Despite the film's heavily symbolic tone, little is revealed about either of the characters or indeed the Vietnam War.

Far better as an antiwar film than as a poetic tribute to flight.

It may not satisfy hard-line lovers of the book, who may argue that William Wharton's eccentric characters should have remained between its covers, but for those who do not know the novel, or for less rigid William Wharton-ites, it is a risk well taken.

Nicolas Cage and Matthew Modine give stellar performances as Philly youths torn apart physically and spiritually by war in Alan Parker's unsparing portrait of brotherly affection.