NokiMo
Cassie Tremblay
Cassie Tremblay

patreon


Full Metal Jacket - Full Reaction

Hey guys! ! Here is the winner of the Memorial Day Poll I want to thank all of you who are serving or have served in some capacity from the bottom of my heart. I've learned a lot about war over the course of watching movies and shows and accompanying books on this channel and and I could never do what you do, you are truly heroes so thank you from the bottom of my heart! I know we all have heavy hearts today so if you need to save this one for another time, you should do that.

As for the movie... I know this wasn't meant to be a "feel good" story, but instead it showed the harsh and crude realities of what the military/war can be like. It made me feel pretty icky, even though don't really like that word. I think that’s what Kubrick wanted you to feel about war though? I hope you guys appreciate the reaction.

Direct link in case the above player doesn't work. 

Find your own copy to follow a long with. 

Download this full reaction. 

Full Metal Jacket - Full Reaction

Comments

This is one of my favorite movies. This movie is the reason I enlisted in the Marine Corps to begin with. If you watch videos on YT of how it is now, it's not quite like that, but in ways it's worse. I love your reaction to the movie. I've never seen anyone get emotional over it. I guess my friends and I don't have feelings when it comes to movies. But, thanks for the great watch.

Robert

I am really astonished you watched this movie. I hope someone warned you about it before hand.

Carlos Stevens

In the future, you may want someone you trust to tell you what you are getting yourself into. You are obviously extremely empathetic, and thus you may want someone to let you know just how hard the movie will be. I am probably old enough to be your father, and all i wanted to do during the movie was reassure you and tell you that it was going to be okay. Guess I can be empathetic too.

Stephen Minor

thanks for your service

SmooothE 🇺🇸🇺🇸

I will give her a passs since she is Canadian and a modern women not living during post cold war times that my parents and many older people remember. I would dare say 99 percent of anyone born after 1975 would not have been able to live in these times. I love the reaction and this movie regardless and think this movie and The Crow Cas will never watch again on her own.

SmooothE

War is an ugly business and no one who goes ever comes back clean, if they come back at all. Bless those who just survived the insanity. "If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may not have always. Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind." Major Michael Davis O'Donnell, 1 January 1970, Dak To, Vietnam.

Darreld Studie

"Section 8" was a category of discharge from the United States military, used for a service member judged mentally unfit for service. "Poontang" is [1] female genitalia; the vulva or vagina, or [2] sexual intercourse with a woman, or [3] a woman regarded solely in terms of potential sexual gratification. "Charlie" referred to communist forces in general, both the Viet Cong (VC) guerrillas and North Vietnamese Army (NVA). Excellent movie. Me and my teenage son stayed on the Perfume River when we visited Hue in 2015. The Tet Offensive (surprise massive violation of the cease fire) was very real and while not a military success for the North Vietnamese, it was a political success for them. Turned US public opinion more against the war. Walter Cronkite in view of the Tet Offensive: "... now more certain than ever, that the bloody experience of Vietnam is to end in a stalemate.... To say that we are mired in stalemate seems the only realistic, if unsatisfactory conclusion.... it is increasingly clear to this reporter that the only rational way out then will be to negotiate, not as victors, but as an honorable people who lived up to their pledge to defend democracy, and did the best they could. This is Walter Cronkite. Good night." "Eskimo pussy is mighty cold." "I won't be long. I'll skip the foreplay." The word "gook" is an offensive term for a foreigner, especially a person of Philippine, Korean, or Vietnamese descent. From Wikipedia: Gook is a derogatory term for people of East and Southeast Asian descent. Its origin is unclear, but it may have originated among U.S. Marines during the Philippine–American War (1899–1902). Historically, U.S. military personnel used the word “to refer to any dark-skinned foreigner, especially a non-European or non-American.” The earliest published example is dated 1920 and notes that U.S. Marines then in Haiti used the term to refer to Haitians. It was widely used in Asia in both the Korean and Vietnamese Wars.

Clay F

bless you, and yes you have to especially then. Now the military is more tech and drones so there is minimal chance of hand-to-hand infantry fighting. This was the marines not patty cake class so it may be hard to stomach for those who didn't live in error but this treatment depiction wasn't out of order.

SmooothE

Hey Carlos! It should be working now. We are switching everything over from Vimeo to YouTube, so some links might not be working yet. Thanks for your patience!

Cassie

FYI, the link to this reaction appears to be broken

Carlos Stevens

I remember in boot camp we had a blanket party for an individual that was always screwing up (I didn't participate in it). This was in 1977.

Mark James

I get that the boot camp scenes are hard to watch, but when I was in boot camp, it was explained to me that the reason for the yelling and the weird customs you see them doing is because they need to quickly put you in a state of panic and culture shock because part of the training is breaking you down from the person you were and then building you back up as a solider/ sailer/ etc. And the reason Hartman was so rough on Pyle was because he wasn't advancing as fast as he should have like people like Joker were, so he needed to have special attention to see if he could hack it. When I went there were a lot of guys like Pyle. Also, the scene where they beat him up with soap is called a blanket party which was an old hazing custom done to recruits that got others in trouble with there mistakes, but it's been forbidden to do anymore and there are serious consequences to doing it.

M&M

When Cassie said, she didn’t enjoy this movie, I thought was totally understandable. But it was NEVER meant to be enjoyable. That was the whole point. Kubrick never intended this to be a family movie. It was about the horror about going into war and on to the battlefields. Good reaction nevertheless.

Joe M

I watched this with my older brother when i was 12 years old and had a 1000 mile stare at the end. i was too young. I have nt watch your YT reaction because i needed to seee your full reaction first. At least you know what a CODE RED is (wrapped up bar soap beating) from a few good men.

ExploreWinnipeg

1:09:55 'He has a scary look on his face.' Cassie... That's Jayne Cobb. From Firefly. 1:37:27:00 "It's Jayne! It's Jayne from Firefly." The look on your face when you see it's Jayne is you finding a tiny bit of comfort while watching a movie you clearly dislike. I'm wondering at this point how you're going to feel in just a few minutes' time. I've seen this movie about a dozen times and this is the first time I feel discomfort watching it because you are squirming around like a 5 year old not wanting to eat her veggies.

Powers209

I really like the movie but I know not every movie is for everybody. This movie is a must-see, but I wouldn't have had Cassie watch it for Memorial Day because of the dark reality it shows about war. From the way, the Corp made warriors to how some of those men acted as American Soldiers. In some cases, Vietnam had men following orders only to be treated as monsters when they returned home. I have family that served in that war and told me Kubrick got a lot right in the movie . I also learned that Kubrick treated the actors hard to get the look and feel of men pushed to the limits of their humanity. I also learned that in the big battle, it was winter when they filmed and everyone was freezing, They needed to betray the Hot and sticky Jungle Summer while they melted snow with flamethrowers to get the shots.

Powers209

Never been a fan of Kubrick's movies, and this one is his worst. I tried to watch it along with Cassie, but couldn't get through it. I was pushing for the Great Escape. Who in their right mind would have thought she would enjoy this movie.? and entirely inappropriate for Memorial Day. .

Doug Cook

Your comparison of reactions must be using a log scale.

Michael Threapleton

Wow! I should pay more attention to your polls. I would 𝙣𝙤𝙩 have had you watch 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 as your introduction to the Vietnam War. I hope you won't eschew the genre entirely because of it.

Jamie van Brewen

Cassie’s reaction to this movie is I think similar to most people’s reaction to A Serbian Film 🤣 I didn’t vote but I’m glad to hear The Great Escape came in second. She’ll undoubtedly like that one with nowhere near the same regrets. It’s a great movie.

Julian San

Speaking as one who voted for this one (regrettably) it was just the one that was most memorable for me, the performances are out of bounds great but I didn't spend the time to think it through. Heck the last 6 times I've seen it was just to skip around and admire the best bits, but as a film to commemorate Memorial day absolutely not. It's a spotlight on the seedy underbelly of the vietnam era military through the eyes of an antiwar lens. Cassie if you're watching this comment I really recommend NOT publishing to Youtube. I got nauseous watching what we put you through with this one. I hope we put more thought into future recommendations (starting with me).

Brent Fugett

Speaking as one who voted for this one (regrettably) it was just the one that was most memorable for me, the performances are out of bounds great but I didn't spend the time to think it through. Heck the last 6 times I've seen it was just to skip around and admire the best bits, but as a film to commemorate Memorial day absolutely not. It's a spotlight on the seedy underbelly of the vietnam era military through the eyes of a antiwar lens. Cassie if you're watching this comment I really recommend NOT publishing to Youtube. I got nauseous watching what we put you through with this one. I hope we put more thought into future recommendations (starting with me).

Brent Fugett

Well said Marc. Mainstream movies have clearly "lost the will to push the envelope on creative and realism levels." That's why I am such a supporter of independent films and are they ever going through a difficult time financially right now. If you are interested in exploring films that are galactically far out of the mainstream, consider Happiness (1998) (all of director Todd Solondz's films are worth checking out) and Irréversible (2002), Gaspar Noé's avant-garde thriller that is so incredibly violent that even I found it hard to watch. I was not courageous enough to see Irréversible in a theater or even on my big screen at home; I wimped out and watched on my phone.

Michael Threapleton

Grammar lesson- quote marks in the scare quote usage indicate a non-standard usage of the words within the marks. The words are not to be taken literally. And your comment is a perfect example of taking a quote out of context. If you were using the quote honestly, you would include the following- "Way to jump to incorrect conclusions. ..." [incorrect is the key word, setting the context for-] "Allow me to jump to conclusions to prove a point- You are obviously one ..."

Mike Lemon

Mike Lemon, Going straight to the pejoratives for lovers of Citizen Caine makes me think of what a wise man once said: "You are obviously one of those that only think the movies they like are the ones worthy of being watched, everyone else's likes be damned. Hopefully that isn't true, but it is how you are sounding right now."

Michael Threapleton

It’s is basically an anti Vietnam movie. Realism in effects was ok but realism as to what went on as marines and soldiers not so much.

Jason Mangen

She liked both those movies you "shake your head over". Also, people can suggest movies- it's in the FAQ at the top of the page (desktop), and some of the suggestions come from people she knows (for instance, the Mother's Day one was movies her mom likes). FAQ link- https://www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-faqs-64689290

Mike Lemon

The comments here have been the most entertaining so far. There's been a lot of back and forth about whether a poll winner should be subject to some kind of a veto. Also the motives of some FMJ voters have been called into question. I'm in the camp of a poll winner should be watched. This then begs the question, where do the poll contenders come from? A poll appears, almost invariably contains none of my suggestions, and is peppered with movies I shake my head over e.g. Maverick, The Replacements. This is not a complaint, I'm just curious.

Michael Threapleton

Kind of surprised Coming Home in a Bodybag or the even better sequel Bodybags 2 never made the list.

nick bell

Deer Hunter and Platoon for sure.

Darren Hill

Next suggestions for Cassie when she's not feeling to down,in keeping with the hard but needed and enlightning viewings on the subject of Vietnam, Apocalypse Now non-redux version, The Deer Hunter and if you have not seen it, Platoon, they each have a different take on the subject but will be well worth your time and interest a lot of the viewers, dear Cassie I love to see you laugh, hate to see you cry but mainly love to see you think and react, always keeps me back for more, especially when movies I love are featured!

Marc Levesque

Well Cassie got through it, tough I suspect not feeling that good with an apparent cold and the sniffles, I think Kubrick did a masterfull job of showing the brutality and futility of war, and the hell soldiers had to go through in war itself and the training at the time, any realistic movie about Vietnam is going to be brutal and this is one of them, ironic humour was used, some soldiers I gather would go mad without it, she mentioned in her closing comentary feeling bad, sad, but that's war brings, I laughed thinking she found some of the dialogue CRUDE, yep that's real life in that context, definetley not the kind of language used or TOLERATED in social media.... I think she might have learned a lot of new or infrequently used new words and expressions, let's pray she doen't get in a fight with her husband, he might hear some new things.... just joking! It might have added a few soft wrinkles in part of her face, I just laughed at looking at her expressions when anything sexually CRUDE was just blurted out out loud, at one time she was sunken so low in her sofa under the cover, I tought she was going to disappear right before our eyes, LOL... But that's Cassie for you, she must have been raised in a puritanical environment I have nothing against that, but my parents were ULTRA square and religious and I never had any problems with that, maybe because I grew up during the 70's sex revolution, who knows? I was very touched in particular and with reason by the way she reacted at the head/bathroom scene with Leonard, very emotional but that's Kubrick for you, like with The Shining, he made a powerful impression on her and many, that's what good cinema is supposed to accomplish, I've watched many superheros movies and movies the last 2 decades, a few hit the mark, but most are pretty forgettable and I miss the powerfull impact some movies of the past still provide if you can put aside all the glitz the CGI effects provide, I will always enjoy watching alongside Cassie, she exudes goodness and you can feel she's not acting or putting on a show just for the sake of getting new viewers, I really respect that... On another note, do you think a movie like this could be made today, honest language and all? I wonder more and more that by giving so much power to opiniate and criticise on media platforms, maybe creators have lost the will to push the enveloppe on creative and realism levels, in FEAR of shaking the public's opinions tree too much and be critized or cancelled for defiyng the so-called current standards of what is acceptable or tolerable in accordance to changing agendas for better or worse, when Kubrick made that film, I'm pretty sure he wasn't to concerned about tolerance, he made his statement, you either take it or you don't, now I can easily imagine any major movie script is scrutinized as to remove or alter, ANY possible content that could offend anyone, if that is the case and I believe it is, then we already lost some freedom as to creativity and entered a form of censorship, it seems subtle but it's there, I found movies could get very bland and formulatic if we lose part of our freedom of expression in various arts and sadly it seems to be heading that way, don't restrict and dilute the creative minds, let them free (within reason!) and let the people and public decide if the end product is viable or/and likeable, appreciated on MERIT,not just opinionated and/or biased news and social medias that represent only a small percentage of true public opinions...

Marc Levesque

I wondered that myself. Why this violence was so much more disturbing to her than violence in Private Ryan. Or Fury. Only thing I can imagine is all the warnings she got beforehand had her a bit nerved up. The way some people talked about it I think she just got it in her mind that it was going to be the worst experience she could imagine. Just a guess though

nick bell

Watched the reaction. I voted for this, and was also on the side of “Cassie can handle this, it’s just a film”... but yeah, that was uncomfortable. To be perfectly honest, i didn’t understand why she was so uncomfortable with some parts. I’ve watched her watch films 1000 times more violent (saving private Ryan?) and didn’t seem that upset. This one, a tank blows up and a soldier drops dead from shrapnel we don’t see and she’s saying “I don’t wanna watch this anymore,”........ I guess it was the realism she couldn’t handle? But does that mean A film like Saving Private Ryan is less real to her? To be honest, I’m confused.

Jeff Milcheck

Slight disagreement- the Vietnam stuff is true but the U.S. won the war in Afghanistan. They lost the "peace" afterwards (maybe 'gave up' is more true). I think it is a Japanese saying (but I'm not sure)- "After the battle tighten your helmet cords."

Mike Lemon

She actually learned a lot from this. She discovered where the phrase 'love you long time' originated. She said 'I have to stop saying that'. We don't know in what context she used it in the past. But now she knows it's origins she won't use it again.

Darren Hill

The U.S. won every major engagement but lost the war. The North Vietnamese made our own media work for them, this was 4th generation warfare. The NVA and VC military lost the Tet Offensive, lost the Battle of Saigon, but effectively gave the western media the impression the war was being lost. Then that impression become reality. An exchange at the very end of the Vietnam War between American Colonel Harry Summers and Vietnam Colonel Tu went like this: "You know you never defeated us on the battlefield," said Summers. "That may be so," replied Tu," but it is also irrelevant." Like Afghanistan 45 years later, the soldiers didn't lose the war, the politicians did.

Michael Hawk

The first half is good but after boot camp I think the takes a big nose dive. Also not the best movie for Memorial Day. Platoon is a much better movie overall. Better characters better story. Some of it is pretty graphic and disturbing images but it does not detract. The movie won an Oscar and Jake Taylor from Major League played his role perfectly.

RJ MacReady

Full Metal Jacket is indeed hard to watch, yes there is very dark humour but it shows that they were dehumaniised by the drill instructors before combat. The best war movie, and Cassie, it was all filmed in the Uk.

Andy Owen

This film and films like it are important to watch. War is often glorified but it is something we should all fear and respect. War is hell and it does unfortunate things to all involved. One should not feel uncomfortable watching this. There was nothing comfortable about the Vietnam war.

Myles Away

Not gonna lie, a lot of people were wondering how this movie ended up on the memorial day poll, some of us even said it was the worst movie for said occasion. Every other movie on the poll was better off being watched but for some reason people voted for this movie. My guess is, it was out of pure nostalgia and had no regard for if cassie would like this movie or not, but nobody here should be surprised you didnt like this. It sucks to see that cassie didnt enjoy this movie, but most of us saw it coming the moment it won. Other then the bootcamp scenes, this movie is trash. As a veteran who loves war films. This is probs the worst one ive seen. Regardless, thanks for sticking to through the whole movie. PS. As somebody who went through bootcamp in the last 5 years. It can be exactly like this. Though there is some things that were said that are not allowed to be said in todays training. A lot of the racial slurs are not allowed in bootcamp, or the punching, or sexual jokes of any kind. Most importantly, mental health in the military is treated a lot better today then it was depicted in this film.

LightsCameraJake

"What's poontang?" I'm sorry, with the comments so far being all serious and all, but the PERFECT (& inadvertent?!) comedic timing and delivery of this question of yours Cassie made me spit my mouthful of Pepsi (that's embarrassing!) all over my laptop. Thankfully it's gonna pull through; but that was, without a doubt, the hardest I've laughed in weeks! Indeed, I'm gonna be chuckling to myself randomly for some time with that one. For that, I thank you ;)

Uncle 'Traveling' Matt

One of the most sensible comments in this whole thread 👍

Jay

Perfectly sums up my feelings as well.

Cole Jennett

I find it kind of fascinating. And a little entertaining.

nick bell

Gee....All the "Dudley Do-Rights" have gone into meltdown over Cassie's reaction to Full Metal Jacket.

Darren Hill

The French gave up after their crushing defeat at the battle Dien Bin Phu in 1954. Ironically a primary reason for their defeat was the Vietnamese concentrated artillery fire using US guns captured in Korea by the Chinese a few years earlier.

Darren Hill

Let Cassie be Cassie. She is fine. My God. She's not 11. Agree with you Todzilla.

Philip Alan

If one is gonna watch films that ultimately glorify war then I think it's responsible to see the other side.

willGenre

I know I am late to the conversation, however a few points 1) The vietnam war was never a war America should have gotten involved in - it was a 30 year war for Vietnam with over 10 million vietnamese killed (I think it may have been closer to 30 million if I remember right). It was a civil war where the Vietnamese wanted freedom from the French colonizers originally and it turned into a North/South communism/not communism war due to our late entry into it. While WW2 was still going on - the vietnamese asked us to help them and we turned them down - Roosevelt didnt want any involvement and then he died. The French insisted that we give them funds (we wanted to help them rebuild France) they wanted a blank check basically to fund their war to crush the rebellion going on in Vietnam. They blackmailed us into giving them the money or they wouldnt cooperate when we were dealing with Nazi Germany. Every President from Truman on could have stopped our involvement with Vietnam and every one failed in that regard and each one got us a little more involved. Kennedy sent the first men as "Advisors". The leader of the North vietnamese actually came to America when he was younger and met President Woodrow Wilson and originally wanted a democratic republic like America had. 2) Bootcamp was pretty rough back then - The DIs could and did hit recruits back then - it is not allowed now. They could cuss and swear at the men back then - there are limits to what they can do now. I know from my own boot camp that my company commander (CC) that his dog was a better recruit than our whole company - his dog could march better, stand up straighter, dress better, and do everything better than we could - I swear his dog was as good as Mary Poppins or as close to Jesus as anyone on earth could be,.... The point of bootcamp is to break everyone down and then build them back up as a cohesive unit. When the beating occurred in bootcamp - that is called a blanket party,.... similar to a "Code Red" from A Few Good Men. 3) I did see one guy lose it in boot camp who seemed a little wound up at first but just couldnt hang - he ended up discharged with a Section 8 (crazy/ mentally unhealthy). He thought he was Jesus at the end. 4) The music was from the sixties - it was all very popular at the time in the US and in Vietnam. 5) A lot of people in the military do use language that is crude at times but not everyone does and there is usually a time and place for it. Another great reaction Cassie. Personally, I dont like this movie very much but some parts are fairly realistic. I chuckled at parts of the bootcamp stuff while noticing that it made you uncomfortable. I believe that Kubric made this movie sort of as an antiwar movie and anti military movie - it is supposed to make you feel uncomfortable or "icky" as you put it. Most people don't know the history of Vietnam or why we got involved - I learned in college taking a whole semester class on it - which began with its history long before the Vietnam War even started - even before France colonized it - they gave up and left Vietnam in @ 1956 btw.

ENC SW DV Rush

I like this one a lot.

Armchair Rizzard

Cassie, to make up for this give us a poll of the romcoms you haven't seen!!! My suggestion: 500 Days of Summer.

Eddie

I feel like this is a big hit and miss. I didn't like seeing her like that too. The only thing we can do is learn from this and not vote on something as intense like this. Sorry about that Cassie.

Eddie

I'm firmly against the whole idea that because Cassie didn't have a positive response to this film, that she needs to have people pre-screen her future films. If that was the case, many films would never be allowed through. I mean who would "approve" Mad Max for Cassie? Or Saving Private Ryan? On the flip side, who would have thought that Cassie wouldn't like Beetlejuice? Or how bad her and Carly would rip on Batman 89? Now the Tom Brady skill level Monday morning quarterbacks will say it's obvious of what she will like and not like. I think this is a knee jerk reaction to Cassie not liking the film. And even guys like me who voted for it, obviously didn't think she'd "love it". It's not a feel good happy ending film.

Todzilla

Well, I just got finished watching the movie. That was not enjoyable Cassie. Seeing you so uncomfortable and upset. And actually willing the movie to end in some instances, made me just feel bad. Bad for you. Bad for me watching your reaction. Just bad. If there was any silver lining. It was you realizing you should probably stop saying “Me love you long time”. 😉 Oh, also when you finally recognized Jayne from Firefly. I saw your brain working overtime every time he was on screen. I believe when you finally figured out it was Jayne, was the only time you smiled during the whole film. I applaud you for sticking with it. And making it to the end. Even though you clearly wanted to stop watching. There were times I actually wanted you to just stop. And watch something else. I hope you went and watched something happy afterwards. To cleanse the palette. I’m happy you get to watch Harrison next. I think that’ll be much more to your liking.

Robert da Spruce

PiB has watched uncomfortable movies before, but they've always had some aspects she liked or found relatable or interesting. Unforgiven had Munny's love for his wife, the friendship with Ned, the character arc of the kid who felt remorse. FMJ doesn't really have anything like that. I don't really get the appeal of watching someone have a nonstop pained expression for two hours. No one's saying she should never watch upsetting or challenging movies, just maybe not ones where she's going to hate every single second. Sometimes a movie can be a good, important movie without necessarily being a good fit or good reaction.

Ghostwriter

did you recognize Jayne from FireFly as AnimalMother ?.....also,..the Corps breaks you down, so they can build you up....and finally the Viet Cong (Victor Charles,..or Charlie) are the irregular fighting troops made up of Non Regular Troops

Dave Thomas

100% this. Guys just pick their favorite movies and think just because they like it, then for sure, Cassie will like it.

Aaron Mann

If you can't handle the stress of being screamed at, or roughed up a bit, how can you be expected to handle the stress of combat? That doesn't mean that everyone who makes it through boot camp can handle combat. But it generally identifies those who can not.

Paul Kay

What is it about this movie that people think is too much? She's watched so many war movies already that are much more horrifying than this. And why should someone stay in their comfort zone? That's not how you grow.

granny_goodness

Hey Cassie! I don't know what your vetting process is for the movies you watch, but I'd recommend having your husband or some other confidante advise you as to whether the movie you're considering watching is within your "comfort zone" (bad choice of words I know, but I couldn't think of another term to describe what you can and cannot stomach reasonably well). Just from watching your YouTube channel, I could tell that this was one movie that was gonna be far too intense for you. There's absolutely no reason to subject yourself to material that's gonna upset you that much. Please consider having someone advise you as to the strength of the content of the movies you're considering, for your own sake. I think all your viewers would agree that we want a happy, smiling Cassie, not one that is upset and worried about what she might be subjected to next.

Just Plain Bob

Yep. It seems that a decent chunk of the comment section here is middle aged men, and it's off putting to see the comments that act like Cassie is a sheltered 13 year old girl that can't handle anything that isn't a romantic comedy or feel good movie. Or they say, "Well, it's not that I think she can't handle it, it's just that I don't like to see her uncomfortable watching certain movies." Like, what!? Then don't watch the reaction, I guess?

Jeff I.

Well put.

Andrew Hogan

Solid points.

Andrew Hogan

I guess I’m late to the party on this, but I just want to say it’s infantilizing and sexist as hell watching all these dudes argue over what’s best for Cassie as if she doesn’t have her own mind.

Brian Harris

He was my favorite Thor, even though he only had, what 3 minutes, of screen time.

Mike Lemon

Lolol. Wow.

nick bell

Sorry you had to sit thru this movie, I knew this wasn't a good fit for you but those don't care voted for their own need - FYI the bootcamp part is how bootcamp truly is, well my bootcamp. The Blanket Party (beating while held down) is also fact but you might recall it as a Code Red like in For A Few Good Men. Yea, I knew this wasn't for you - 13hours or We Were Soldiers or 12 Strong would be good

JarHead0351

I had seen this movie before, but getting to watch it through Cassy's eyes made me realize just how gut wrenching it really is. That’s what I love so much about her reactions. it’s like watching a movie for the first time, which is usually really great, but in this case it kinda wasn’t. For the record, I voted on The Great Escape, I think you’ll really enjoy that one. It’s probably on of my favorite war genre movies.

Cameron

Lots of the war movies/shows you've watched have been about WWII. General opinions/attitudes towards Vietnam are markedly different and it's reflected in a lot of the films. Like you said, there is no inspiration here and that's the intention. I think the depiction of some Marines as a$$holes rather than honourable heroes, a recurring theme in these movies, really got to you. It's uncomfortable viewing and combined with Ermey's terrifying performance, it makes for a very tough watch. You'll have more fun with Patriot Games and MI2:)

Jay

What’s your PayPal? I’ll refund your money right now. No one’s here to be attacked and insulted.

Jason Chirevas

This is heretical but I think Kubrick has been overpraised. His technique was so stark and remote that his film's stories often suffered. Plots were mostly incidental for him though.

Patrick Flanagan

Cringe

Patrick Flanagan

There is without a doubt nothing wrong with disliking this film, and I hope you never feel the need to pretend otherwise just because your patrons voted for a film. Everyone has their own tastes, and that's fine. IMO I can appreciate this as a good film, but that doesnt mean I like or enjoy it at all.

BJ Stephens

They were referred to by serving officers as 'McNamara's morons'.

Darren Hill

The people who voted for this are sadistic voyeurists. To know this language and imagery and recommend this to a young woman, mother and a person of faith is disgusting. It's one thing to explore different types of films but that doesn't mean compromising your core values. This is just another way of talking dirty to someone on the phone. I hope we learned something from this. If not I won't pay to be a part of this.

Grinznmore

Brent Fugett

From the perspective of 2022 this film just seems like a poor man's Apocalypse Now. I don't think Kubrick ever figured out what he wanted to do so he ended up being derivative. Not his greatest effort.

Carol_White

I don’t know why this one won. People voting in the poles should think about what Cassie would like and not what they personally like. This, Platoon, and Apocalypse Now are very dark movies that it’s obvious to anyone who’s watched her videos she will not enjoy at all and will in fact ruin her day. Don’t give me the “it’s a work of art” nonsense, it’s about getting her to watch movies that she will enjoy not ones that are “art”.

Trembling Colors

Basic training isn't really about teaching. All the skills you see them being taught in basic are taught properly after basic training in A school, tech school, etc. No one sends an individual into the field with basic training level skills. Basic is about breaking down individualism and building up collectivism as well as weeding out trainees that will never cut it on active duty.

Andrew Ramos

HI Cassie, Are you okay after watching that? Full metal jacket is an amazing piece of art, but the pain on your face, please if you feel the need to talk, don't hesitate to reach out.

Stephen Woods

I agree with most of this. I will say, however, after having been in combat and having been a drill instructor (TAC Officer, to be more exact), I see this movie very differently. Many of the parts which disturbed me BEFORE I did those things didn't make me bat an eye afterwards.

Art of Free Speech

Worth noting that Ermey himself mentioned in interviews that based on his experience, Hartman crossed the line in at least a couple of ways, saying that at least one of his practices would've resulted in a unit that wouldn't give him the time of day. There are no doubt drill instructors like Hartman, but I think the reactions here acting as if Hartman is guiltless in the death of Private Pyle are giving him too much slack. To me, it seems like the whole point of the friendship that he forms with Joker is meant to illustrate that there was a way to teach Pyle properly.

Tyler Foster

I literally used that same analogy above. :-)

Stick Figure Studios

Oh, she definitely had warning. A lot of people were nervous for her watching this and, without spoiling anything, tried to prepare her for how tough a sit it was going to be.

Stick Figure Studios

Training is highly accurate. I went through basic scared out of my mind. I kind of felt this might have been a setup, wasn’t sure this kind of movie would be for Cassie. Maybe a little warning ahead of time?

Doubting Thomas

In addition to Pvt. Lawrence, I think GySgt. Hartman is a tragic figure when one understands why Pvt. Lawrence is there in the first place. His mental and physical condition clearly suggests that he is part of Project 100,000, derisively known as "McNamara's Morons." During Vietnam, they lowered standards so that educational deferments could be maintained. With white middle-class kids being able to go to college, that left the poor, minorities, and the previously unfit to fill the manpower shortage in Vietnam. Despite their low aptitude scores, they were put through the same training pipeline and eventually sent into combat where they suffered higher casualty rates. If you look at it from GySgt. Hartman's perspective, there's this guy who a few months earlier would have been deemed unfit for service. You have to get that guy ready to go to war and if you fail, the guy is going to get himself and possibly others killed. You berate him when he fails and it doesn't work. You give him a personal helper that can train him in a less stressful manner. There is modest improvement, if any. Then the guy steals food he is prohibited from having. Stealing is not being unable to keep up or not understanding what he is being told. That is willfully doing the wrong thing. So you implicitly order the other privates to kick the crap out of him. Then the guy gets his act together and you provide positive reinforcement as he seemingly becomes a model marine. Then the last night before he leaves, he kills you and himself. Hartman is a twice-wounded combat veteran who has been recognized for gallantry in action so he seems to be a squared-away marine. His dual purpose as a drill instructor is to make the recruits useful to the Marines and to give recruits the tools to survive in combat. The policy that inducts recruits like Lawrence puts Hartman in an impossible situation because the tools that work on people of average ability only serve to mentally destroy Lawrence, but those are the only tools that Hartman has. Hartman can't get rid of the guy because the military needs people. If he does nothing, Lawrence is going to wander into a punji pit or something in Vietnam. If he uses his standard training tactics there is the chance Lawrence will get to a point of semi-competence so that he will have a chance of coming home again.

Ceruleo

I agree with pretty much everything you said. What I can't figure out though is almost EVERY post Patreons still say "Cassie won't like this" , "Cassie won't like that" , "Cassie SHOULDN'T watch this" etc. That's kinda the point, Cassie should watch everything and she will form her own opinions.

Todzilla

Well a lot of these comments are not the community I thought this was suppose to be. I'll just say thank you, Cassie for toughing it out. I know this one was hard for you. You wanted to explore out of your comfort zone, and we dropped you into the deep end of the pool. I'm proud of you. You watched it.

Reece Coventree

As someone who voted for FULL METAL JACKET I felt I owed it to Cassie to sit and watch the entire movie with her. Just wanted to touch on a couple things I haven’t seen mentioned in the discussion yet. One of the overriding themes of Kubrick’s films, if not the main one, is dehumanization. In FULL METAL JACKET, the first half takes something already meant to be dehumanizing, Marine Corps basic training, and makes it a continuous, identity stripping horror. In the second half, though, we see the soldiers who survive that training and are deployed to Vietnam are still very human, still have their personalities intact. But they’ve been hollowed out, so to speak, and made into men capable of killing and, in some cases, eager to kill. It’s the dehumanization they endure that makes that possible, and that’s a theme Kubrick hits again and again his films. Look what happens to people when their essential humanity is stripped away, Surely Jack Torrence and Alex from A CLOCKWORK ORANGE are prime examples of that. Only 2001, among Kubrick’s movies, puts something close to a positive spin on this dehumanization theme. So, yes, FULL METAL JACKET is a dark, bleak war movie but, on top of that, it’s Kubrick returning again to the idea of men turned into…something else, when their humanity is forced from them. Quick journalism note; yes, Star & Stripes is the military’s in-house newspaper, as it were, and is still in print today. It’s accessible to civilians too, just like any other paper. Last thing I wanted to mention, I really appreciate what Cassie is doing with this channel. There are a LOT of reaction channels out there and, while I’ve found a few others I enjoy and find funny or entertaining, Popcorn is Bed is the one reaction channel I’ve seen in which the reactor is using the movies as a form of continuing education. Tracing the channel back to its beginnings, it became clear very quickly Cassie realized the impetus for the channel — Ben telling her she’s missed out on tons of great films — became something larger and deeper once she started watching and being affected by what she saw. The Cassie who started PIB would never have made it through FULL METAL JACKET. But the Cassie who’s discovered what movies can do stuck with it, was galvanized by it, and, though she may never watch it again, took from it something to carry forward to other films and other aspects of life. And that’s pretty amazing. So, I appreciate Cassie allowing us to take this journey with her.

Jason Chirevas

No offense, but reading war "buffs" explaining the purpose and experience of basic training without having been in the military is a little disrespectful in my opinion. Watching movies about war and training does no justice for actually being there and experiencing it first person. "My father was in the military" or "my uncle was in the navy" doesn't really cut it. I was in the military from 2007-2013 but you will never here me try to explain the experience of Vietnam. I wasn't there. I was at a BBQ a month ago and found myself consoling my crying uncle who was in the thick of it in Vietnam. I still hear his words "It never goes away." That man can tell you the experience of Vietnam not some war movie buff. People keep saying the drill sargents being so hard on the trainees is to break them down and build them back up to a fighting soldier. That's true when the draft is in place but in a volunteer force, they are really applying so much pressure to see who cracks and to kick them out of the military. Those that remain are more disciplined at the end but the results can be a bit preverse. I saw some trainees who were granted a bit of power (element leaders/dorm chief etc) go from the most terrified to the biggest wannabe bullies in a split second. All I could think is what weak minded fools that they lose their self-identity so quickly. One thing people never say is those that take orders without question are seen as good infrantry soldiers while those that retain independent thinking are seen as leaders.

Andrew Ramos

Vietnam. a war we should have never been in.

William Bryan

I've never been a fan of Kubrick movies, and didn't like this one. I will skip this reaction.

Doug Cook

I know this movie was hard for you, but I'm glad you stuck through it. It's important to see a military story that isn't about the brave sacrifices of the brave men who protect our freedom. I know that may seem anti-soldier but I really don't think so. Soldiers often recognize the moral ambiguity of the conflicts they've been involved in. Even if the overall reason for the war is justified, there will always be atrocities committed by both sides for bad reasons and the soldiers have to live on with those experiences. Stanley Kubrick made challenging movies for sure, but they stick with you.

Melchizedek

…Cold War Proxy Conflict. I also think that this movie is drawing attention to another controversial aspect of the Vietnam War was the Policy "...during the Vietnam War: The Johnson administration’s “Project 100,000” program instituted in October 1966, which involved the drafting of low-IQ men as the war escalated. Of the 58,220 of our military who died in Vietnam, 5,478 mentally deficient servicemen were killed, most in combat.” This Policy is detailed in Hamilton Gregory’s book, McNarama’s Folly. Cleary, the characters Pyle and Animal are meant to represent these soldiers and Marnies.

Uncle Phoenix

I agree with the others that this movie was meant to be uncomfortable to watch. It is important to note that R.Lee Ermey admitted that some of the practices depicted in the movie did occur during the Vietnam movie, but would certainly be unacceptable in today’s Military. The Vietnam War was unpopular and controversial in many respects. The most glaring controversy was that is wasn’t even an official war, it was a

Uncle Phoenix

Ha ha true! It can be WORSE! My father was a Marine during the Korean war and one time in bootcamp he threw a cigarette butt on the ground and the DI mad him dig a 6 foot deep hole to bury it! Also this ties to why I "like" Full Metal Jacket". My father being a Marine during this era, used that same type of "discipline" when raising me and my 3 brothers! I know Cassie would be mortified to hear this, but Gunny (DI Hartman), kinda reminds me of my father. Cassie couldn't fathom kids being raised by a DI type father. But I want her to know that I think I turned out alright! I will say one thing, ironically it is Cassie's channel that has made me feel "more human emotions". I was raised the "old fashion way", where men feel no emotions, you don't talk about them,etc. I still don't, but watching her reactions makes me feel empathy now,

Todzilla

"this has to be an exaggeration, right?" the exaggeration is that it can be worse. though Marine Corps DI's arent allowed to touch recruits. it was rough. but also the most important part before "being thrown into the worse place on earth" i did not vote for this just because i would not have asked anyone to know what it is really like, unless you knew what to expect...going in blind is unfortunate. "the one's that cost..." are legit...the one's that "Don't"...will kill you. Ready to get back to more "Fun" videos. Have a great Weekend Cassie!

Ryan

You are correct that movies about the Vietnam War are all anti war films or films about the inhumanity of the conflict, maybe the only exceptions I can think of are We Were Soldiers that acknowledges the sacrifices made by the servicemen, and the only pro Vietnam War movie, John Wayne's The Green Berets (1968) (this is not a suggestion to watch the movie, lol) , certainly the only pro war movie made during the Vietnam war. I agree with you Andrew, I also had a "feeling" about this reaction, but Cassie was very brave yet again and perceived that all the shocks in this film were not done for entertainment value.

MikeLL

Truffaut is one of my favorite filmmakers, but I'm not sure I agree with him on this point.

Stick Figure Studios

I believe Cassie is set to watch Goodfellas soon.

Todzilla

I don't think the quote marks around anit are necessary, this is an anti war movie, a brilliant one, so much so that it is almost an anti human being movie.

MikeLL

A great year for movies! I'm still holding out hope for Robocop!

Todzilla

Just saw the notifications on my phone. Very sad. RIP

Robert da Spruce

The reason why I voted for this film it really takes the time to explore the boot camp phase, especially in the Marines. Knowing Cassie like we do, I had a feeling the "techniques" used by Drill Instructors would be lost on her. I wish we could have watched along with her to give input to why it is the way it is. I guess this forum is the next best thing to watching along with her to give the answers. The purpose of the drill instructors is prepare you for the inconceivable harshness of war. I mean the experiences you would have in war, not just bloody gore of death, but even the political ramifications. In boot camp they need to break you down to your bare components and build you up. I know a lot of it was lost on Cassie with the language and the yelling, but you can see how the basics of being an elite soldier is instilled to every recruit. Cassie said she felt "icky", horrible etc., and like most of you said, this film is supposed to do that to you. Another thing is she said at the end there didn't seem to be a clear hero (although I'm glad that she acknowledged the the soldiers were heroic for serving their country). Again, another point of this film. I think MOST of us take for granted that our daily, mostly free and comfortable lives ONLY exist because of these men. If these men did not fight for our freedoms, we wouldn't have any. The beginning of any soldier is boot-camp. Is a Drill Instructor there to start the process. I hope that over time Cassie sees that, that the endgame is freedom, and it all starts with a recruit and a Drill Instructor, without them, freedom would not exist. My father was a Marine, my uncles, my nephew. I'm so proud of them. Sadly only my nephew is still alive, and he serves our local community as a police officer. I watch Full Metal Jacket a couple times a year. NO, not because I "enjoy" the subject matter, but because I think we all should have real reminders of what our family and friends go through to try and keep the world peaceful. I know Cassie won't watch this film again, but I'm thankful that she WATCHED it. I hope that she will reflect on it and try to understand why the US Marine training is the way it is, and in the end, it's those men and their willingness to endure the impossible that keeps life (somewhat) peaceful for all of us.

Todzilla

The Replacements by a country mile.

Michael Threapleton

"Goodfellas" Actor Ray Liotta passed away last night at the age of 67..RIP Ray!❤

Celeste McAllister

RIP Ray Liotta. Gonna be a little extra special when Cassie watches Goodfellas in June

nick bell

"The fact is that THIS film is supposed to make you feel that way." Exactly. Judging by some of the comments here, you'd think movies were only supposed to make us feel warm and fuzzy inside, or that they shouldn't be confrontational in any way. I don;t think Cassie was uncomfortable watching FMJ because she is especially sensitive, she was uncomfortable because she's a normal human being reacting to horrific language and violence. It's a standard reaction, I don't know why people are surprised.

Jay

This is a very important movie to watch on so many levels, to understand what came before us, and to aspire to be something better as a species. This is what is basically happening in Ukraine right now, but because Russia has nuclear deterrents, we cannot send our troops to help. The reason for this training is BECAUSE they are going to the scariest place alive. They are trying to make it so they can survive. However, PTSD is often a side effect of war AND training, and then they come home and cannot reintegrate into society. You would think it was an exageration but it's probably not. My brother was in the Navy, and he remembered being in a meeting and a man farted and the drill sergeant went ballistic, just like R. Lee Ermey in this movie. Ermey sees that Pyle is weak and will die the second he gets to Vietnam. He is trying to save his life. He thinks he is doing what is best for Pyle. Also, these guys were all drafted - so no, they can't quit. When they attack him in the bed, that was a CODE RED (from A Few Good Men) The first 45 minutes of this movie is like basically its own movie. And then you are just thrust right into the sequel. I think it is brilliantly edited the way it doesn't let you dwell on the horror of what you've just experienced. But the real horror movie is about to start. I think PLATOON winning Best Picture sort of sabotaged FULL METAL JACKET at the Oscars. With all due respect to John Boorman and HOPE & GLORY, but Stanley Kubrick should have been nominated for Best Director and this should have been nominated for Best Picture, alongside Broadcast News, Fatal Attraction, The Last Emperor and Moonstruck. Other 1987 movies that could have been nominated for Best Picture: Empire of the Sun Good Morning, Vietnam The Princess Bride The Untouchables Wall Street And then there is also Predator, Robocop, Dirty Dancing, Lethal Weapon, The Lost Boys, Spaceballs, The Witches of Eastwick, Near Dark, Innerspace, Roxane, Beverly Hills Cop II, Throw Mama from the Train, Can't Buy Me Love, Less Than Zero, and last but not least... Planes, Trains & Automobiles. And many more. 1987 was a GREAT year.

Jason Dolan

Off subject here guys but I am seeing reports that Ray Liotta has passed away. Cassie..he was Shoeless Joe Jackson in Field of Dreams.

Robin Craft

I was hoping this didn't win for your sake

Mark Harrell

Lots of strong opinions on one side or the other so let’s have a little fun with this to lighten the mood a little……worse movie (can only pick one): FMJ or TLJ…..

Goony71

Cassie, I'm not gonna say that I enjoyed your reaction or seeing you uncomfortable. The fact is that THIS film is supposed to make you feel that way. It was unusual for its time for the brutal realism onscreen and the lack of heroic soldiers winning the day. With regard to the boot camp scenes, it IS hard for someone who has never been in the military to understand WHY the military used to do it that way. The second half of the film, in my opinion, serves to demonstrate why, to show the horror and awfulness that grunts on the ground had to endure. The drill instructors had the job of making marines who could handle that environment and that stress. It IS awful, it IS scary, it IS sad. I do believe that was Kubrick's desire, to bring that harsh reality to the viewer. As some others have pointed out, R Lee Ermey WAS a drill instructor in real life during the war being portrayed and he was able to bring a cruel dose of realism to the role. I've heard various figures thrown around about the percentage of draftees vs volunteers and I honestly don't know what is the truth. I've heard it said that men like Lawrence were the sort of guys that the military WANTS for front line infantry grunts. Basically they were cannon fodder, easily replaced and expendable. I do appreciate you making the choice to tough it out through a movie that was way out of your comfort zone. I respect you for that. Much like Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers, you are a little tougher of a person now. Hope you and your family have a nice holiday.

David Bennett

The only Kubrick film i like is Spartacus.

mattosh79

I had a feeling this movie would garner a polarizing discussion. Most movies that you’ve seen have dealt with WW2 and there’s generally been a good versus bad feeling with most of them, where most films about Vietnam reflect just how people felt about the actual war. Some feel we should be the good guys everywhere, and these movies don’t depict us that way because it was much more complicated than it had been in the past. People were having there eyes opened just as you did here as to what war was really like, and in some cases we may have been the enemy as well.

Andrew Hogan

"Heat" followed by this. Without being didactic, joyless nihilism will tend to be something Cassie suffers through (at worst) and experiences (at best) rather than enjoys.

Xander Lee

That movie has some pretty bad moments as well and I might even say a few worse than this one.

Andrew Hogan

There are so many ‘good’ Vietnam movies out there. Being born in 82, I remember basically every movie or tv show talking about it at some point since we weren’t that far removed from it. Only in the last 10 to 15 years or so have they seems to move on to movies about war in the Middle East, for obvious reasons. I started watching all these movies when I was a teen, I was fascinated by the psychological affects of this and the amazement of what war was truly like. This, along with Deer Hunter, Apocalypse Now, Platoon, Born On The Fourth Of July as well as a few others opened my eyes to an entirely different side of war where it wasn’t just good versus bad. Sometimes the good can have moments of bad and once you open that can, there no getting the lid back on.

Andrew Hogan

the goal in basic training is to knock the civilian out of you and rebuild you into a confidant Marine

zynjams

I actually felt bad for you Cassie , the voters knew how awful this movie was . Platoon , even with its real depiction of war is much better

zynjams

Some of you guys need to get a grip, seriously.

Jay

I remember watching this film in college when I was just beginning to delve into the cinema of Stanley Kubrick. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was dumbstruck... particularly by the first half. The boot camp scenes are harrowing. I had never thought about it before this but I realized that the whole process of training a soldier and preparing them for battle involved breaking them down psychologically, stripping them of their dignity, robbing them of their identity and individuality (as Kubrick visually illustrates in the opening shots of these young men having all their hair removed turning them into anonymous, interchangeable recruits) so they can be built back up again from scratch into killers and I realized that war has more casualties than just those who die. As the poster's tag line aptly read: "The first casualty of war is innocence." What was even more disturbing was hearing from actual Marines that those scenes were not an exaggeration, but were actually a fairly accurate depiction of basic training. Just stupefying. I do, of course, have to praise R. Lee Ermey for his magnetic performance as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. As a former drill instructor himself Ermey brought a real authenticity to the character, but he also just happened to be a naturally gifted actor with an almost impossible amount of charisma. He would go on to have a long and respectable movie career in such films as SE7EN, SWITCHBACK, DEAD MAN WALKING, PREFONTAINE and others, usually playing some kind of authority figure since he was so good at it (he would occasionally parody his FMJ role in films like THE FRIGHTENERS or as the general of the little green army men in the TOY STORY movies). He was a gem. RIP. Good job identifying Vincent D'Onofrio (a.k.a. Wilson Fisk) yet again. Joker was played by a very young Matthew Modine who was also, ironically, the police chief from Nolan's THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. As for the rest of the movie, I personally never found it as compelling as the first part. It's good, but it doesn't approach the level of depth, beauty, horror, sublimity and transcendence of something like APOCALYPSE NOW, which I think is not only the best Vietnam War film ever made, but the best War film ever made. Period... though based on your reaction to this, I don't think you will be ready for that one for a while.

Stick Figure Studios

Born is a fantastic movie. It’s hits hard as well, but it examines the after affects of what these soldiers went through.

Andrew Hogan

Poor Popcorn, this movie is supposed to leave you feeling gross. This is a take on an "anti" war film. It's not supposed to leave you feeling inspired, or proud. It's supposed to leave you confused, gross, & ashamed.

Snapjaw

Jayne Cobb seems like a pretty common name. Im sure there is more than one.

Variable38

Thank you for your service.

Brian Jones

I hope she watched something to lift her spirits!

Steven Ashford

I'm surprised and sad that Cassie didn't recognise the one and only Jayne Cobb :(

Dirk Rheeder

Cassie, it's at times like this that I suggested having a movie like Pleasantville (1998) in the chamber. It'd be a great way to decompress and cleanse the palate. Tobey Maguire is great in it; Joan Allen is Oscar worthy.

Michael Threapleton

Now that her reaction is done, let's flush this movie down the toilet where it belongs.

David Crabtree

As a Marine I can tell you that the boot camp section of the movie was about 2/3 accurate and 1/3 Hollywood. Drill Instructors yelled and screamed. They broke you down until you felt empty. BUT. They then built you back up into a Marine. Recruits come from all walks of life and are people. No one is the same. The goal of boot camp is to mold you into a Marine. I only witnessed one time when a Drill Instructor hit a recruit. The beatings you witnessed in this movie is pure fiction. Even in the Vietnam era. Beating your recruits destroys moral and as you can see it is very dangerous. He would be court-martialed. As for the war part.... Mostly accurate. Mostly. About 2/3 of troops who fought in Vietnam where volunteers. Only 1/3 were drafted. You always have some Marines who've never seen action boasting how well they would do when they meet the enemy. That fantasy falls apart the first time you have to take a human life. I know this was a hard movie to watch. It was meant to be. Not my favorite war movie, but I do enjoy the boot camp depiction.

Fireteam Joker

That might be the most uncomfortable I’ve ever seen Cassie. I struggled watching her struggle. I’ve never heard her say I don’t like this as many times as in this movie. Cassie, did you look up some of the slang afterwards.?

Steven Ashford

In the past I have laughed at Hartmann's insults but I felt so bad watching Cassie get so angry and sad was so uncomfortable. You are one of the kindest and sweetest people on YouTube and even when you don't like something you are always polite. Thank you for being you and I am sorry you had to go through this movie

Ken Langston

"It made me feel pretty icky, even thoughI don't really like that word. I think that’s what Kubrick wanted you to feel about war though?" Thanks for suffering through it Cassie, and yes you nailed it on the head..... Everyone left this film feeling the same way. That's EXACTLY what the intention of the film was. There's nothing pleasant about what those boys went through. Nothing pleasant about the way many of them were treated when they got back either. Sadly, many were criticized and spit on simply for serving their country based on a garbage decision made by overpaid politicians who didn't even have to think about sacrificing their own skin, much less sending their kids into the fray. At some point in the future I would highly recommend Born on the Fourth of July as well. Full Metal Jacket is a cautionary tale. A cold hard slap of reality in the face of many of the pre 1970's films which tend to feel like glorified military/government propaganda. I'm still baffled that some don't think it's appropriate for memorial day. The only thing I can gather is that those people miss the entire point of the film. Thanks for another great reaction.

Brian Jones

I said the same time to her after she watched The Shining. It's like the saying about bullying. If everyone is not laughing it is not funny. In this case; if Cassie is not having fun it is not funny.

Björn Von Knorring

I can’t be the only one who thinks this is a bad movie. I’ve never been a huge fan of Kubrick but I really think this movie is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to war films. The first half is good showing what boot camp was like in the 60s/70s but the movie kinda just falls off in the second half. It’s also probably one the worst films to watch for Memorial Day

Alex Gorell

May I suggest a new rule to consider. Call it the VETO rule. When Cassie starts to watch a poll winner and after 10 minutes of viewing say's " This Is Not for me" she should be able to stop the recording and go to the 2nd place movie. Watching this reaction was not entertaining.

Andy Hafler

On the bright side, you've got this film out of the way and it's in the rear view mirror.

David Crabtree

I never understood the greatness of Apocalypse Now. The beginning is really cool and there are some great scenes on the river but overall it felt kinda dull Especially the ending. But that's just my opinion. To each their own etc. I'm glad you liked Apocalypse now. I know it has many followers and I respect that. I'm fully in the FMJ-camp though.

Björn Von Knorring

The movie is so good (especially the beginning) because it is the realist portrayal of Marine Corps recruit training. USMC OIF VET

Victor

It's pre-Tet so they probably going through boot in 1967, meaning most or all of them were draftees I think.

Patrick Flanagan

Not this again. Yeah, two harsh movies Cassie should never, ever be allowed to see are Silence of the Lambs and John Wick. She would most certainly hate them, they're full of violence and blood and intensity. They're clearly not in her nature and I would never want her to be exposed to such depravity. Oh wait, actually she did watch both of these movies and really enjoyed them and wants to watch the sequels. She liked Mad Max better than Wizard of Oz--what does that tell you about her "nature?"

Carol_White

I tip my hat to you Cassie for enduring this confronting and realistic depiction of the Vietnam war. I understand your empathy for Leonard 'Gomer Pyle' but you must consider this. It only takes 1 soldier not doing his job or not following orders to get a whole unit decimated. That's the reason he was singled out. To answer some of your questions. The VC or Viet Cong were referred to as 'Victor Charlie'. The were not regular NVA but local guerilla units, often impossible to distinguish between them and the civilian population. The term 'Gook' is a racist term used by US soldiers. The battle itself depicts the Marines trying to re-take Hue City during the 1968 Tet offensive. Hue is the considered by the Vietnamese as their spiritual capital. The war had a profound effect here in Australia also. We lost over 500 men in the conflict. My family adopted 2 orphaned Vietnamese children during the war a boy and girl. Both abandoned as they were fathered by US soldiers. They are now both married and leading happy lives here in Australia. Thankyou so much for watching this. I know it was a rough ride but life is a roller-coaster. And riding the roller-coaster is more fun than the merry go round. All the best from me and Suzie.

Darren Hill

I'm surprised you're able to think coherently after such a harrowing experience. 😛

nick bell

Not a fan of these reactions. I do not like seeing Cassie being confronted with such harsh images and language. I know being a YouTuber and a reactor comes with having to watch movies that are clearly outside your comfort zone, but I do not enjoy watching it. I feel she needs to be given warnings when she has to watch these sorts of films. I do not feel good about watching a person feeling uncomfortable watching a movie. I think I voted for Bridge on the River kwai. That is something Cassie would appreciate and make for better viewing. I certainly am never voting for something I clearly feel is not in her nature to watch. I like FMJ mind you, just do not want to watch this reaction, in full or in the YT edit, if it even makes it there. EDIT: WOW. The comments here are starting to look like the You Tube comments. Apparently the only opinion your allowed to have on here are the ones that EVERYONE agrees to. You voice an opinion that others do not agree with, don't expect civilised responses.

Brian McGovern

The tragedy of war is that it uses man's best to do man's worst - Henry Fosdick.

G

The French director Truffaut is supposed to have once said that it was impossible to make an antiwar film. No matter how disturbing, the nature of action scenes and depictions of soldierly camaraderie drew audiences in and thrilled them. I saw FMJ when I was 13 and me and my friends thought Gunny Hartmann and Animal Mother were awesome. So even a filmmaker as cold and detached as Kubrick wasn't fully able to show war as the soulless dehumanizing crime it really is. I'm sure this movie was upsetting but for my part I feel that the best way to honor the fallen is to be pitilessly honest about what killed them. I think it was Robert E. Lee who said that it was a good thing war was so terrible, otherwise people would get too fond of it. (I guess the closest a movie has gotten to being truly antiwar is the utterly horrifying Soviet war film COME AND SEE, from the 1980s. They fired live ammunition over the heads of child actors, and tried to hypnotize them after the movie was done so they would forget the experience.)

Patrick Flanagan

We thank you and your uncle for your service.

G

Believe it or not, US Navy recruitment films like Lone Survivor aren't an accurate representation of war.

David Murray

I agree, there are many other movies that would have better reflected the Memorial Day theme of the poll. As an American holiday, even the runner up Great Escape didn’t quite fit the theme either since it was in reality only British and Commonwealth soldiers who made the escape. Same with Bridge on the River Kwai. I’m afraid this one quickly turned into people just voting for their favorite war movie and forgot the reason Cassie put up the poll in the first place.

Tim Klug

My uncle Don was in the Vietnam war, he enlisted not drafted. 2 tour.. He came back an atheist.. Never talked about it.. Never touched a gun/rifle ever again..my mom said when he came home he screamed allot at night.. shell shock so bad.. he's been living in South Dakota since the '80s you just wants to stay away from people.. he was a Green Beret medic. I joined the Marine corps in 97-02 .. third battalion 7th Marines kilo company..and we watched full metal jacket on Christmas morning..

Chadddyboy

Man that was tough watching Cassie feel so uncomfortable made me feel uncomfortable for her. Hopefully we get something more upbeat soon.

Philip G.

If your aim is to show the horror of war you can't go over the top.

Future Boy

Ermey

Stick Figure Studios

"WAR IS HELL" General William Tecumseh Sherman

Matthew Dunham

Well said

Matthew Dunham

Well, that wasn't THAT bad. To answer your question, Cassie, the boot camp scenes were not exaggerated. The drill sergeant, R. Lee Ermey was a real drill sergeant. He was brought in originally to be a technical advisor/consultant for the film, but Kubrick decided to give him the role, and you gotta say he nailed it. The argument is that the boys will be thrown into the pits of hell and can therefore not allow moments of weakness or hesitation, as Hartman says. For that reason, he has to be over the top and brutal. It's kill or be killed. And yes, they shave their heads to make them all look the same. There's no room for duality or individuality, they all need to be stone-cold killers. In the end, Joker is the only one who maintains some sort of duality as you also point out. As for them beating Pyle with the soaps, that's called a 'blanket party'. In A Few Good Men they referred to it as a 'code red'. It's a corporal punishment basically meant to make the private get his act together, so the rest of the privates don't pay for his mistakes. Hartman indirectly ordered them to do when he said that they hadn't given Pyle the proper motivation. Yes, there's no heroism or inspirational characters or moments, because that's just not real or realistic in situations like these. Whether you like Kubrick or not, he reflects the human experience in its truest form in his films better than anyone. So yeah, it's rough. But the most important thing is that it's real, and it is. You were clearly horrified by the soldiers killing innocent civilians and taking pleasure in it. Well, believe it or not, that happens all the time in real wars. That's one of the reasons why I don't believe in "honoring" any soldier. I could be honoring people who were animals like that.

Shehab Dawoud

I doubt she'll want to watch another Kubrick film anytime soon.

Stick Figure Studios

Yeah I knew you wouldn't like this one. Truly the only Vietnam war movie I can think of that's something you'd enjoy is Good Morning Vietnam. Don't get me wrong, FMJ is a great movie and so are some of the others. It's just that they all tend to have a similar vibe to this one. If I had to pick another that was a serious war film it would be We Were Soldiers.

JayF

It really is tough to watch! But Gunny did a heck of a job as the Drill Instructor in this movie! RIP Gunny! Loved watching his show Mail Call on The History Channel… of course that was back when it showed actual history-based shows lol.

Josh Phillips

I'm sorry you had to see this movie.. I never liked this movie, I know a lot of people thought it was amazingly done but I honestly think Platoon, which is just as gritty, has probably more realism to it than this did. I think Kubrik went over the top to show the horror of war in FMJ.

Andrew Rose

I think the implication is that they are all draftees, even though it never is explicitly stated.

Brent Petty

I’m just here to see Cassie’s reaction when she realizes where the phrase “Me luv you long time” originated! 😉 Just kidding! Sort of. Sorry, just a little levity in light of what’s been a rough couple days in the world. As far as the movie goes. I still don’t think it was the best choice for Memorial Day. Which honors those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. I think there are better movies in the genre that better represent this sentiment. I do like the movie though. And look forward to watching your reaction Cassie. Thank you to all the men and women of the military, past and present, for your service and sacrifice.

Robert da Spruce

Even though I would call this one of the best movies I've ever seen, I can't really say that I 'enjoyed' it. It's rough to watch in the moment but it sticks with you. I saw it in the theater during it's original run and, to this day, I think about it quite often, especially when war is in the news and talked about at the proverbial office water cooler.

glenn harper

If you want a good comedy war film you should check out Dr Strangelove another Stanley Kubrick film

Matt

I think this film is a masterpiece but I don't think it's the best Vietnam film. That would be Apocalypse Now IMO. But even though there had been plenty of war films and Vietnam films before it and there would be plenty after it, Kubrick made it his own and provided it with his own unique style and genius to it and that makes it stick out among other Vietnam films and war films in general. With the exception of Jarhead (2005), I don't know if I've ever seen a war film like it or one with the tone that it has. Sometimes it borders on black comedy with a lot of humorous or colorful dialogue (a lot of it sexual) and sometimes it's as intense and shocking as war films get. The soap scene, sniper scene, and bathroom scene, for instance. And when I say shocking I don't really mean in terms of literal onscreen graphic violence. I mean, the impact and effect certain scenes and moments have on you in a visceral sense or psychological sense. Kubrick’s film A Clockwork Orange has that too. The stuff in the 1st half on Paris Island is certainly the best part of the film and IMO could be one of the strongest sections of any Kubrick film. But the ending is one of the most unique, poignant, and striking I've ever seen in a war film or perhaps in any film. I mean, soldiers singing the Micky Mouse theme song marching next to the inflamed destruction and rubble of a formerly populated city. And it fades to black and The Rolling Stones song Paint It Black plays over the credits. So brilliant, so Kubrick, and so perfect.

Aaron Hawkins


Related Creators