Apocalypse Now
The following AHA film review was compiled from archival information and documentation and may not reflect AHA's current criteria for animal action review and rating procedures.
Based on Joseph Conrad's Heart Of Darkness, Captain Willard (Martin Sheen), whose mission is to "terminate with extreme prejudice," receives orders to seek out a renegade military outpost led by the mysterious Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando) during the Vietnam War.
- Starring: Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Martin Sheen, Dennis Hopper, and Harrison Ford
- Director(s): Francis Ford Coppola
- Producer(s): Zoetrope Studios
- Screenwriter(s): John Milius, Francis Ford Coppola
- Distributor: United Artists
- Release Date: Wednesday, August 15, 1979
Featured Animal Action
Apocalypse Now was filmed in the Philippines in 1979. According to AHA's research, a water buffalo was hacked to pieces during the making of the film, earning the film an Unacceptable rating from AHA.
The ongoing expansion of the AHA Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media has raised the standard of care for animal actors worldwide. In addition, technological advancements have created safe alternatives to risky action, enabling filmmakers to maintain their creative vision without compromising the welfare of animal actors. AHA continues to be a vigilant watchdog for animals in film and television and acknowledges the groundbreaking history of this program while expanding and refining procedures to reflect increased knowledge and new challenges.