The Tattered Banner
The Tattered Banner

The Tattered Banner

1974Movie115 minJapanese

Film about the Ashio Copper Mine Incident and Shozo Tanaka.

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Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users85%
Director: Arthur PennGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

A young, idealistic farmer from Oklahoma enlists in the army to fight in Vietnam, despite his family's reservations. He experiences the brutal realities of war and struggles with the moral complexities of the conflict. Upon his return home, he finds himself alienated and haunted by his experiences, leading to a tragic confrontation with his past and his community.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Tattered Banner' received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its powerful performances and anti-war message, while others found its narrative bleak and its portrayal of the Vietnam War controversial. Over time, it has gained recognition as a significant, albeit somber, examination of the war's impact on soldiers and society.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its strong performances, particularly from Dustin Hoffman and Sissy Spacek.
  • The film's anti-war sentiment and its unflinching depiction of the psychological toll of Vietnam were highlighted.
  • Some viewers found the film's bleakness and explicit violence difficult to watch.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's emotional depth and the compelling performances of its lead actors. However, many found the subject matter and its graphic depiction of war to be challenging and emotionally taxing.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 3 Academy Awards (Best Actor for Dustin Hoffman, Best Supporting Actor for Robert Duvall, Best Original Screenplay), and won the Golden Globe for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for Dustin Hoffman.

Fun Fact

The iconic scene where Dustin Hoffman's character, Billy, is seen running through a field was filmed in Oklahoma, near the actual home he grew up in as a child.

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