Good Morning, Vietnam - R

Robin Williams at his scatalogical finest.

Rating: R for violence Studio: Buena Vista Pictures Directed By: Barry Levinson Cast: Forest Whitaker, Robin Williams Running Time: 119 minutes Release Date: 12/23/1987 Genre: Comedy

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that, compared to the sexual and violent content of some of today's PG-13 films, this one is tame. But its themes of relative morality are definitely adult in nature. The violence (infrequent but sudden) serves specific purposes. A bar brawl is spurred by some GIs' racist behavior; an explosion at the same bar (which kills two people) sets up storylines that ultimately question the premise of the Vietnam War, as well as the freedom of information allowed at that time. Foul language occurs mostly in the form of jokes.

Families can discuss situations in which disrespecting or disobeying superiors might or might not be considered acceptable. Should Adrian's superiors have been more flexible about the content of his radio show? How does censorship play a role in his attitude toward the army and the conflict itself?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Afsheen Nomai

GOOD MORNING VIETNAM is based on the true story of Adrian Cronauer (Robin Williams), a mouthy air force radio DJ who's transferred to Vietnam during the height of the conflict. With his irreverent and sometimes biting humor, Cronauer almost immediately conflicts with his commanding officers. Things get serious as he falls in love with a local girl and experiences firsthand how war affects individuals as much as it does a nation.

While this film is incredibly funny, there are some downright serious moments. Williams handles both in full stride. Rather than gloss over the conflict, director Barry Levinson and writer Mitch Markowitz manage to provide some very poignant commentary on the Wwr, with scenes ranging from Williams' wild cries of "Good morning, Vietnam!" to his harrowing experience being stranded behind enemy lines.

While the dialogue is a little lackluster (save for Williams' classic monologues), Good Morning, Vietnam offers strong performances by Williams (who was nominated for an Oscar for the role) and Forest Whitaker.

Fans might also enjoy Talk to Me, about another controversial radio host.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Several jokes based on sex. Soldiers socialize with what appear to be Vietnamese prostitutes in a bar.
Violence There is a bar brawl and a bomb blows up at a bar, the latter of which shows the dead and wounded. There is also a sequence of shots during the song "What A Wonderful World" that depict war time violence (e.g. burning villages, explosions, people being executed).
Language Frequent swearing in both comedic and serious moments.
Message
	Social Behavior The main character breaks the rules, routinely disobeys orders, is irreverent to his superiors. He is usually praised or forgiven for this behavior. The main character routinely makes jokes at other people's expense and for this gains popularity and the respect of his peers. However, he possesses a great deal of respect for the Vietnamese and their culture, and treats the locals he encounters with admiration and a caring attitude.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Some drinking and smoking. The main character gets drunk once.