Some Kind of Hero (1982)

Introduction
"Some Kind of Hero" is a 1982 American movie directed by Michael Pressman and starring Richard Pryor. This movie, a mix of comedy and drama, showcases Pryor's acting versatility. It tackles the challenges a Vietnam War veteran faces as he tries to reintegrate back into society.

Plot
Richard Pryor stars as the protagonist, Eddie Keller, a U.S Private First Class apprehended for over five years in a Vietnamese Prisoner of War (POW) camp throughout the Vietnam War. After enduring hellish conditions and abuse, he is finally released. Upon his return, Keller finds his life is in shambles. His partner has divorced him and run away with his company partner, using up all his savings and leaving him with insurmountable debts. His mother is seriously ill and in a nursing home, requiring expensive care.

Having a hard time to readjust to a society he barely recognizes, his only solace is available in his growing relationship with a savvy, street-smart prostitute called Toni, played by Margot Kidder. As many task opportunities continue to elude him, Keller chooses to make money by stealing from a drug dealership.

Characters and Performance
Richard Pryor's performance as Eddie comes across as poignant, sincere, and deeply affecting. Pryor highlights the intricacies of his character Eddie's life, his struggle with trauma (PTSD), his failure to discover purpose, his comic style, and desperation in equivalent steps. Margot Kidder's role as the similarly disenfranchised Toni includes balance and a sense of unwieldy but real companionship. The grit, dark humor, and romance between the 2 characters develop the psychological core of the movie.

Themes and Setting
"Some Kind Of Hero" is a brutally truthful evaluation of the disappointments and disillusionment faced by war veterans upon their return home. The movie supplies a stark and moving image of how challenging it can be for returning soldiers to get their old lives and conform to social expectations. The theme is strategized adeptly by director Michael Pressman versus the gritty backdrop of post-war city America.

Crucial Reception
Upon release, the movie amassed combined evaluations from critics and audiences. The stark tone shifts in between funny and intense drama left some audiences unsettled. Yet, Richard Pryor's acting was commonly hailed. His representation of a war hero turned hapless civilian amassed important recognition. Throughout the years, "Some Kind of Hero" has been recognized for its distinct story, compelling efficiencies, and its portrayal of the haunting truth faced by war veterans upon their return.

Conclusion
"Some Kind of Hero" is a darkly comic yet touching representation of the predicament of a war veteran making every effort to rediscover his place in society. It underlines the bitter truth that for some heroes, their battles do not end even after the war is over. Despite getting here without excitement in 1982, the film stands as a testimony to Pryor's acting depth and his unparalleled ability to mix humor and catastrophe. While it might not have been a significant box office success, "Some Kind of Hero" holds a long-lasting appeal for its unflinching representation of a veteran's life post-war, providing a side of heroism that is frequently forgotten.

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