


In Country
Samantha Hughes, a teenaged Kentucky girl, never knew her father, who died in Vietnam before her birth. Samantha lives with her uncle Emmett, who also served in Vietnam. Emmett hangs around with Tom, Earl, and Pete, three other Vietnam vets who, like Emmett, all have problems of one kind or another that relate to their war experiences. Samantha becomes obsessed with finding out about her father.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, Samantha Hughes, living in rural Kentucky, struggles to connect with her mother and understand the legacy of her father, who died in the Vietnam War before she was born. Her life is further complicated by her intense connection to her uncle, a Vietnam veteran himself, and the lingering trauma and societal neglect that affected many returning soldiers and their families. The film follows her journey of self-discovery as she seeks to reconcile her own identity with the war's enduring impact.
Critical Reception
In Country received mixed to positive reviews from critics. While Sally Field's performance was widely praised, some critics found the film's pacing and narrative a bit uneven. The film was noted for its sensitive portrayal of the lasting psychological effects of the Vietnam War on families, though some felt it didn't delve deeply enough into the complexities of the conflict itself.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for Sally Field's moving performance.
- Acknowledged for its attempt to explore the intergenerational impact of the Vietnam War.
- Criticized by some for a somewhat predictable plot and uneven pacing.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's emotional core and the performances, particularly Sally Field's. Many found it to be a poignant look at the aftermath of war on families, though some felt it could have been more impactful.
Fun Fact
The film was based on the 1985 novel of the same name by Bobbie Ann Mason, who herself grew up in rural Kentucky and drew inspiration from her experiences and observations.
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