1969 (1988)
A raw, heartfelt portrait of two friends caught between youth and war in the most fractured year in modern American history.
1969 - Movie Information
- Original Title: 1969
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: Ernest Thompson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, War, Romance
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 18, 1988 (United States - R), January 25, 1989 (United Kingdom - 15), November 9, 1989 (Germany - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Aufrecht gegen den Strom (DE), 1969 - O Ano que Mudou Nossas Vidas (PT), 1969: i giorni della rabbia (IT)
- Production Companies: Atlantic Productions, Atlantic Entertainment Group
- Production Countries: United States of America
1969 - Plot
Two rebellious youths, Ralph and Scott, find themselves struggling with adulthood as the Vietnam War rages. Feeling trapped in their small town, Scott battles with his conservative veteran father, Cliff, and Ralph deals with his desperately sexual mother, Ev. When tragic news arrives from overseas, the entire town, inspired by Ralph and Scott's antiwar efforts, reevaluates its attitude toward the war.
1969 - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the story of friendship and resistance unfold:
The year the country split apart and a generation came together.
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1969 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ernest Thompson
Main Cast
- Robert Downey Jr.
- Kiefer Sutherland
- Bruce Dern
- Mariette Hartley
- Winona Ryder
- Joanna Cassidy
- Christopher Wynne
- Mert Hatfield
- Scott N. Stevens
- Kara Zielke
Writers
- Ernest Thompson
Producers
- Daniel Grodnik
- Bill Badalato
1969 - FAQs
What is 1969 about?
1969 follows two best friends, Ralph and Scott, navigating adulthood in a small American town as the Vietnam War tears the country apart. They clash with their families over the conflict, lead antiwar efforts, and are ultimately forced to confront loss and change when devastating news arrives from overseas.
Who are the main actors in 1969?
The film stars Robert Downey Jr. as Ralph Carr and Kiefer Sutherland as Scott Denny, with strong supporting turns from Bruce Dern, Mariette Hartley, Winona Ryder, and Joanna Cassidy. It's a notably early ensemble for several actors who would go on to major careers.
Was 1969 a breakthrough role for Robert Downey Jr.?
1969 came during a pivotal stretch for Robert Downey Jr., released the same year as his acclaimed Less Than Zero performance. Playing the antiwar Ralph Carr, he demonstrated the charismatic range that would define his career. Kiefer Sutherland and Winona Ryder were also rising stars at the time of filming.
When was 1969 released in theaters?
1969 opened in the United States on August 18, 1988, with an R rating. It later reached the United Kingdom on January 25, 1989, and Germany on November 9, 1989, where it carried a 12 certificate.
Is 1969 based on a true story?
1969 is not based on a specific true story, but writer-director Ernest Thompson drew heavily on the real cultural and political atmosphere of the era. The antiwar sentiment, generational clashes, and small-town tensions depicted in the film closely reflect the lived experience of many Americans during that turbulent year.
What is the age rating for 1969?
1969 carries an R rating in the United States, meaning viewers under 17 require a parent or guardian. The film contains mature themes related to war, sexuality, and family conflict that earned it this classification.
How long is the movie 1969?
1969 runs for 95 minutes, or about an hour and thirty-five minutes. It's a compact, character-driven drama that moves efficiently through its story of friendship, family conflict, and antiwar activism without overstaying its welcome.
What are some movies similar to 1969?
If 1969 resonates with you, you might enjoy Forrest Gump, Platoon, Good Morning Vietnam, The Deer Hunter, or Casualties of War — all of which explore the Vietnam era from different angles. Jacknife and The War offer similarly intimate, character-focused perspectives on the conflict's human cost.
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