Cadence Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A white soldier goes to jail for punching someone and learns about diversity, friendship, and his dad’s anger issues.

🍿 Cadence: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction and Private Bean’s Confinement

Set in 1965 West Germany, ‘Stockade’ introduces Private Franklin Bean (Charlie Sheen), a rebellious young soldier grieving the loss of his father. After a drunken altercation with an MP, Bean is sentenced to 90 days in an army stockade, a military prison for soldiers who have broken the rules.

Life Inside the Stockade and Racial Tensions

Bean quickly discovers he is the only white prisoner in a stockade primarily populated by Black soldiers. Led by the pragmatic Stokes (Laurence Fishburne), these men form a tight-knit group that initially distrusts Bean. The film explores the racial dynamics and prejudices present within the military system of the time.

Master Sergeant McKinney’s Oppression

The stockade is commanded by Master Sergeant Otis V. McKinney (Martin Sheen), a rigid and bigoted officer who harbors a deep resentment towards Bean. McKinney’s harsh treatment and constant harassment create further tension within the stockade, targeting both Bean and the other prisoners.

Building Bonds and Defiance

As Bean spends more time in the stockade, he begins to earn the respect and acceptance of his fellow prisoners. They find common ground in their shared experiences and their resistance against McKinney’s oppressive rule. The repair of a broken windmill becomes a symbol of their defiance and unity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bean (Charlie Sheen): A rebellious Army Private who is sent to a stockade and learns about friendship and loyalty.
• McKinney (Martin Sheen): The tough, bigoted stockade commander who opposes Bean’s alliance with the other prisoners.
• Stokes (Laurence Fishburne): The street-wise leader of the black prisoners who initially distrusts Bean but eventually accepts him.
• Lamar (James Marshall): A corporal and prisoner who is loyal to McKinney
• Sweetbread – Crane (Harry Stewart): A prisoner known for his incredible singing voice.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Stokes: “Ask a man what he’s charged with; NEVER ask him what he’s DONE.” – Stokes explains the code of conduct within the stockade to Bean, emphasizing respect and boundaries.
• McKinney: “You will call me ‘sir’ every time you speak to me!” – McKinney’s repeated demand highlights his authoritarian and vindictive nature towards Bean.
• Cpl. Gerald Gessner: “Gig for Bean!” – Gessner mocks Bean at the trial

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,070,871
• Worldwide Gross: $2,070,871

💥 Cadence Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Stockade’ late one night and being really drawn in by the characters. Charlie Sheen surprised me; it’s one of his better performances. The scenes between him and Laurence Fishburne felt genuine, and the tension with Martin Sheen was palpable. What stuck with me most was the ending – it’s powerful and makes you think about prejudice and understanding. It’s one of those movies that stays with you long after the credits roll. The music is also really great, especially the ‘Chain Gang’ rendition.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of military dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about racial prejudice”
  • “People who appreciate character-driven narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Racism and racial slurs”
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “Cadence is a surprisingly good film that rises above potentially clichéd themes with strong performances from Charlie Sheen and Laurence Fishburne. It is a character study, with a compelling storyline. While it may follow a familiar formula, it offers depth and emotional resonance, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Cadence explores race relations within the U.S. military during the Vietnam era. While the plot is somewhat predictable, it’s an enjoyable film. The cast does an excellent job of bringing believability to the characters.

Audience Reactions

The powerful storyline resonated with many, making it a timeless message of brotherhood and acceptance.: Many have agreed that Laurence Fishburne gave an outstanding performance.

The raw emotion and genuine camaraderie between the prisoners touched many viewers.: The unique ‘Chain Gang’ rendition became a favorite part of the movie.

Overall Consensus: While ‘Stockade’ didn’t achieve huge box office success, it’s considered a solid, character-driven drama with strong performances and a powerful message about race and brotherhood.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Gary Busey was originally cast as McKinney, but was fired nine days into production due to his erratic behavior. Martin Sheen then stepped into the role himself.”
• “The film was shot in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, to resemble a U.S. Army stockade in 1960s West Germany.”
• “The song “End of My Journey” sung by the character Sweetbread, was written by the actor Harry Stewart who played Sweetbread.”
• “Cadence is based on the novel ‘Cadence’ written by Gordon Weaver.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cadence?

As of October 2024, ‘Stockade’ (also known as ‘Cadence’) is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as options may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cadence, you might like these similar films:

• The Shawshank Redemption (1994): Features a prison setting, explores themes of friendship, hope, and resilience in the face of adversity.
• A Soldier’s Story (1984): Deals with racial tensions within the military during World War II, similar to the exploration of racism in ‘Cadence’.
• Brubaker (1980): Focuses on prison reform and corruption, sharing thematic elements with the power dynamics and injustice depicted in ‘Cadence’.
• Hart’s War (2002): Another film set in a military prison during wartime, dealing with issues of race, justice, and camaraderie among prisoners.

🛒 Cadence Related Products

• Stockade [DVD]: Own the physical copy of ‘Stockade’ to add to your movie collection. Relive the raw emotion and genuine camaraderie between the prisoners.
• Army Fatigue T-Shirt: High-quality army fatigue t-shirt
• Windmill Model Kit: A miniature windmill model kit. Perfect for collectors and fans of the movie.
• Classic Military Boots: Durable and stylish classic military boots. Good quality and long lasting.

🎧 Soundtrack

Cadence features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Chain Gang” – performed by Sam Cooke
• “End of My Journey” – performed by Harry Stewart

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Top 5 Best Army Cadences | New intro | Read Desc

Ever wonder what those marching songs in military movies are all about? This video gives you a taste of real army cadences. They’re actually pretty catchy and give you a feel for the spirit and rhythm of military life!

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