1969

Year: 1988

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Ernest Thompson

WarDramaRomance

Set in 1969, two rebellious youths, Ralph and Scott, face adulthood amid the Vietnam War. Trapped in their small town, Scott clashes with his conservative veteran father, Cliff, while Ralph deals with his overtly sexual mother, Ev. When tragic news from the front arrives, the town, spurred by their anti‑war efforts, reexamines its stance on the conflict.

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Timeline & Setting – 1969 (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of 1969 (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Maryland, USA, Canada–US border, Washington, D.C.

The story unfolds in a small Maryland lakeside town, anchored by a close-knit family and a resilient local culture. Easter sunrise service by the lake and a summertime festival frame the teenagers' road trip and sense of freedom. The narrative also spans the local draft board and a border crossing at Canada as characters confront questions of duty and escape.

🏞️ Lakeside town 🕰️ 1960s backdrop 🗺️ Regional community

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:31

Main Characters – 1969 (1988)

Meet the key characters of 1969 (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:31

Major Themes – 1969 (1988)

Explore the central themes of 1969 (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:31

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about generational rebellion like 1969

Young protagonists challenge the status quo during a national upheaval.If you liked the youthful defiance in 1969, explore more movies where teens and young adults grapple with authority during turbulent times. These films share themes of political awakening, family conflict, and the painful transition to adulthood amid societal crisis.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow young characters as their personal rebellion becomes entangled with a larger political or social conflict. The central arc involves challenging parental or governmental authority, leading to a crisis that forces a redefinition of self and values, often at a great personal cost.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the intense emotional experience of youthful rebellion against a powerful, often conservative, establishment. They share a tense atmosphere, heavy emotional weight, and a focus on how external crises accelerate personal growth and ideological conflict.

Movies about bittersweet political awakening like 1969

Personal tragedy sparks a painful but purposeful political awakening.Find movies similar to 1969, where a character's devastating personal loss leads to a collective political awakening. These emotionally heavy dramas explore how grief can transform into action, culminating in endings that are both sad and hopeful.

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Narrative Summary

This narrative pattern begins with characters living in a state of relative ignorance or passive opposition. A sudden, tragic event—often the death of a loved one—shatters their world, forcing them to confront harsh realities. The story concludes not with simple resolution, but with the characters channeling their grief into meaningful, albeit difficult, action.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their specific emotional arc: a journey from passive anxiety to active engagement, triggered by loss. They share a bittersweet tone, a steady pacing that builds to an emotional climax, and a focus on the transformative, if painful, power of grief.

Unlock the Full Story of 1969

Don't stop at just watching — explore 1969 in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what 1969 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

1969 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 1969, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

1969 Timeline

Track the full timeline of 1969 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

1969 Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of 1969 that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About 1969

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about 1969: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to 1969

Discover movies like 1969 that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.