An Excellent War Film.

Rating: 10/10 (10 April 2007)

Stanley Kubrick, the master director behind such masterpieces as "2001: A Space Odyssey", "A Clockwork Orange" and "The Shining" comes out with an M-16 and a full case of ammunition for this classic war film, "Full Metal Jacket." Shot entirely in England and with a roster of A-List actors, you get a senses-shattering look at the Vietnam War during the bloody Tet Offensive. This film delivers what it says: "The Best War Film Ever Made" and that tag line certainly describes it well. Matthew Modine's Private Joker is both comical and adds humor to this mix but as well as emotional depth and how one is truly altered by war. Vincent D'Onofrio's Oscar-worthy portrayal as the loving-turned-maniacal Private Pyle focuses on the way war recreates people is a chilling reminder to what happened over three decades ago. Of course one can not forget R. Lee Ermey's best film role as Lieutenant Gunnery Sargeant Hartman as the no-nonsense drill officer.
The screenplay, written by Kubrick, Michael Herr and Gustav Hasford and based off of Herr's memories in Vietnam as well as Hasford's novel "The Short-Timers", is comprised of three "chapters": The Marines boot camp on Parris Island, the Marines first experiences in Vietnam and the disturbing yet suspenseful ending in the ruined city of Hue. A lot of people compare the three chapters in the film and say that the first chapter is the best and the other two pale in comparison. I completely disagree. I think the film balances the action and tragedy of all three parts and carefully molds all of them into one great film.
All in all, a terrific motion picture experience and one experience you will never forget. Indeed if you want to make a war film, THIS is how to make one.
This film doesn't glamorize war in any way compared to other war films in any shape, form or fashion whatsoever. A definite MUST SEE.
P.S. Stay tuned during the closing credits (or should I say opening since this film, like many Kubrick pictures, put all the credits at the end) to catch the Rolling Stones playing "Paint It Black."