By: Frank

 

It's virtually impossible to find a mention of The Boys of Company C that doesn't introduce it as a foretelling of Full Metal Jacket; which, despite whatever autonomy it’s owed, makes sense given the presence of R. Lee Ermey in his first play on the indelible drill sergeant character that he has carried through his post-Marines acting career. There are also the plot line similarities: like its successor, Boys highlight the struggles of ragtag group of soldiers in Vietnam, from wartime disenchantment to bold battlefield behavior.

 

But Boys is quite different in tone and intensity from the Kubrick classic released 11 years later. It's a tad  lighter in terms of direction and intensity of violence, and in that sense it can come off like a blueprint for what would be fleshed out and intensified in the Kubrick film, at least for anyone who loves Full Metal Jacket as much as I do. Ultimately, however, the fact that cinema history has cast Boys in the shadow of Kubrick's film is unfortunate (though obvious given that Full Metal Jacket has comprehensive DVD releases and this has no affordable Region 1 presence.)

 

 

In some ways it undeniably succeeds over its successor, showing us perhaps a rawer and realer look down the barrel of war.

Boys bridges to the viewer via the journal readings of Private Alvin Foster, an innocent, optimistic kid filled with dreams of becoming a military journalist. While Billy provides exposition, the film's protagonist is found in one Private First Class Tyron Washington (Stan Shaw), a drug dealing African American drafted from the streets of Chicago. At first Washington is a rebellious lone wolf who excels beyond the schlubs in his unit to the detriment of the kind of cohesive teamwork required in battle. But a dynamic shift occurs in him as the reality of war bears down, pulling a once self-centered and defensive Washington toward a sense of leadership in response to the cowardice and ineptitude of those above him in the chain of command. But war is hell, and Washington is crazy—before, during, and after his growth.

 

 

Eventually, the men of Company C find in the game of soccer a possible escape from the surrounding senselessness. Thanks to Private Billy Ray Pike, a burgeoning dope addict with a serious flair on the soccer field, they stand a chance to tour Vietnam playing sports. But it wouldn't be a war movie if things ended well, and their attempt to trade the battlefield for the soccer field is thwarted by yet another layer of corruption. Company C can't catch a break in this trap of a foriegn land.

 

The scenes of war and violence are emotionally compelling, but aren’t as prolonged or extreme as those found in some other Vietnam war films. The lack of soundtrack or score allows the drama to creep in quietly like in a well-made documentary, painting a war filled with corruption, confusion, stupidity, craziness, addiction, and, in the face of it all, hard-mustered courage and brotherly love. If Boys must be compared to Full Metal Jacket, it at least ties as a commanding drama.

 

I highly recommended this for war film buffs, as well as anyone who loves good 1970’s drama. I promise I’ll do a naked jig in Times Square when someone finally pulls this off the shelf and puts it out on DVD or Blu-Ray. And that’s a reward, not a threat, folks!

 

 

Rating: 5/5 Demerols

 

Good in a Good way

 

 

 

 

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