Full Metal Jacket

[first watched 15th December 2020] [original rating: ★★★★★] Full Metal Jacket is an intense viewing experience that doesn’t at all falter on a rewatch  This was my favourite Kubrick movie for a long time and still remains my favourite all round war movie - I really love the sharp contrast between the first and second half of the film The first half of the film throws you straight into the deep end with an intensely written, convincingly acted training sequence that is as powerful as it is profanity filled - the brilliant documentation of process of turning every day blue collar men into emotionless, empathy-lacking, relentlessly obedient killing machines is so entrancing  Ronald Lee Ermey‘s performance as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman is one of my favourite performances ever, bar none - his movement and line delivery are absolutely intimidating although you’d be hard pressed to not be amused by his derogatory wisecracking  The breaking of Private Pile is such a powerful and at times depressing arch, a prime example of what happens when a cog in a high functioning machine stops turning in the way it is manipulated to do so - the climax of the sequence is unsettling yet somehow, in a silver linings kind of way, relieving for the character  It still amazes me that the second half of the film, which replicates 60’s Vietnam incredibly, was primarily shot in England - the directing, cinematography, score and production design are all incredible - even the uses of licensed music never feel out of place or disruptive  The introduction of Animal Mother is a deep look into a man many ought to be scared of, but ultimately someone who advances a struggling group forward, though, through less than admirable measures - the second half of the film shows the adverse effects of these measures on both the American soldiers and the Vietnamese civilians The ending sequence is very hard hitting - watching the breaking of private Joker is quite surreal as he is faced with a deeply serious, psychologically damaging incident that starkly contrasts his renowned comedic attitude that made him stick out amongst his fellow soldiers  God this movie is so great! Definitely a film that will run you through some intense emotions and is definitely worth a watch for those who haven’t seen it!