The Wars (1983): cast, story & where to watch
1983 · Film · ★ 2
Released in 1983, The Wars is a notable film directed by Robin Phillips, running about 118 minutes.
What it’s about. Robert Ross (Brent Carver) lives a protected adolescence in a well-off Toronto suburb. Secretive and withdrawn, he shares his thoughts only with his sister Rowena (Anne-Marie MacDonald) who is mentally disabled. He feels compassion for his weak and conventional father. He avoids any confrontation with his mother (Martha Henry), a dominating woman whose despondency at having given birth to a handicapped child has turned to bitterness. Rowena occupies a central position in Robert's existence of daydreams and make-believe. When she dies, Robert clashes openly with his family, and decides to take himself in hand. It's 1914. He enrolls in the Canadian army, and, after training in Alberta and Montreal, he finds himself in England and France. The war becomes another way for him to resolve his conflicts, his dramas, his passions--his wars.
Who’s in it. The Wars stars Brent Carver as Robert Ross, Kirsten Bishop as Peggy Ross, Jackie Burroughs as Miss Davenport and Shirley Douglas as Mrs. Lawson, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 2.0/10, The Wars has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Wars page.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Wars (1983)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Wars change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Wars worth watching?
- The Wars holds an audience score of 2.0 out of 10. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Wars?
- The Wars stars Brent Carver, Kirsten Bishop, Jackie Burroughs, Shirley Douglas and William Hutt.
- When was The Wars released?
- The Wars was released in 1983, with a runtime of about 118 minutes.