Steel-Hearted Observation

Rating: Null/10 (27 June 1999)

This movie is without a doubt one of those that will unsettle you and leave questions that some might find difficult to put into words. Without a doubt, Stanley Kubrick had a definite vision in putting together this movie and I, for one found the the thin grey line distinguishing black from white, become unmistakably wide after watching FMJ.
The boot camp portion of the movie, which like many people, I find to be wonderfully done, shows the harsh realities of military training and it's effects on those who can hack it and those who can't. The powerful performances of Lee Ermey and Vincent D'Onofrio bring the conflict of their characters to light. This part of the film just has to be seen to be understood.
The second part of the movie, which has now moved into Vietnam, features Pte.Joker's misadventures in Vietnam and his failings in "getting with the program". His pseudo-macho attitude towards the war only hides his true misgivings about the war and his desire to be away from the real ugliness of it all. As Joker gets more involved in the front line, Kubrick maintains his cold calculated view of the war and at times, one cannot distinguish between the movie and a documentary.
The final scene of this movie is powerful and poignant as Joker confronts the ugliness of war and it's pointlessness and the point is driven home that "War is Hell for everyone".
A must see on all counts. Stanley Kubrick has made an exceptionally powerful movie with a disturbing message to tell..