Cadence
Directed by Martin Sheen6.546%70%6.7
A young, fiercely independent Army Private is thrust into a work-camp stockade where he discovers the value of friendship and loyalty in the face of a dangerous enemy from a dynamic group of black prisoners.
Cadence Ratings & Reviews
- flavo43December 16, 2025Cadence (1990) is an unusual, almost family‑affair drama, with Charlie Sheen starring as a troubled soldier sent to a stockade in 1960s West Germany—directed by his father, Martin Sheen, who also appears in the film. The story works as a restrained coming‑of‑age tale, exploring discipline, identity, and the quiet tensions simmering within military life. It briefly touches on racist undertones through the dynamic between Sheen’s character and the predominantly Black unit he’s assigned to, offering moments of insight even if the film doesn’t fully commit to exploring them. While it’s far from a perfect movie, and its pacing can feel uneven, the supporting cast brings real personality and warmth, giving the story more emotional texture than expected. Cadence may not stand out as a major classic, but it remains an interesting, character‑driven piece with a unique atmosphere and a quietly memorable ensemble.
Cadence Trivia
Cadence was released on November 16, 1990.
Cadence was directed by Martin Sheen.
Cadence has a runtime of 1h 36m.
Cadence was produced by Richard Davis.
A young, fiercely independent Army Private is thrust into a work-camp stockade where he discovers the value of friendship and loyalty in the face of a dangerous enemy from a dynamic group of black prisoners.
The key characters in Cadence are Pfc. Franklin Fairchild Bean (Charlie Sheen), MSgt. Otis V. McKinney (Martin Sheen), Roosevelt Stokes (Laurence Fishburne).
Cadence is rated PG-13.
Cadence is a Drama film.
Cadence has an audience rating of 7 out of 10.
Cadence has made $2.1M at the box office.