Product Details

• Actors: Robert De Niro, Kathy Baker, Ed Harris, Sloane Shelton, Ivar Brogger
• Directors: David Hugh Jones
• Writers: Stephen Metcalfe
• Producers: Bruce S. Pustin, Carol Baum, Kathryn Knowlton, Robert Schaffel, Sandy Gallin
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Hbo Home Video
• VHS Release Date: October 15, 1997
• Run Time: 102 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6301928296
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #367,741 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Based on the off-Broadway play Strange Snow, this chamber drama is essentially a three-hander between Robert De Niro, Kathy Baker, and Ed Harris. Harris is a Vietnam vet suffering the recurring effects of posttraumatic stress disorder. De Niro is an old army buddy who looks him up and helps him come to terms with the ugly memories he has of their days together in Vietnam and of a pal who didn't make it out alive. Baker plays Harris's sister, a schoolteacher and wallflower who blossoms under the attention of the rough-hewn De Niro. Harris and De Niro clash in a cathartic confrontation, but not before De Niro and Baker play an incredibly erotic and understated love scene that serves as the film's emotional core. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Underseen, Unknown...and Deserves To Be On DVD, July 22, 2003

By 

Steve S. "dbronx" (Roswell, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jacknife [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I agree with all the other reviews...this is a beautifully acted piece by Robert De Niro, Ed Harris and Kathy Baker. I remember seeing this for the first time in a theater and was completely blown away by the performances and the way the subject matter was handled.

For my money, the scene near the end, when "Jacknife" finally gets Davey to break through his pain about their pal Bobby dying in Vietnam, is one of the most heartbreaking I've ever seen in any film.

Ed Harris is simply remarkable and damn near steals the film. This was the first time I'd seen Kathy Baker, and I don't think she's ever been better. And De Niro...wow. This was a peformance from him that I'd never seen before, and he just knocked me off my seat.

Now if someone can get the rights to this film and get it on DVD...that would be great.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Magnificent Film Making!, May 30, 2006

By 

H. Rodriguez "Retired" (Phoenix, Arizona United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Jacknife (DVD)

For Steve S. "dbronx" this film is available on DVD with multi-regions capabalities which can be played in The United States. The DVD has been re-mastered and has 5.1 channels digital sound. You can buy it form a private seller through Amazon.com. It is a bit pricey ( $21.00 Us Dollars) but it's worth it!! I would have paid much more if I had to. My VHS version is on it's way to the trash. By the way, it is safe and secure to buy from private sellers as they never get to see your credit card number, since Amazon.com receives the order and the credit card #.

I am a BIG fan of De Niro, but I have to agree with other reviewers that Ed Harris, acting was superb and flawless!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why doesn't Ed Harris have an Oscar for this movie?, March 23, 2001

By 

John S. Harris "The Voice of Reason" (Memphis, TN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jacknife [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Wonderful movie about friendship, pain, love, and loyalty. Ed Harris turns in yet another powerful performance. This is one of those small and overlooked films that packs an emotional punch. This could have played like just another movie-of-the-week, but the script is gentle yet taut, and the cast brings so much greatness to it that they elevate it on all fronts. DeNiro is perfect, of course, but Ed Harris' breakdown at the end really tugs at the ol' heartstrings.