Intense but discursive

Rating: Null/10 (5 November 2001)

Like "Saving Private Ryan" this war picture opens with a tumult of intensity that leaves the viewer stunned. In "Ryan" it is the frenetic combat on the beach, in FMJ it is on the hell that is Paris Island. Both openings are so impressive that they make the rest of their respective films seem digressive and unfocused. In this movie that was undoubtably Kubrick's intention. At times surreal, at other times painfully awkward (mainly though the use of jejune and trite dialouge) FMJ fades from the total control of boot camp to the searing liberation of brutal combat. It is in the latter mileau that we find an ending that is a profound anti-climax to the strident begining. Overall a strong work that has pacing problems, but is more than compensated by some great lines from one of the most terrifying drill instructors on film.