Ain't war hell?

Rating: 10/10 (11 March 2006)

This is one of the best war (or anti-war) films that I have seen. It is a tale told in two parts. In the first part we follow green recruits as they go through basic training on Parris Island. It is the first part of the story that introduces us to two truly unforgettable characters: Drill Instructor Hartman is a terrifying figure who uses both verbal and physical abuse to mold his men into Marines. Hartman is superbly played by real-life ex-Marine R. Lee Ermey, and not a single word of his seems fake or contrived. The second unforgettable character is Pvt. Leonard Lawrence, better known as Pyle. From the first time you see him on screen you get the feeling that something isn't right. The overweight recruit takes the worst of Hartman's abuse, is humiliated, betrayed by a friend and finally completely broken down until he becomes the picture of quiet madness. The first part of the story ends with a shocking act of violence that shows what can happen when you ask ordinary men to become killing machines.
The second part of the story finds Joker (the character who narrates the film) in Vietnam, now a Sergeant and a writer for Stars and Stripes. His job is not as much about reporting the truth as it is about boosting morale. Joker is a walking contradiction, a Marine who wears a peace button, yet has "BORN TO KILL" written on his helmet. In this part of the story we meet another memorable character, Animal Mother, an unbalanced individual who while standing over the bodies of two fallen comrades says without emotion, "Better you than me". The last shots of Marines marching through fiery ruins while singing the Mickey Mouse Club theme song could best be described as haunting. If war is hell, then these are the damned.
A great script, great cinematography, a solid cast and a good soundtrack all brought together by a great director. This film stands above all other Vietnam War movies, rivaled only by Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now. Full Metal Jacket is a film that everyone should see at least once, although it retains it's power even after repeated viewings. A truly great film.