Review of G.I. Jane (1997) by Daren E — 16 Sep 2011

"FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION.".

One of Director Ridley Scott's (Alien, Gladiator, Blackhawk Down, American Gangster) most brutal films. GI Jane is an explosive, bare knuckle knockout of estrogen-based testosterone- (you get my drift) fueled madness. A nerve-shredding film that had my heart pounding for just about the entire runtime, its a razor-sharp, ultra-charged and electrifying trip through some of the most maddeningly intense training that the United Sates military can dish out. Yeah the film isnt without its flaws, but they're minimal when you consider the amount of tedious and arduous work that went into the making this film. This is the ultimate female empowerment film, one that women rights groups had their eyes glued to in a hypnotized gaze. Its the story of the first female asset in the United States Navy SEALS, and the rigorous training that she went through on her quest to becoming one of the elite soldiers. Ridley Scott and company do not shy away from the unflinching brutalities that this woman went through during boot camp, and this makes for some explosively searingly intense movie-viewing. Its tough as nails, a real stunner that left me speechless. An Adrenaline-charged, tremendously hard-hitting, frequently stomach-churning, deeply honest film that left me nearly shell-shocked by the end. Its action-packed and outrageously spellbinding, a film that isnt to be missed. Not one of Scott's best films, but certainly far from his worst.

Demi Moore does a spectacular job of unleashing her inner man, the woman gives a surprising and almost frighteningly masculine performance throughout. Viggo Mortensen stole the show, he is intense, he is commanding, he is everything you would'nt want from a commanding officer and drill sergeant. Mortensen played his role masterfully. Anne Bancroft and James Caveizel give great supporting roles as well.