The Best Marine Corps Boot Camp Depiction Ever Done

Rating: 10/10 (30 March 2000)

I went into the Marine Corps in January 1968 and I must say that this film is by far the most authentic depiction of Marine Corps boot camp you'll ever see. If you weren't in the Corps, just watch this movie and you'll learn what it was like. When I was in, I can remember trying hard not to laugh at a lot of the one-liners my DI would utter, just like Pvt Pyle. Fortunately, though, I wasn't forced to "strangle myself" like Pyle was. I thought that was a very powerful scene, one that melted your smile away as you watched it.
I don't understand why the DI was shot at the end of the first part of the film. Perhaps it's intended as just retribution because he was so harsh, but I think killing him sends the wrong message. The DI was not a "bad guy," per se; he was doing the best job he could to prepare the recruits for combat. He was doing it so these guys would have the best chance possible to survive in war. My DI was like this guy: a strange blend of caring and meanness. And believe it or not, I carry with me fond memories of him, and always will.
The war in Vietnam certainly was a mistake. I was fortunate enough to survive my tour, but so many others weren't as lucky. I had close friends die. What's most important now is to keep the memory alive of what went on back then, so that succeeding generations can learn of the sacrifices and the suffering that took place. Films like FMJ serve this purpose well.