vietnam

Great packaging and excellent customer service!

Cinematographe always impresses