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The War at Home

Play trailer Poster for The War at Home R 1996 1h 59m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
60% Tomatometer 15 Reviews 75% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
After serving in Vietnam, during which he committed acts that still haunt him deeply, Jeremy Collier (Emilio Estevez) lives at home with his parents. As Thanksgiving approaches, both his mother, Maurine (Kathy Bates), and his father, Bob (Martin Sheen), are dismissive of Jeremy's odd behavior and want him to return to the way he was. Karen (Kimberly Williams), his sister, becomes convinced that Jeremy needs help, but it may be too late as he threatens to release his pent-up rage at dinner.

Critics Reviews

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Time Out Jan 26, 2006
It's never anything more than middlebrow, obvious and quite laboured -- and, for good and ill, very earnest. Go to Full Review Stephen Holden New York Times Aug 30, 2004
4/5
The film is so beautifully acted that you barely notice the staginess of some of the speeches. Go to Full Review Kevin Thomas Los Angeles Times Feb 14, 2001
3.5/5
A confident, straight-ahead no-nonsense movie that delivers its message relentlessly with maximum impact. Go to Full Review TV Guide Feb 4, 2008
3.5/4
Bates is excellent, and Sheen's performance marks a high point in the actor's wayward career. Go to Full Review Michael Dequina TheMovieReport.com Sep 14, 2005
1.5/4
In one dramatic moment, an upset Bates yells at and slaps Estevez, and suddenly Sheen brings up the subject of stolen peanut brittle. Go to Full Review Caffeinated Clint Moviehole Apr 25, 2005
3/5
Excellent performances from the Sheen clan Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Robert P @Superbad Oct 12, 2026 The War At Home is a 3.5 star Movie! See more Blake- N @PBSAniDom May 8, 2026 The War at Home is a very good drama that feels emotionally raw and grounded from beginning to end. The film takes serious themes and handles them in a way that feels honest rather than exaggerated, which makes the story hit much harder. The performances are easily one of the strongest parts of the movie. The cast brings real intensity and emotion to their roles, making the family conflict and personal struggles feel believable and engaging. It’s not always an easy watch, but it stays compelling because of how genuine everything feels. Overall, the film leaves a strong impression with its serious tone, powerful acting, and thoughtful storytelling. It may not be for everyone because of its heavy atmosphere, but it’s definitely a film worth watching. I’d rate it a 7/10. See more Stephen C @bob25009 May 27, 2025 1 hour and 59 minutes of drama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more Steve D @RT35616104 Feb 15, 2023 A poor mans Coming Home. See more Nov 19, 2015 I dont understand what is wrong with people - this was an amazing film ... I would give it 5 full stars but the sight would allow it! Love you Emilio! See more Dec 30, 2013 This is exactly why I love drama. It's powerful and emotional. Emilio Estevez and the entire cast were great in this story about a dysfunctional family adjusting their own son, who is a traumatized Vietnam veteran, coming home. I was left feeling heartbroken at the end and I loved it! See more Read all reviews
The War at Home

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Emilio Estevez

Director

Kathy Bates

Maurine Collier

Martin Sheen

Bob Collier

Emilio Estevez

Jeremy Collier

Kimberly Williams-Paisley

Karen Collier

Carla Gugino

Melissa

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The War at Home

The War at Home (1996) The War at Home (1996) The War at Home (1996) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis After serving in Vietnam, during which he committed acts that still haunt him deeply, Jeremy Collier (Emilio Estevez) lives at home with his parents. As Thanksgiving approaches, both his mother, Maurine (Kathy Bates), and his father, Bob (Martin Sheen), are dismissive of Jeremy's odd behavior and want him to return to the way he was. Karen (Kimberly Williams), his sister, becomes convinced that Jeremy needs help, but it may be too late as he threatens to release his pent-up rage at dinner.
Director
Emilio Estevez
Producer
Steven Stabler, Brad Krevoy, Emilio Estevez, James Duff
Screenwriter
James Duff
Distributor
Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co
Touchstone Pictures, Motion Picture Corporation of America
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 20, 1996, Original
Release Date (DVD)
Sep 3, 2002
Box Office (Gross USA)
$43.9K
Runtime
1h 59m
Sound Mix
Surround
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