"Coming Home" tells the tale of a Vietnam war vet, Luke (Jon Voight) who was paralyzed in his time in the war. In the veterans hospital where he stays he meets a volunteer, Sally (Jane Fonda) who's husband is currently fighting in the war.
Slowly, the two characters develop a friendship and a mutual respect for one anther. Eventually, they fall in love and this provides complications to the already married Sally.
Fans of such Vietnam war films as "The Deer Hunter" and "Platoon" may enjoy this film as it deals with many of the same themes: disillusionment with the war, war-induced post-trauma, fractured relationships on the home front after the fighting is over. The characters are interesting and the actors bring them to life in a realistic manner that make us care for them and respect them. The viewer feels as though he or she is living with the characters and that we are given a glimpse into their private lives and conversations.
There is a fierce anti-war stance from the Voight character and he gives a compelling speech at one point in the film on the horrors of the war and the senseless and purposeless presence in Vietnam by the United States. Ashby's direction in scenes like this shows expertise and a keen vision.
One problem I had with this film was the soundtrack. Although I liked the rock and roll songs that were played, they were used inappropriately and had no thematic purpose. Unlike films such as "American Graffiti" and "Goodfellas" the rock soundtrack didn't comment on the profilmic material in any way.
Apart from that, "Coming Home" is a gripping tale of life at home after the fighting is over and people must attempt to get on with their lives in whatever way they can.
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