War film that can be divided in two parts: training of Marines at boot camp and then a few episodes of battle are depicted. The first part is first rate, the second part is ordinary. FULL METAL JACKET emphasizes killing and the role of the rifle in a Marine's life, perhaps there is a lesson for us to learn or perhaps that's the sizzle in the steak and easier to film than what it does to their psychology or what they study or what have you. The drill instructor (R. Lee Ermey) is the fascinating figure in the film and the one that helps us to understand why they might be trained the way they are. Stanley Kubrick was going to have him as the technical advisor but changed his mind when he saw Ermey in an instructional tape. Forgive me but the language he uses and the nicknames he concocts are kewl and have a lasting effect, moreso than the battle scenes. [4.1 stars]
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