Morally, an integrated whole.

Rating: Null/10 (29 December 1999)

Sure, on the surface this movie has two parts; however, it's moral subtext is an integrated whole. It shows us how one individual retains his humanity in spite of the dehumanising training he has undergone.(SPOILER FOLLOWS) The climactic scene is the one in which the surviving marines are gathered around the dying Vietcong sniper. The marine who finally kills her does so out of mercy. He has plenty of reason to withhold mercy: she's an enemy, a sniper, and a woman. It is very significant that this Vietcong is female. Recall how much of the "humour" of the first part is anti-female. As he looks down at her, he sees a human being, another self, and realizes he can't "leave her to the mother-lovin' rats" - as he is urged to do. The whole movie has led up to this moment and is then quickly over.