Typically viewed as the force that serves to protect people, the military is rarely questioned or judged in the public eye. However, adopted form a play of the same name, the movie “A Few Good Men,” which focuses specifically on an issue of an unjust accusation of military officers and their following execution, explains that the army environment may have deeply rooted underlying issues. Watching the movie was an admittedly unique and complex experience. Due to the excellent choice of the cast, a well-developed plot, and a flawless use of cinematography, “A Few Good Men” has amazed me with how accurately complex emotions and the tension within a community can be rendered to an audience.
With a stellar cast, the movie was destined to be a success, which I realized from the very moment when the film started. Particularly, Jack Nicolson’s memorable performance had a specific staying power for me. As for the plot, the film director admittedly had to exaggerate certain aspects to make the emotional stakes higher. However, I found it quite easy to suspend my disbelief due to the enjoyable acting and the exciting plot. The themes of honor, commitment, and courage were reinforced with the clever use of language, particularly, the cues of the leading characters: “Ever put your life in a man’s hands or asked him to put his life in yours?” (Reiner). Finally, cinematography, especially sound effect and the use of the mise-en-scene, made the overall experience truly outstanding. Remaining true classic, “A Few Good Men” continues to reinforce the importance of positive values typically associated with army yet also extending to the lives of civilians, including honor, dignity, and respect.
Work Cited
Reiner, Rob, director. A Few Good Men. Columbia Pictures, 1992.