Jacknife
It is 15 years after the end of the war in Vietnam, but the scars have yet to heal. Megs veteran (Robert De Niro), his life seems to have started and the film opens with him making a long journey to go on a fishing trip in time of war with his friend David (Ed Harris).
However, David is in a drunken stupor, still haunted by the past. Megs soon decided to help his old friend, if you like it or not, and possibly develop a romantic relationship with David’s sister Martha (Kathy Baker). Adapted by Stephen Metcalfe from his own game, “Jacknife” never escapes the stage origins yy plane is often stuffy. The TV-movie style scene has nothing to say that has not been said before, the film is developed with a few surprises.
Director David Jones 
has tried to open the film with Vietnam flashbacks, but they are poorly managed and unrealistic.The strong cast to’Jacknife give more depth to the script deserves. De Niro can play such a part of his dream (in fact, it is tempting to see how his character in The Deerhunter Michael a few years) but still gives a strong and charismatic in the lead screen.
Ed Harris is more difficult for the veteran tortured and delivered with aplomb, giving a convincing and touching performance. Kathy Baker is also excellent despite the cliches character.Unfortunately their nature, their efforts are wasted on a script that never really there.
Always obvious that the film goes to a sentimental, maudlin and predictable climax. The cast and the subject, deserve better.