The Soldier's Tale
The Soldier's Tale

Movie spotlight

The Soldier's Tale

1984
Movie
51 min
English

A soldier, returning home from war, chances upon a stranger who offers to buy his violin. The stranger is none other than the devil.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users75%
Director: Robert RedfordGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

Set during the Vietnam War era, the film follows a disillusioned soldier who returns home and struggles to readjust to civilian life. He grapples with the trauma of his experiences and the societal changes occurring around him. His relationships, particularly with his family and a former lover, are strained as he confronts his past and tries to forge a future.

Critical Reception

The Soldier's Tale received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising Redford's directorial debut and the strong performances from the lead actors. However, some found the pacing to be uneven and the narrative to be somewhat predictable. Audiences were also divided, with some appreciating its thematic depth and others finding it too somber.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sensitive portrayal of a returning soldier's struggles.

  • Lauded for strong acting performances, particularly by Redford and Fonda.

  • Criticized by some for a slow pace and familiar thematic territory.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's emotional impact and the compelling performances. Many appreciated its unflinching look at the psychological toll of war, though some felt the story lacked originality.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

This film marked Robert Redford's directorial debut, though he also starred in it.

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