The best war film ever!

Rating: Null/10 (1 October 2001)

The late Stanley Kubrick was one of our most daring and ingenious filmakers. Doctor Strangelove was probably his most well known film with that scene of Slim Pickens riding that bomb. In 1957, Kubrick directed his first film Paths Of Glory with Kirk Douglas and it has since been hailed as a brilliant work. In my humble opinion, I feel Full Metal Jacket is his most brilliant work. I first saw this film in 1987 and have seen it countless times since. I guess as a career soldier, I have a special insight into its messages (it is one of the most popular films among service people). I don't think there has ever been a film about the Vietnam war that was better. In terms of realism and the depiction of war's horror and madness, FMJ is the best. In a sense, we are really treated to two great films in one. The first part is the most realistic depiction of military training I have ever seen. Many people dont realize that Lee Ermey had actually been a drill instructor at Parris Island and he is terrific as the brutal, sewer mouthed Sergeant. I have to admit that I also found his performance hilarious in some parts! Vincent D'Onofrio is also brilliant as the slow-witted recruit pushed to the brink of madness. Not to be a spoiler, but the final scene in the bathroom between him and Ermey is chilling and haunting and unforgettable, I will never forget the expression of madness on his face. The second part during Vietnam is also very well done, Kubrick makes effective use of darkness and slow motion especially during the sniper attack scene. A really haunting masterpiece from a great director.