The Great Santini is a movie to seek out and to treasure.

... has a literally commanding Duvall at the center of it.

This is one of those special films that moves effortlessly between tension, tears, and laughs ... Robert Duvall's performance runs neck-and-neck with his Lonesome Dove turn as his career best.

The Great Santini is great. It's a raw, uncompromising film which leaves the audience emotionally drained but richer for the experience.