Very memorable movie for me, especially since I was only 10 when I first saw it. Very emotional feel to the film and the topic is actually still relevant these days with all the base closures in recent years. Some great actors, young and old. Some very memorable scenes, especially Tom Cruise and his machine gun. A must see if you've never seen it, or even if you just haven't seen it in awhile. (It's actually on tv tonight.)
From Amazon: Memorable mostly as the film that introduced filmgoers to Tom Cruise and Sean Penn, both of whom nearly steal the film from its nominal star, Timothy Hutton. Hutton, fresh from his Oscar for Ordinary People, plays the top cadet at a private military school run by George C. Scott. When the announcement is made that the school will be closed, the inmates take over the asylum with military precision. Hutton is caught among his sense of duty to mentor Scott, the rabid militarism of cadet Cruise, and the rational arguments of Penn, as Hutton's best friend. Then a cadet kills one of the cops responding to the crisis, and suddenly this game of playing soldiers takes on a warlike atmosphere.
Directed by Harold Becker.
Featuring: George C. Scott, Timothy Hutton, Ronny Cox, Sean Penn, and Tom Cruise.
Misc:
Prior to the production of the film, the key actors--Timothy Hutton, Sean Penn, Tom Cruise, and others--were required to participate in a 45 day-long period of orientation with the students of Valley Forge Military Academy. While most of the actors enjoyed and excelled at their orientation, Tom Cruise opted to leave the training for the comforts of a nearby hotel until filming began.
The gate seen at the end of the quad area was built specifically for the film and was dismantled after filming ended.
Tetris Champion!
Space Invaders Champion!
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