Another Vietnam War movie? What can be said about the Vietnam War that hasn't been said already? "Full Metal Jacket" answers that question, and demonstrates that there is always room for a great film, even if the genre has already been thoroughly explored.
"Full Metal Jacket" is really two different films, with Matthew Modine's everyman character bridging the gap. The first half has several dozen marine recruits undergoing basic training, under constant verbal and physical abuse from a tough-as-nails drill sergeant (R. Lee Ermey, who should have won Best Supporting Actor, even if he was a marine drill sergeant in real life). His favorite target is fat, slow recruit nicknamed Gomer Pyle (Vincent D'Onofrio). Those who are considering joining the marines should see this film. It may change their mind!
Only three mild criticisms about the first half,
which is superior to the second half. Out of the
large number of marine recruits, only four
(Joker, Snowball, Pyle and Cowboy) have speaking
parts. Did the writers think we would get
confused with too many characters, or was the
producer unwilling to pay extras to speak? Also,
Modine frequently does a John Wayne
impersonation, which is not very good! Finally,
Pyle has a weird character turn that doesn't seem
likely despite all the abuse and brainwashing he
has received.
The second half of the film has Modine in
Vietnam, covering the war first as a journalist
and then as a soldier. The early scenes of this
second half are outstanding, but when Modine
finally sees action the film declines slightly,
though still excellent. War is hell, but in this
case not quite as interesting. One observation
is that the American soldiers have great respect
for the North Vietnam soldiers, but contempt and
bitterness towards the people of South Vietnam.
This may be due to its corruption, depicted
through extended scenes of negotiations with
prostitutes, or the notion that South Vietnam was
not grateful for the "assistance" of Uncle Sam.
Actually, given scenes of a soldier in a
helicopter machine-gunning every Vietnamese he
sees, of any age or gender, it is clear why the
South Vietnamese weren't so grateful!
Not the greatest war movie ever (I still favor
"All Quiet on the Western Front") but perhaps the
best film about Vietnam ("Apocalypse Now" was
overlong and lacked necessary focus) and clearly
the best basic training movie. (89/100)
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