This is perhaps one of the most brutal and down-to-earth war films around, even if it is a bit over the top in parts. It focuses on the American Marines in the Vietnam War era, showing how they are brainwashed into becoming walking weapons, and then how these weapons behave during the war.

The movie is split into two parts; the first sees a group of new Marine recruits as they enter the "boot camp" training grounds. You see the recruits going through the various training exercises, climbing obstacles, holding their guns and keeping a straight face while being served a barrage of verbal abuse by drill sergeant Hartman (Ermey). The main focus is on Private Joker (Modine), who at this point is mostly a spectator to the horrid abuse dished out by the drill sergeant to Private Pyle (DOnofrio), a simple guy who, no matter how hard he tries, can't seem to get anything right.

The second part of the movie sees Private Joker as a journalist in Vietnam reporting on the war as it evolves. While carrying out his duty he witnesses all sorts of inhumane acts such as a gun-toter firing at innocent Vietnamese from a helicopter and enemy casualties being thrown into a ditch.

The film is bleak and brutal, with an amazing level of intensity the whole way through. A definite must see for fans of Kubrick's work.'