VideoDetective.com
The Great Santini (1979)
Released By: Warner Home Video   Rating: PG   In Theaters: N/A
Your video will start shortly...



More Videos:
Preview Details
User Reviews
Studio: Warner Home Video
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Lewis John Carlino
Language: English
Official Website: N/A
Theatrical Release: N/A
Home Video Release: N/A
Cast: Blythe Danner, Michael O'Keefe, Robert Duvall
Published ID: 1592
UPC: 085391637424,
Plot: Bull Meechum (Robert Duvall) loves fighting almost as much as he loves the Marine Corps. Profane, cocky, and arrogant, he's a great fighter pilot -- and he knows it. His boss hates his guts, but knows that if he's going to straighten out his lagging squadron, Meechum is the man to do it. The story and irony of The Great Santini is in Meechum's total intolerance of family life and fatherhood. Meechum has a lovely, supportive wife, Lillian (Blythe Danner), an earnest, likeable son, Ben (Michael O'Keefe), three smaller children, and a good home, but Meechum finds the pastoral nature of peacetime totally incompatible with his gung-ho nature. So he begins to drink. He drills his family unmercifully, like recruits. He hammers his son relentlessly until, in a basketball game, his son fights back, and the family cheers Ben's efforts. Tension builds in the household until, during one drunken night, Meechum breaks down. Based on a best-selling novel by Pat Conroy, The Great Santini earned critical raves but fared poorly at the box office. Duvall's performance as Meechum is generally regarded as one of his greatest. ~ Nick Sambides, Jr., All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
Great scenes for reflecting on how military life invades a family
Added 10/27/2009

This was a great movie to see how military discipline can spill over into a family and cut communication and understanding within the family structure.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
should have been the movie of the year it was released !
Added 9/13/2009

"The Great Santini" had the GREAT misfortune to come out the same year as "Raging Bull".

It was quickly pulled from the market and not re-released until the following year, making it ineligable for any nominations or award consideration.

It has something for everyone(except sex). The closet movie to it would be "an Officer & a Gentlemen" (without the sex). It is that memorable. I highly recommend this movie for everyone over the age of 8 years of age. It is one "chick flick" that the guys will be very happy to see. In fact, I would say it is more for the guys than for the chicks.

It is powerful drama of a war hero father trying to toughen his son for the cruel world ahead. You will laugh out loud and tear up. I promise you.

I highly recommend this movie. At lease rent it ! ! ! ! If you agree with me, you will buy it, too !

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Before there was Top Gun, there was The Great Santini
Added 9/3/2009

This movie depicts life as seen through the eyes of a military family. A heart warming, humorous and heartbreaking tale of how a wife must cope with her disciplined Marine Aviator, the way he disciplines their own children and her struggle to allow them all to grow.

The scene when Ben turns 18 and accompanies his `ol man to the Officer's Club for his first drink is a classic! You'll laugh, you'll cry...and if you're not a military brat, you'll always wonder why.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
The great Robert Duvall
Added 9/3/2009

If you are from the low lands of South Carolina, you will love the setting. Great acting by all.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
No Cliches
Added 8/26/2009

This is not just another strict military dad story. Only about halfway through is it clear that this family has seen many happy days. Alcohol and middle age have only recently started to permanently affect this perfectionist's physical and mental sharpness. this is a man who apparently has always found his courage in a bottle and seems to be frozen in a mode of teenage prankish bravado. Back in WWII the glory came easy, but now the dull complacency that his fellow officers are shrinking into troubles him. clearly he sees the new pilots half his age will become faster and stronger than him. this is a man with no purpose left. on top of all this, he knows if the choice ever came between duty and personal safety, he would err way on the side of duty. the family comes to understand the courage and selflessness behind the cruel insensitivity. the last scene shows how that strength has built them up more often than it hurt them.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Great scenes for reflecting on how military life invades a family
Added 10/27/2009

This was a great movie to see how military discipline can spill over into a family and cut communication and understanding within the family structure.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
should have been the movie of the year it was released !
Added 9/13/2009

"The Great Santini" had the GREAT misfortune to come out the same year as "Raging Bull".

It was quickly pulled from the market and not re-released until the following year, making it ineligable for any nominations or award consideration.

It has something for everyone(except sex). The closet movie to it would be "an Officer & a Gentlemen" (without the sex). It is that memorable. I highly recommend this movie for everyone over the age of 8 years of age. It is one "chick flick" that the guys will be very happy to see. In fact, I would say it is more for the guys than for the chicks.

It is powerful drama of a war hero father trying to toughen his son for the cruel world ahead. You will laugh out loud and tear up. I promise you.

I highly recommend this movie. At lease rent it ! ! ! ! If you agree with me, you will buy it, too !

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Before there was Top Gun, there was The Great Santini
Added 9/3/2009

This movie depicts life as seen through the eyes of a military family. A heart warming, humorous and heartbreaking tale of how a wife must cope with her disciplined Marine Aviator, the way he disciplines their own children and her struggle to allow them all to grow.

The scene when Ben turns 18 and accompanies his `ol man to the Officer's Club for his first drink is a classic! You'll laugh, you'll cry...and if you're not a military brat, you'll always wonder why.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Photos


There are currently no photos.
Shopping
IDPriceImageUrlPurchaseUrlIdTypeBindingStore
DVD
$7.49 @ Amazon
VHS
$2.80 @ Amazon
VHS
$2.50 @ Amazon
VHS
$8.99 @ Amazon