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Post by ck100 on Jun 26, 2022 4:16:09 GMT
It may not be at the top of a lot of people's Kubrick list, but I think it's still pretty good. Yes, the first half is much better than the second, but the second still has highlights like the sniper in Hue City picking off the guys for example. Of course you can't forget R. Lee Ermey's memorable tour-de-force performance and the same with Vincent D'Onofrio. Leonard Maltin Movie Guide Review: Full Metal Jacket (1987) - 3 out of 4 stars
"Adaptation of Gustav Hasford's The Short-Timers is divided into two sections: a harrowing look at Marine basic training on Parris Island; and combat experiences in Vietnam. The first half is so strong (thanks in part to real-life former D.I. Ermey) that the second half suffers in comparison, as it covers more familiar ground, while keeping emotions in check. Still, it's compelling, well-acted, and supremely well-crafted, certainly in keeping with Kubrick's recurring theme of dehumanization. Original music by Abigail Mead aka Vivian Kubrick, the director's daughter. Filmed in England."
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Post by Captain Spencer on Jun 26, 2022 14:13:20 GMT
I'd put Full Metal Jacket at the top of my Kubrick list. It's also one of only two Kubrick movies I was able to see at the theater (the other one being Eyes Wide Shut).
No doubt the first half is so powerful that it outshines the second half, but I wouldn't go so far as to say the second half "suffers in comparison". It's still very compelling and has some strong moments.
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Post by politicidal on Jun 26, 2022 14:14:39 GMT
7/10. Decen 'Nam flick.
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Post by ck100 on Jun 26, 2022 16:38:05 GMT
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Post by James on Jun 26, 2022 16:53:17 GMT
The first 40 minutes or so are arguably the most memorable segment of the movie. It's still solid overall.
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Post by jcush on Jun 26, 2022 18:44:20 GMT
Love it. I'm one of the few that doesn't think the second half is a drop off in quality.
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Post by Winston Wolfe on Jun 26, 2022 21:54:31 GMT
Haven't watched it in years. I only remember the opening scene with R Lee Ermey.
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Post by phantomparticle on Jun 26, 2022 23:22:37 GMT
The two halves of the movie complement each other. The first explains how human beings are dehumanized and turned into killing machines for survival in war; the second shows the results in practice.
From the IMDB trivia page:
The audience in the theatre where I saw the movie laughed uproariously during the savage attack on Pvt. Pyle. I thought it was a horrifying scene. To this day, I can't say whether it was their cruel response to the totally helpless Pyle or an impulsive release of tension.
In the final scene the children of the Mickey Mouse Club generation, now hardened killers, walk through a hellish No Man's Land singing the theme song of the show.
The image has stayed with me all these years.
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Post by lowtacks86 on Jun 26, 2022 23:30:44 GMT
I've never understood people who say only the first half is good, some of the finest lines and moments are in the second half. I think this line from Animal Mother sums up the film's messaging: "Freedom? You'd better flush out your head, new guy. This isn't about freedom; this is a slaughter. If I'm gonna get my balls blown off for a word, my word is "poontang". And of course the infamous "Mickey Mouse" scene at the really brings it to a perfect end.
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