“Article 99” is a heartbreaking yet powerful portrayal of a broken system, one that resonates deeply with veterans and those familiar with the realities of VA clinics. Released March 13, 1992, this film unflinchingly depicts the struggles of veterans seeking the healthcare they were promised, only to find themselves entangled in a bureaucracy that values budgets over lives. While the movie might not have achieved its deserved acclaim, its message remains tragically relevant and poignant.
A strong Cast
Directed by Howard Deutch and written by Ron Cutler, this movie has an amazingly star-studded cast that includes Ray Liotta, Kiefer Sutherland, Forest Whitaker, Lea Thompson, John Mahoney, John C. McGinley, Keith David, Kathy Baker. These are just a few of the stars that you will see on-screen, and there are even more stand-outs during the film that you cannot ignore due to their depiction of mentally, physically, or emotionally struggling patient veterans. Eli Wallach stands out in his role of Sam Abrams, a ‘Gomer’ (critical patient who cannot be admitted even with a critical condition), who befriends a struggling Sutherland and mentors him back to confidence in his role as a doctor to Abrams.
The movie paints a grim picture of the VA, portraying it as a place where veterans are either ignored or, worse, left to die. It exposes the cold, bureaucratic processes that seem more focused on finding loopholes to deny care than on providing life-saving treatment. This depiction of the VA—a clinic run not by compassion but by cost-saving measures—hits close to home, especially for those who have witnessed or experienced similar neglect firsthand.
A Tale As Old as Time
Mental health, while not the primary focus of the film, plays a significant role in setting the tone of the film. The story begins with a veteran’s desperate struggle to be “seen,” not just physically but emotionally and mentally, who takes matters into his own hands after being categorized as ‘Article 99’. This article is basically a loophole diagnosing patients with a coverable disability, but due to funding, they cannot be treated. The recipient of the letter proceeds to drive his pickup truck into the entrance of the VA hospital and then walks the halls and offices firing off his M16. Luckily, nobody on the staff is severely injured before he is rendered unconscious, but this moment encapsulates the larger issue of how veterans, even decades later, continue to fight for acknowledgment and care. The pain of watching these scenes is magnified for those of us who have served, knowing that so many heroes—individuals who have given everything for their country—are treated as expendable in their most vulnerable moments.
Impactful and relatable
As a veteran, watching “Article 99” is a profoundly painful experience. The film’s depiction of veterans being dismissed, neglected, and left to suffer is an unflinching reminder of the systemic failures that continue to plague the VA. It’s a stark contrast to the honor and respect these individuals deserve. Perhaps one of the most heart-wrenching aspects is how the film portrays these heroes in their moments before death—not surrounded by the gratitude of a nation, but fighting a lonely battle for dignity and care.
Ray Liotta, Kiefer Sutherland, and Forest Whitaker in Article 99 (1992)
Despite its compelling message, the film does falter in places. One of its most glaring missteps is the inclusion of a romance subplot between Liotta and Kathy Baker, not only is it an awkward coupling, but it detracts from the core narrative. While the physical attraction of two stressed-out doctors needing to find some moments of ‘human contact’ is believable, it feels misplaced in a story that should be laser-focused on the struggles of veterans. This diversion weakens the emotional impact of the film’s more critical themes.
That said, the film’s exceptional cast delivers stellar performances that elevate the material. The ensemble’s commitment to their roles brings depth and authenticity to the story, making it both compelling and memorable.
A necessary classic
Though it wasn’t well-received at the time of its release, “Article 99” deserves to be revisited. It’s a film that, despite its flaws, shines a harsh light on issues that remain painfully relevant today. For anyone seeking to understand the challenges faced by veterans—and the systemic indifference they often encounter—this movie is a must-watch. It’s a sobering reminder of how far we have yet to go in honoring and supporting those who have sacrificed so much for their country.
