The War at Home

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The War at Home

R

Released Nov 20, 1996

1h 59m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

60%

Tomatometer

15 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

After serving in Vietnam, during which he committed acts that still haunt him deeply, Jeremy Collier (Emilio Estevez) lives at home with his parents. As Thanksgiving approaches, both his mother, Maurine (Kathy Bates), and his father, Bob (Martin Sheen), are dismissive of Jeremy's odd behavior and want him to return to the way he was. Karen (Kimberly Williams), his sister, becomes convinced that Jeremy needs help, but it may be too late as he threatens to release his pent-up rage at dinner.

Time Out

It's never anything more than middlebrow, obvious and quite laboured -- and, for good and ill, very earnest.

Jan 26, 2006

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Stephen Holden

New York Times

The film is so beautifully acted that you barely notice the staginess of some of the speeches.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 30, 2004

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Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

A confident, straight-ahead no-nonsense movie that delivers its message relentlessly with maximum impact.

Rated: 3.5/5

Feb 14, 2001

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TV Guide

Bates is excellent, and Sheen's performance marks a high point in the actor's wayward career.

Rated: 3.5/4

Feb 4, 2008

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Michael Dequina

TheMovieReport.com

In one dramatic moment, an upset Bates yells at and slaps Estevez, and suddenly Sheen brings up the subject of stolen peanut brittle.

Rated: 1.5/4

Sep 14, 2005

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Caffeinated Clint

Moviehole

Excellent performances from the Sheen clan

Rated: 3/5

Apr 25, 2005

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Stephen C

1 hour and 59 minutes of drama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/27/25

Full Review

Steve D

A poor mans Coming Home.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I dont understand what is wrong with people - this was an amazing film ... I would give it 5 full stars but the sight would allow it! Love you Emilio!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is exactly why I love drama. It's powerful and emotional. Emilio Estevez and the entire cast were great in this story about a dysfunctional family adjusting their own son, who is a traumatized Vietnam veteran, coming home. I was left feeling heartbroken at the end and I loved it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is exactly why I love drama. It's powerful and emotional. Emilio Estevez and the entire cast were great in this story about a dysfunctional family adjusting their own son, who is a traumatized Vietnam veteran, coming home. I was left feeling heartbroken at the end and I loved it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/19/23

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Audience Member

A well written film that has many moments of great acting with a few moments of really awkward acting.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

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Emilio Estevez

Director

Kathy Bates

Maurine Collier

Martin Sheen

Bob Collier

Emilio Estevez

Jeremy Collier

Kimberly Williams-Paisley

Karen Collier

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Synopsis

After serving in Vietnam, during which he committed acts that still haunt him deeply, Jeremy Collier (Emilio Estevez) lives at home with his parents. As Thanksgiving approaches, both his mother, Maurine (Kathy Bates), and his father, Bob (Martin Sheen), are dismissive of Jeremy's odd behavior and want him to return to the way he was. Karen (Kimberly Williams), his sister, becomes convinced that Jeremy needs help, but it may be too late as he threatens to release his pent-up rage at dinner.

Director: Emilio Estevez
Producer: Steven Stabler, Brad Krevoy, Emilio Estevez, James Duff
Screenwriter: James Duff
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures, Motion Picture Corporation of America
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 20, 1996, Original
Release Date (DVD): Sep 3, 2002
Box Office (Gross USA): $43.9K
Runtime: 1h 59m
Sound Mix: Surround