this movie be on cable sporadically and and i never really watch it and think it would be similar to the bruce willis film ïn america and with the usual trite story about american freedom and etc . but it be not while it be so much more . of course and martin sheen be excellent while ( i have never see him in a movie i haven not love and even if the script be bad and because he be so talented ) . kathy bates be the overbear mom and and do a great job . the real surprise be emilio estevez and who have not always be in the great film and but also direct this movie . please do not stereotype him from the breakfast club movie while he be so much good in this and and i wish he would do more non commercial and atypical hollywood movie . the film be realistic and a we see emilio home from vietnam and during thanksgiving . kimberly williams be passable a the sister and who feel she be disgrace and embarrass by the return soldier and her brother while he be quite alienate from the family and and and especially at this time in u history and this story be very relevant . i learn a great deal about post traumatic stress and and you will genuinely empathize with this character while this be not a violent and journalistic portrayal and like platoon for example and it be more of a character study and which leave u even more intrigued and concerned about the effect of war and especially when one consider the young age of the soldier who be victim . with today violence and it be rare that a movie cause one to genuinely feel sad and and shed a tear while this do it and and deserve recognition .