Two pieces of masterful film that don't blend together as one

Rating: Null/10 (25 April 1999)

Full Metal Jacket was two excellent and masterful pieces of film that just didn't seem to blend together. The first half dealing with the training of the Marine recruits is one of the best hours of film I have ever witnessed. The way in which emotions and tensions ran high with the portrayal of the character "Pile" was amazing. The climax to this section was also one of the most powerful in recent times. However, as this scene climaxed and the film shifted to Vietnam, it took on a completely different look. The second half also was very well done. However, I just didn't see the true connection between the two pieces. Extending either one of these parts could have made for two excellent pictures in themselves.