Article 99 [DVD]

As a thirteen year disabled Vietnam Era combat veteran who has been wrestling with the VA system for the past twenty years since being medically disabled (That is AFTER fighting the US Army to save my career or get my disability recognized) I laughed through my tears with my Vietnam Veteran brother as we watched this film.Do you wonder why PTSD vets go off and do crazy things at VA hospitals? Watch this film. Do you wonder why we vets seem angry all the time? Watch this film. Do you REALLY think government run healthcare is the way America should go? WATCH THIS FILM!!!Anyone who believes in socialized medicine should have to endure the Army's medical system where the good doctors have to fight the system -that is AFTER you get to see a real doctor because REAL doctors are in short supply, it took me five years after my initial release from medical care when I was injured in a parachute accident to see a real doctor again- I had to go through the medics and the Battalion Aid Station, the Physician Assistants at the Troop Medical Clinic and only when I was in danger of being chaptered out of service for my disability did I get to see a real doctor at separation physicals who spotted my condition and referred me to specialists who could at least diagnose if not help me. Then, I was given the left foot of fellowship on a medical discharge and left to the tender mercies of the VA.I've met some good VA doctors, but the problem is every time you go back to the clinic you see a new one and have to start over again. Or they make and appointment for a test two months down the road and a followup visit six months later to learn the results.Yeah, we need the government to run healthcare. Now, if I sound political here and it bothers you, leave this movie alone because that is what this film is all about - how government bureaucracy and red tape defeats the purpose of the mission of the VA- or what it's supposed to be.It also details in heartbreaking satire the broken promises to our nation's vets. Yes, I've been treated like a welfare case and worse- a bum. I've been brow-beaten by my doctor when I asked a question about the rating system for disability like I was some sort of bum because I wasn't satisfied with what I was getting. The problem is, if a veteran dies from a service connected disability and it isn't properly rated and recognized, his loved ones don't receive survivor's benefits. But I'm on a rant here.And today's vets are in for it, too. Tri-Care for Life is a joke and the VA isn't set up to handle the influx of vets coming from the current wars. Those of us from previous conflicts are sent to the back of the line to make room for the new vets. The problems shown in this move are only going to get worse.I know Liotta and Sutherland are just actors, but they will always have a warm spot in my heart for making this movie.

Siskel and Ebert really did not like this film but I thought it was pretty entertaining. It was interesting to see how the doctors got what they needed (surgery, supplies, treatments) in spite of all the strict rules (like Article 99) at the VA hospital. The way they had to keep shuffling patients around to different departments just to keep them there, etc.I admit I would not have rented this if I were not the victim of a severe Ray Liotta addiction, and as always with his 1990's movies, he was breathtaking (and brave, and funny this time). I found it VERY implausible that someone who looked like that would be chasing after Kathy Baker like a lovesick puppy...she is so homely (as are most of the women he goes after in his movies. He must have a "No leading ladies prettier than I am" clause in his contracts!!! Seriously, I have to wonder, because it happens time and again).I also think he has a "No showing sex" clause because they never show him having sex! He and Kathy did it, but you never saw it. Not even a pre-sex kiss.Anyway, interesting plot and major eye candy (NOBODY should be that lucky in the gene pool) were worth $2.99.

You MUST watch this video! Even though it is just a movie, it depicts very accurately what government run healthcare is like. To actually KNOW what it is like, you have to experience it firsthand. Try a 0500 formation (that's 5AM) for a head count, then report for sick call at the company level. Then take yourself to the Battalion Aid station to be seen by another medic, IF you get permission at the company level first. The Battalion aid station will then send you, if they think you deserve it, to the Troop Clinic where you can see a Physician's Assistant. More than likely at these levels you will be given light or restricted duty and a prescription. Then you can go to the hospital and stand in line for your medications. This is a day long process, all while sick, let's say with a sinus infection. That's government run healthcare on just a basic level...an all day process, with rationed permission at each level and you have yet to see an actual doctor. Worse yet, if you are still sick when they say you should be well, you get to start the process all over again. Now imagine something seriously wrong and you need to see a doctor or go to the hospital and you can see where this movie really shines. Long, long waiting lines, record "loss", records "review process", services, illnesses and injuries being denied, all while being treated as a lowly welfare bum just there to make their day worse. IF you do finally make it to see a doctor, he orders tests that take literally months to get performed, and asks you to return for the results, which that appointment is months away. By the time you get back for the results, your original doctor has rotated out and you get to start all over again...that is IF someone hasn't "lost your records" along the way. The movie shows the vet at admitting having to yank his prosthetic leg off to "document" his disability. Even now in 2014, the VA "backlog" is up to two years for vets with no arms or legs. That is the result of a government run bureaucracy. I am a twice wounded vet, but I buy my own private insurance and go see my own physician. I can go online and schedule an appointment for the next day, don't have to wait in line, they have all my records, competently treat my injuries and actually treat me with respect. In short, this film was ahead of its time in predicting what our country is getting ready to experience, big time. In 2014 our government can't set up and run a website, but it is going to run your healthcare and take care of you. You can't fix stupid. I used to think you could vote it out of office, but that is wrong. It's a shame all of America is going to get what the stupid half wants and what vets already know exists.

Reminds me of St. Elsewhere and reflects the actual views and happenings in what passes for VA healthcare.

I love this movie

Having had this film for years on video, when I spotted this DVD, I took the chance to upgrade lol I am a fan of both actors, and this film is brilliant for its time. Okay, its dated now, but as an 80's child I'm still hooked :o)

This was one of those films that was very good although it was nothing special. It was just a personal opinion and if anyone else watched it they would probably like it more than I did purely because of the story. It's just not one of my things. But even so I did enjoy watching it, so in a way that makes it quite a brilliant film!

Hadn't seen it for a long time but a good cast always makes me watch a film.Good service thanks.

I remember seeing this as a kid and still really enjoyed it, it had some really good actors in it before they got famous. A good watch when nothing is on tv.

film ok proves you should not fight for your country because they dont give a dam about you