Undescribable Perfection

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Such a shame that good talents were thrown to the winds on a unnecessary effort of trying to make something good out of almost nothing. Story is heavily clichéd, filled with repetitions and there isn't much of a path to walk on with. "Cadence" tells the story of a soldier (Charlie Sheen) who recently lost his father (Matt Clark) and not knowing how to cope with this news is arrested after some disturbance on a bar. Sent to a military prison where he's the only white man around among the prisoners, this tough guy will have to deal with an even tougher guy than he, a tyrannic Sergeant (Martin Sheen, who also directed this movie) who runs the place with strong hands. So, trouble is set when those two forces collide after some disagreements on how things work in the place and because of the bad temper between both, and a tragedy will define who they are and the course of things will never be the same.Most of the story is just showing a bunch of guys fighting against each other for meaningless things or over a gold lighter; or the sergeant punishing the soldier for not addressing him as 'sir' (this is quite funny, actually). Where's the goal? Where's the speech, the message in the work? It goes out of one place but stays there without a reason, and all that is plain boring, very drub. Yes, the prisoners exchange ideas with each other, they help things out among themselves and work hard in prison, trying to rehabilitate themselves while the place's chief always seems to disturb their peace, but the film never succeeds in making us interested in all of that, there's nothing magnificent in seeing recurring situations that leads to nowhere.Not much of an impressive directorial debut for Mr. Sheen (but the tragic scene filmed in slow-motion was quite good despite some melodrama involved), who takes an unimpressive performance from his son and some really average acting from supporting members like Laurence Fishburne, Michael Beach, F. Murray Abraham, James Marshall and others. Performances that go way below the surface, it's almost pitiful. Best thing of this is Martin's character, giving some motion to the picture, some funny moments.I don't see a way of how this could have been better. Very disappointing. 3/10

First and foremost, the cast is great. Seeing Charlie and Martin Sheen playing off each other is a real plus. The film is somewhat claustrophobic, mostly taking place in a confined compound. The conflicts that drive "Cadence", both racial and military, are believable, and resolved satisfactorily. A lively soundtrack is another positive. The personal torment of Martin Sheen is only briefly explored, but is nevertheless a driving force behind his increasingly irrational behavior. This is no blockbuster. It is a small movie with a message of mutual respect and acceptance, where race becomes secondary in an irrational war being waged against all prisoners alike. - MERK

Each time I see this movie I enjoy it even more than I did the last time I saw it. The movie's idea is interesting, the conflict between the Sheens believable and well acted, and the supporting cast is excellent and a pleasure to watch. The story line is simple and to the point. Even the basic set works for me. And the music is so good that I continue to look from time to time to see if there is a CD available. (SOMEONE/ANYBODY PLESAE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS A CD and IF SO WHERE CAN I BUY IT). I believe that if you get a chance to watch this movie DO IT! you won't be disappointed. This movie will either make you cry, laugh, or get angry either way it's a good movie.

I seldom comment on a movie, but I so strongly disagreed with a prior comment on this movie, I felt I had to add two cents. I found this entrant far from boring. I have watched it four or five times, each time finding a new focus. The movie's idea is interesting, the conflict between the Sheens believable and well played, and the supporting cast excellent. Laurence Fishburne and James Marshall in particular are pleasures to watch. As the second of Sheen's two stints as a director I was impressed. Even the basic set works for me. And the music is so good that I continue to look from time to time to see if an actual CD is available. I believe that if you get your hands on this movie you won't be disappointed.