6. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Kubrick's second war film Full Metal Jacket is highly respected for its honesty and comedy. Filmed, believe it or not, entirely in England, it went on to become one of Kubrick's most adored and successful films which is remarkable for its action and sense of humour, something typically lacking from your general war films. The film follows a simple plot; a team of men go into training for the Marines and are then sent off to Vietnam to fight in the most-immoral and possibly illegal war. Above all of the blood and guts and numerous explosions this film presents to the viewer, the scene that made me the most uncomfortable is one which still makes it difficult but important to view the film: it is the scene where Pyle is attacked and beaten in his bed for being less skilled than his fellow trainees. That is a truly terrifying scene, the atmosphere of which is heightened by a clever use of cinematography and music. Vincent D'Onofrio, who played Private Pyle had to put on considerable weight for the role which makes him the record holder for most weight gained for a film. The second spot belongs to Robert De Niro for Raging Bull. But the greatest performance in this film comes not from D'Onofrio for the tortured Pyle or Pappilon Soo Soo who played that iconic prostitute but instead it comes from R. Lee Ermey for his portrayal of ruthless Gunnery Sergeant Hartman whose insults are both uncomfortable and hilarious to view.