My brief review of the film

Rating: Null/10 (14 January 2005)

A fascinating, compelling and at times mesmirising depiction of the grueling nature of war and training for war. The film is done in two parts: training and the real thing. The transition makes the film seem confused about its purpose at first, however by the end of the film it ties in fine. The first section of the film is a masterpiece standard portrayal of preparing the troops for war, complete with a commanding performance by R. Lee Ermey. The second chapter is still tautly done  the intensity of which can be compared to the second space segment of the director's '2001: A Space Odyssey', however it is not as brilliant. Either way, the movie is always intense and very well shot throughout. However, although being high-powered, the film's condemnation of indoctrination is not very potent. Quite good nevertheless as another entry in Kubrick's collection of films documenting dehumanisation.