David Jones directs Jacknife, which Stephen Metcalfe adapted from his play Strange Snow. The cast includes Robert De Niro, Ed Harris, and Kathy Baker; Bruce Broughton composed the music, and Brian West was the cinematographer. De Niro and Harris portray Vietnam War veterans struggling to readjust after their service. Their lives become more complex when De Niro develops a romantic relationship with Harris’s sister, portrayed by Baker. Jacknife is quietly contemplative and personal, and while it doesn't break new ground in films about returning from the war, its emphasis on dialogue and realistic character development feels somewhat revitalizing. The story does fall into familiar territory later as Harris’s character begins to emerge from his difficulties, but overall it offers a considered look at isolation and the lasting impact of the conflict. The performances from the three leads are strong, with De Niro effortlessly leading the way. The film was unsuccessful in theaters, and it seems likely that Jacknife arrived after audiences had moved on from Vietnam War movies. Its deliberate pacing and dialogue-driven approach probably limited its appeal to a specific group of moviegoers. It’s worth finding now as an alternative to loud action films; it's well-made with a moving and frequently funny story, and for people who lived through that time, it resonates deeply. 7/10

Source on TMDB