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Francis Ford Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now” is a visually stunning, psychological Vietnam War epic that explores the erosion of morality and the harrowing impact of war on the human psyche.
Immerse yourself in this thought-provoking look at the horrors of warfare. Find out where you can watch “Apocalypse Now” in Canada.
Table of Contents
What Is Apocalypse Now About?
Set during the Vietnam War, “Apocalypse Now” follows Captain Benjamin Willard, a U.S. Army officer who was assigned a dangerous and classified mission. Willard must travel upriver into the jungles of Cambodia and assassinate Colonel Walter E. Kurtz, a decorated officer who has gone rogue and established a deadly, cult-like empire with the indigenous tribes of Cambodia.
Williard was accompanied by a crew of soldiers, facing life-threatening encounters and witnessing the brutality of war. Throughout his journey in the wilderness, Williard finds himself grappling with his own demons and questioning the morality of war and the actions of his comrades. He also spends his time reading about Kurtz’s celebrated military career and becomes increasingly invested in understanding the truth behind the enigmatic figure’s descent into insanity.
As Willard finally approaches Kurtz’s remote compound, he is astounded by the Colonel’s godlike status among the native tribe and the chaos that surrounds the place. Willard spends time with Kurtz, both fascinated and repulsed by his charisma and his twisted philosophy on war and humanity. He struggles with the moral dilemma of executing the assassination of Kurtz, a man he comes to see as both a lunatic and a tragic victim of war.
“Apocalypse Now” held its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 1979. The film hit theaters in August 1979.
Who Are in the Cast and Production of Apocalypse Now?
At the helm of “Apocalypse Now” is the highly influential Italian-American filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, who based the film on Joseph Conrad’s 1899 novella, “Heart of Darkness.” Coppola is one of the pioneering figures of the New Hollywood filmmaking movement of the 60s and 70s. Some of his best works include “The Godfather” trilogy and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.” The film also features a stellar cast that features Martin Sheen, Dennis Hopper, Robert Duvall, Harrison Ford, and Coppola’s longtime collaborator, Marlon Brando. Here’s the main cast of “Apocalypse Now”:
- Martin Sheen as Captain Benjamin L. Willard
- Marlon Brando as Colonel Walter E. Kurtz
- Robert Duvall as Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore
- Frederic Forrest as Jay “Chef” Hicks
- Sam Bottoms as Lance B. Johnson
- Laurence Fishburne as Tyrone “Clean” Miller
- Albert Hall as Chief Petty Officer George Phillips
- Dennis Hopper as Photojournalist
- G.D. Spradlin as General Corman
- Harrison Ford as Colonel Lucas
What is the Rating for Apocalypse Now?
“Apocalypse Now” is R-rated. The film contains extreme depictions of graphic violence, gore, foul language, nudity, and sexual references.
How Many People Watch Apocalypse Now?
“Apocalypse Now” performed well at the box office, collecting a total gross of $100 million worldwide.
How Are the Reviews for Apocalypse Now?
“Apocalypse Now” received widespread critical success upon its release in 1970 and continues to be regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. The film was praised mainly for its psychological depth and for its vivid and atmospheric cinematography, which created an immersive, surreal experience for its viewers. Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando’s powerful performances also received universal acclaim. The film was also a recipient of the Palme d’Or, the highest prize awarded at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
“Apocalypse Now” is Certified Fresh at Rotten Tomatoes with a staggering approval rating of 98%. See what critics love about the film:
- “Apocalypse Now is not merely the greatest film to come out of the Vietnam experience but one of the great works about the madness of our times.” – Guardian
- “Certainly, no movie in history has ever presented stronger proof that war is living hell.” – New York Daily News
Where to Watch Apocalypse Now In Canada
“Apocalypse Now” is not available on any streaming services or video-on-demand platforms in Canada.
Is Apocalypse Now Available on Streaming?
“Apocalypse Now” is currently unavailable on streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV Plus, Max, or Hulu.
Is Apocalypse Now Available for Rent (VOD)?
“Apocalypse Now” is also not on video-on-demand platforms. Nevertheless, you can still watch the film on physical home media formats like Blu-ray and DVD.
Is Apocalypse Now Available on Cable or Free TV?
“Apocalypse Now” does not air on any cable channels or Free TV in Canada.
Should I Use a VPN to Watch Apocalypse Now?
“Apocalypse Now” is not available on streaming services, so there is no need to use a VPN.
Through The Heart of Darkness
With the brutal landscape of the Vietnam War at its backdrop, “Apocalypse Now” takes its viewers on a psychological journey through its brilliant portrayal of the fragility of the human psyche when confronted with the abyss of darkness, reminding them of the complexities of humanity and the profound impact of war.
