The most original insight into modern war, tops even SAVING PRIVATE RYAN and THE THIN RED LINE.

Rating: 10/10 (28 November 2000)

Traditionally, this film is divided into two parts (as is the book upon which it is based), but I think that division does a disservice to Kubrick's vision. The "second" half should be seen as flowing from the first. I don't agree with the arguments that the first half is perfect and the second flawed. Instead, I think the film builds to a perfect crescendo that leaves us breathless, epiphanic. I, for one, was caught off balance by the second part of the film and will never forget those mesmerising final scenes. If these is an "incompleteness" about this film, surely that was intentional on Kubrick's part. He wanted, needed, to make us think. I appreciate the respect he has for the intelligence of the audience and I also appreciate not being banged over the head with the "message." FULL METAL JACKET must take its place beside THE DEER HUNTER as the greatest war films ever made.