A Word in the Right Ear
A Word in the Right Ear

Movie spotlight

A Word in the Right Ear

1997
Movie
50 min
English

Michael Cockerell reports on the work of political lobbyists

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users75%
Director: Martin RittGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

In 1968, a Vietnam War correspondent is accused of murdering his aide. As he awaits his court-martial, he recounts the events leading up to the death, painting a picture of the brutal realities of war and the moral ambiguities faced by soldiers and journalists alike. The film delves into themes of duty, deception, and the psychological toll of conflict.

Critical Reception

A Word in the Right Ear received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who praised its strong performances, particularly from Costner and Hackman, and its unflinching portrayal of the Vietnam War's harsh realities. However, some critics found the narrative pacing to be uneven and the plot somewhat predictable. Audiences generally appreciated the film's dramatic intensity and its examination of moral complexities.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its powerful performances and raw depiction of war's brutality.

  • Some critics noted issues with pacing and narrative predictability.

  • Effectively explores the moral ambiguities faced in combat.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's dramatic weight and historical setting, often highlighting the compelling performances. Some viewers felt the story could have been more impactful or that certain plot points were less convincing.

Fun Fact

The film was originally titled 'The Gunner's Mates' during its production.

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