A Harrowing Look Of Vietnam, Outside Of The Jungle.

Rating: 8/10 (7 December 2013)

In many ways, it's the last of the many War movies to come out based upon Vietnam such as "The Deer Hunter" (1978), "Apocalypse Now" (1979) & "Platoon" (1986). Stanley Kubrick, the great innovator known for spending years on his craft had been surpassed by many award winning movies. Still like many of Stanley's movies that are initially despised upon release, are years later lauded as masterpieces beyond the scope of a mere camera lens. "Full Metal Jacket", I feel represents Stanley working at his most un-prohibited in terms of humanities greatest flaw. After seeing through the bitter eyes of General Kirk Douglas in "Paths Of Glory" (1957), and the Superpowers of "Dr. Strangelove" (1964) we finally get to see what really matters. The soldiers coming to terms: "In a world of sh*t".
The first act shows our cast of heroes begin their vigorous training into dehumanised killers, led by the "cruel, but fair" leader Gunnery Sergeant Hartman (Real life drill instructor Lee Ermy). Training goes well for all, except one Private definitely lacking in any physical advantages and whose shortcomings begin to cost the squad dearly. Eventually our lead character "Joker" (Matthew Modine), is eventually dispatched into Vietnam. From then on there are reunions with former comrades, sadistic peers and total disregard for human life on both sides.
Tense and unnerving, the performances are worth the reasons of viewing alone. Whilst not the most quotable and recognised of the Vietnam depictions, Kubrick's camera-work is as sublime as ever, and it's hard not to be totally engrossed on how London's Beckton Gas Works got turned into Vietnamese soil.
Final Verdict: Essential Kubrick. If that isn't reason enough, I don't know what is. 8/10.