Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- somber
- reflective
- melancholic
- historical drama night
- war film marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the performances and character detail compelling but judged the screenplay flat and the later narrative dramatically unsuccessful.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The central drama unfolds among soldiers assigned to Arlington National Cemetery while the Vietnam War shapes their choices and losses.
Jackie Willow is the son of a veteran and becomes the protégé of his father's former comrades, Sergeant Clell Hazard and Sergeant Major Goody Nelson.
The Old Guard's work at Arlington National Cemetery provides the film's defining setting and recurring dramatic framework.
Jackie arrives eager for the Academy and Vietnam service, while Hazard tries to shape and protect him amid the consequences of war.
Films like Gardens of Stone, and why
Coming Home
shared vietnam war setting, military disillusionment, and intimate character drama
The Deer Hunter
shared focus on soldiers, institutional military culture, and morally serious war drama
Birdy
shared vietnam-era home-front perspective, veteran experience, and reflective antiwar tone
Movie Details
- Director
- Francis Ford Coppola
- Release Date
- 1987-05-05
- Runtime
- 111 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (130)
Cast
- James Caan
- Anjelica Huston
- James Earl Jones
- D. B. Sweeney
- Dean Stockwell
- Mary Stuart Masterson
- Dick Anthony Williams
- Lonette McKee
- Sam Bottoms
- Elias Koteas
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Gardens of Stone about?
- At Arlington National Cemetery, a seasoned soldier mentors an idealistic young recruit whose hunger for Vietnam service tests loyalty, love, and the meaning of duty.
- What is Gardens of Stone like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Gardens of Stone as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Gardens of Stone violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Gardens of Stone as moderate.
- What did critics think of Gardens of Stone?
- Critics broadly found the performances and character detail compelling but judged the screenplay flat and the later narrative dramatically unsuccessful.
- Which films are like Gardens of Stone?
- Films with a similar feel include Coming Home, The Deer Hunter, and Birdy.
- How long is Gardens of Stone?
- Gardens of Stone runs 111 minutes.
- Where can I watch Gardens of Stone?
- In United States, Gardens of Stone streams on Howdy Amazon Channel.
