Martin Sheen's 1991 directorial debut features Sheen as the disturbed head of a military stockade where the prisoners include a troublemaking Army misfit played by his son Charlie. Private Bean (Charlie Sheen) is thrown in... more »to the stockade with a group of five blacks calling themselves the Soul Patrol, and gradually learns teamwork from the men, including their leader Stokes (Laurence Fishburne). Eventually the tug of war between Bean and the bigoted commander reaches a boiling point with tragic conclusions, and Bean learns the meaning of compassion and the difference between right and wrong. The film is nothing particularly inspiring or insightful, but the supporting players, including Fishburne, give solid performances, and Cadence affords the audience a chance to see the father and son team work together in an earnest and well-meaning drama. --Robert Lane« less
Song "End of My Journey" makes Cadence Unforgettable
Bonnie K Stovall | North Carolina, United States | 06/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have seen that many people have been in search of the song and lyrics to Harry Stewart's "End of My Journey" from the movie Cadence. This song, and a pretty good version of "Chain Gang" make this movie unforgettable. There is a website dedicated to the "End of My Journey" song due to it not being available on any soundtrack recording. http://www.freehomepages.com/cadence Enjoy!"
For Bean, For Sweet!!
J. E. Nelson | Plainfield, Illinois | 06/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As far as dramas go, this is one of the best I have seen. It is a terrific coming of age story involving tragedy, team work, and the tough choices morality can make a person face.The story is excellent (I could write a lot more, but I try not to give to much away). The main character is Franklin Bean, an Army Private. Pvt. Bean is sentenced to 90 days in the stockade after hearing the news that his father died, getting unauthorized tattoos, going on a drinking binge and hitting an MP. In the stockade, Pvt. Bean's (who is white) "roommates" are 5 black prisoners. Pvt. Bean does not fit in, not because of his fellow prison mates, but because he does not want to belong. The stockade is overseen by Sgt. Otis McKinney, a racist disciplinarian who is constantly trying to get Bean on "his team". Despite Bean's desire to be alone, Bean does pick a side. The film ends in tragedy, and Pvt. Bean is faced with the gut wrenching decision between what is right and what is right. While the scene I am referring to is short, I think it was one of the most powerful movie scenes showing a young person trying to make a decision where both alternatives seem to be the right thing to do, and the path he chooses has drastically different outcomes.I never even heard of this movie in the theaters. However, I feel this is one of the greatest "coming of age" stories I have ever seen. I think this is one of the best "unknown" movies I have ever seen. The screenplay writing is absolutely brilliant, though I will admit I had to watch the movie a couple of times before I saw the movie as more than a story about some guy in a military prison.This is definitely not a happy movie. I don't think this is the type of movie I pop in the DVD player and cuddle with a date on the couch. I would classify the movie as a sad drama. I think this movie is definitely a must see!"
Fathers and Sons
Jake McKay | sumter, sc | 04/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie is a philosophical wonder on the relationships between fathers and sons. First off, you have a real life father and son portraying the two main characters. And you have the two characters (a father and a son) who are looking to fulfill their losses in eachother (Bean having lost his father and the Sergent having lost his son's love). Then, of course, you have the windmill. What healthy father/son relationship doesn't involve "projects"? Unfortunately we see the older Sheen disintegrate. He goes completely insane. While the younger Sheen serves his time, learns many lessons about dealing with the human race, and moves on to a brighter future."
Here's the Scoop on End of My Journey
Ellyn Ritterskamp | Charlotte, NC USA | 12/20/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I haven't seen this DVD yet but could tell that many people loved this piece of music as much as I did. I was captivated by it several years ago, and called the studio to find out more. Here's the amazing part:Harry Stewart is not a professional musician or actor. He's a street person that Martin Sheen met in LA, I think. Sheen asked him to perform in the movie, which is why he appears in several scenes but has few lines.Here's the other best part: Harry Stewart wrote End of My Journey! ASCAP had never heard of it when I called - and this was a few years back so something may have changed by now. But I doubt it. I really wish Mr. Stewart could get this song copyrighted, because tons of us would pay to be able to sing it, and he'd be properly rewarded for his talent."
Unity can cross barrier lines of race
Ellyn Ritterskamp | 07/19/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This movie proves that unity can exist between men of all races. In this story, it is not done without great loss of one of their own. Each man tyring to find their worth is nothing more than the dreams each carry inside them. Putting aside their individualism, they join efforts which lead to personal victory shared by all. Charlie Sheen gives a masterful performance as Prvt. Bean. To me "SweetBread" played by Harry Stewart, will always stand-out as the most inspiring person in the movie. His majestic voice and piano playing bring joy of redemption to my soul. His original song "End of My Journey" is sung with all his heart and soul. Sadly to say, this movie does not have a sound-track allowing viewers to expierence songs such as "Chain-Gang" and "End of My Journey". If anyone is able to locate recordings made by Harry Stewart, please share with the rests of us."