"A Few Good Men"

You want the truth?!!  This is a pretty awesome movie.  Of course that classic line between Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise is what everyone remembers in this film but there is a great deal about it that deserves praise.  I find that the entire cast that shines and a story that keeps you riveted, even if you already know how it ends.  This is one of those films in our collection that I never seemed to have a drive to watch, but after seeing it again now for the first time in years, I am reminded of why it has become such a classic.  I especially found myself sympathizing with the two Marines who are standing trial.  Those two who made a terrible decision, the whole time believing they were doing something right.  I find myself amazed at both the simplicity and the complexity of their logic in receiving and following the order for the code red.  Simplicity in the fact that they see it as their duty, following orders and brutally attacking their fellow Marine.  Complexity in their fear of their loss of honor, in their need to keep to the hierarchical code of conduct as they know it, "Unit, Corps, God, Country."  I can even see myself in those marines' shoes at times...wondering when it was (although not in such a dramatic fashion) that I kept my "honor" among peers, at the expense of another.  The beauty of the end of this film lies in Tom Cruise's line to one of the Marine offenders.  He explains that "you don't need a patch on your arm to have honor."  I believe that that young Marine left that court room counting himself among "A Few Good Men," and I believe it is important that we are able to take such a lesson and do the same.

-David

"I want the truth!"
"You can't handle the truth!"
Famous lines. From famous actors. From a pretty well known movie. A Few Good Men is a film I've only seen once before, maybe twice?? Either way, it's been awhile and watching it once again, I was not disappointed. The acting is superb, the dialogue sharp. Tom Cruise makes you smile and shake your head at his callous attitude in the beginning. Yet you see what he is capable of as the movie continues, and his character grows as a result of the case of two Marines on trial for murder. Demi Moore shows off her talent as the serious, determined, and optimistic lawyer, who has probably the most heart, and while she fumbles, proves herself a vital member of the team. As does the other lawyer whose name I cannot recall. But I love the actor, and his quiet spirit and careful demeanor goes nicely with Demi's more spontaneous and leap before you look spirit.

The one character who makes me cringe, and widen my eyes in disbelief is of course Jack Nicholson. His even-toned, gravely voice, so sure of himself and his decisions, his inability to see even the slight possibility that he could have been wrong...let's just say he plays his character VERY well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film, and the message it gives, about what it means to have honor, to protect those who are weaker, to do what is right, even if the consequences could be disastrous. But the consequences of not doing the right thing can result in an even more disastrous situation, as we see in this movie.

-Bethany