Kubrick's Commentary On War

Rating: 9/10 (5 May 2019)

Kubrick has created a virtuous war movie. Excellent direction, screenplay, editing, score, settings and acting. All of the actors deliver great performances with Modine, Ermey and D'Onofrio giving the most mezmorizing. The plot revolves around the Vietnam War and follows recruits through basic training and ultimately into war. During basic training we see the most iconic Drill Sergeant ever to appear on film preparing and molding his recruits for war. He is also trying to weed out the weak for their own good. He finds his target and then unleashes the most horrific psychological and physical torment ever portrayed on film. It is very difficult to view without feeling remorse for the target and respect for the Drill Sergeant. After basic training the plot follows the main character nicknamed Joker which is appropriate. Joker understands the duplicity of man and the absurdity of war. He is sent into war as a journalist but in the end becomes a product of the violence and environment he is submerged in. After the Battle of Hue the platoon marches away from the battlefield singing in unison a song which this viewer believes Kubrick shot in order to convey his commentary on war and violence. The plot is dark, gritty, disturbing, violent and horrifying. This film has so many unforgettable scenes to this day. You'll also hear fans quote famous lines such as, " Let me see your war face". It is a masterful work of art and one of the most unique and insightful movies in it's genre.