Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Full Metal Jacket

• I wasn’t sure what I was gonna think about this movie before watching it, but I’m definitely glad I did. Stanley Kubrick did a solid job of his adaptation of the Vietnam War, and this movie has a serious message to it. Throughout the movie, you see how war and physical training can take its toll on you, both physically and mentally. There is one specific scene where you see a certain character completely snap, and quite honestly, I was left horrified. It was such a tragic yet great turning point in the movie. Although it was disturbing, I’m glad Kubrick went ahead with it. You physically get to see the mental impact of war and boot camp, and it was a unique and educational experience. The ending scene was also very good, and it makes you think about all the decisions that the soldiers have to make while in combat. Once the movie finished, it left me thinking about what I had just watched (which most movies do), but I was especially intrigued by this one. However, despite the powerful message, it was hard for me to pay attention in the last half of the movie. There was lots of action that was intense and epic, but I was still a little bored. To me, the last half of the movie felt completely different than the first, because in a certain way, it somewhat changes tone. I didn’t like the transition from the first half to the second, and it was just a little confusing. The acting in this one was superb, especially R. Lee Ermey, Matthew Modine, and Vincent D’Onofrio. Ermey absolutely killed it as Hartman, and though he was nominated for a Golden Globe, I was shocked he didn’t win. Modine and D’Onofrio also fit their characters well, and I’m really glad they were cast. I also really loved the soundtrack, and it fit the movie really well. Overall, this is a great war/drama movie, and though I was slightly bored throughout. The majority of it is really good. It makes you laugh, as well as leaving you shocked and serious. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!