Though it isn't the Vietnam film to end them all, it is the yard stick by which all other 'Nam movies are measured.

Sometimes hard to watch, and perhaps a bit long, Apocalypse now contains some incredible set pieces and classic scenes.

Vittorio Storaro's amazing colour photography shows the Far East in greater clarity than you would think possible.

And Martin Sheen's voice-over narration à la Bogart is another successful ingredient.

But, in spite of its impact, its sound and its fury, the movie is also often slow in getting to the point.

Its action throws in every possible atrocity to shock the viewer: in words as well as pictures Coppola plays heavily for effect.

Marlon Brando's renegade colonel and Sheen's attempts to assassinate him form the hub of the story against the backdrop of a truly horrifying war.

Coppola does attempt to balance his elements with injections of some incredible black humour, including a superbly-choreographed attack by helicopters to the music of Ride of the Valkyrie.

Watch out for Robert Duvall, Larry Fishburne, Dennis Hopper, Harrison Ford and Scott Glenn in 'blink-and-you'll-miss-'em supporting roles!