Boy, you are right about the major spoilers, Lula.

I have only watched this once, although I do own it. I also do not usually watch war movies and was reluctant to watch this, but it is a very moving movie and Nic is just superb in it. The Windtalkers storyline alone is such an amazing story.

Things I am remembering now after watching this tribute:

...seeing Nic running on the beach...

I felt he encompassed the character, He truly conveyed the torment he carried with him.

I remember the part when his friend says he should come visit him after the war and he says that there are horses there. An expression passed over his face for a moment as if he saw the possibility of hope or joy, then all the self-loathing and despair settled on him again. So subtle and so tragic.

Nic conveys so much with his expression alone, I know we often talk of this but here is a movie where you really see it.