I came across Good Morning, Vietnam on Blu-Ray at a local used media store and a bunch of memories came flooding back. Growing up in the UK, the Vietnam War is not something that we are exposed to a great deal in history or social class. My only experience learning about the Vietnam War was in The Wonder Years and I remember even as a kid, finding it pretty hard-hitting.
How to Download Good Morning, Vietnam
Good Morning, Vietnam was released on December 23, 1987. You can download or stream the film from a digital platform. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice. If you want to see Robin Williams in some other films, check out Dead Poets Society, Hook, The Birdcage, or Good Will Hunting.
The Movie Review
When staying at my aunt and uncle’s house, probably in 1990 or 1991, it was Saturday afternoon and there was nothing on TV so my aunt said to watch one of their videos. I saw Good Morning, Vietnam and it had Robin Williams on the cover who I knew from the reruns of Mork and Mindy and the title reminded me of The Wonder Years. I decided to give it a try, I am actually pretty sure that I had seen a trailer for it and I did think it was a comedy.
Robin Williams’ Iconic Performance
While Good Morning, Vietnam is partly a comedy and Robin Williams is his hysterical manic lovable self, this is a pretty hard-hitting movie that will really grab your attention. Robin Williams is part of the armed forces, playing the role of Airman Second Class Adrian Cronaur, but he works as a radio DJ and his job is to read the “news” and entertain the troops.
Adrian’s Impact on the Troops
Adrian is transferred to Saigon where it is his job to work as the radio DJ for the troops over there. You know the saying “Good Morning, Vietnam” has to be one of the most iconic Robin Williams soundbites of all time. Adrian is pretty much a huge hit with the troops right away. His sense of humor, wackiness, and love for rock and roll really connects with the soldiers and they all love him.
The Challenges of Adrian’s Personality
Of course, Adrian having such a manic and wild personality is going to have a tough time with his superiors. There are two military men above him that really do not like what Adrian is doing and they try to reign him in and censor his show. This is easier said than done and Adrian just keeps on trying to do what he is doing.
The Harsh Realities of War
What hit me hard when I saw Good Morning, Vietnam as a kid was the stuff with the actual Vietnam War. From Adrian falling for a Vietnam girl and him getting kind of conned by a Vietcong soldier. There is the firebombing of a Vietnam village and also an attack on some US troops while they are traveling. It is stuff like this that makes Good Morning, Vietnam far more than just another wacky Robin Williams comedy movie.
Revisiting a Classic
When I picked this up at that store (for the great price of £2) I think that this may be the first time I had seen Good Morning, Vietnam when I was a kid. I enjoyed the movie and found Robin Williams to be his charming self here. However, he also does some great dramatic acting here too in a few scenes that really do showcase how great an actor he was. I will be honest, I have seen far better Vietnam War movies over the years than this, but I am still glad I picked this up and watched it again after all these years.
