Review of Full Metal Jacket (1987) by Kevin B — 05 Apr 2013

The Vietnam war is seen like never before in this truly psychological and deep film experience. Master film maker Stanley Kubrick brings to life a haunting vision of a war both physically and mentally. This film was also the final in a string of excellent films showcasing the Vietnam war from The Deer Hunter, Apocalypse Now and Platoon.

The Deer Hunter focused on the emotional side, Apocalypse Now on the psychological side and Platoon on the true to life real physical events. This film brilliantly blends all of these together for one of the definitive motion picture experiences of the 1980's. Kubrick's precision direction helps bring out the truth to humanity's deadly nature from the hard knock bootcamp of marine trainee's in the film's first half to the deadly battle ground that was Vietnam in 1968.

The film's first half within the boot camp is a truly deep and traumatic experience showcasing what can happen to a man when he is pushed to far and eventually just breaks. That man was brilliantly played by Vincent D'Onofrio first as a mere happy go lucky overweight marine in training, but due to his lack of skill is pushed and psychologically broken by his peers to the point of committing murder and suicide in the haunting nighttime washroom scene.

The film's main protagonist however was played by Matthew Modine also giving an excellent performance as 'Joker' the marine who claims he is "Born to Kill" however it may merely be an attempt to look like a badass as this claim is truly put to the test upon entering the battle grounds of Vietnam. His character is also psychologically evolving from the boot camp to the war but he learns to face fear and conquer it and to become not afraid.

Kubrick put together some of the most excellent war sequences I have seen on film. And unlike previous 'Nam films rather than this being a jungle ambush warfare style war film he took the film to the streets and civilized areas. This film is truly a classic film on all levels and one that has left a lasting impression on cinema, it is haunting, groundbreaking, dramatic, action packed and pure Kubrick.