Plot and Cast
A Few Good Men is a 1992 military courtroom drama film directed by Rob Reiner and written by Aaron Sorkin. The plot follows young lawyer Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee (played by Tom Cruise) as he defends two U. S. Marines who are facing a court-martial for the murder of a fellow Marine in Guantanamo Bay.
As the trial goes on, Kaffee discovers that the Marines were acting under orders from higher-ups.
The main cast members of the film include Tom Cruise as Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee, Demi Moore as Lieutenant Commander JoAnne Galloway, Jack Nicholson as Colonel Nathan R. Jessup, Kiefer Sutherland as Lieutenant Jonathan Kendrick, Kevin Pollak as Lieutenant Sam Weinberg, and J. T. Walsh as Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Andrew Markinson.
Production and Reception
A Few Good Men, directed by Rob Reiner and written by Aaron Sorkin, is a 1992 American legal drama film based on Sorkin’s 1989 play. The film’s production was a success, with notable actors such as Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, and Jack Nicholson taking on the lead roles.
It was produced with a budget of $40 million and grossed over $243 million in the box office, making it a commercial success.
The movie received critical acclaim and was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It also received a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Gene Hackman, Best Sound, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound Editing.
Despite the nominations, the film did not win any awards at the 65th Academy Awards.
Awards and Honors: A Few Good Men Oscars
A Few Good Men was released in 1992 and immediately received critical acclaim. It grossed more than $243 million on a budget of $40 million and was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
The film tells the story of a military trial that is sparked by the death of a young marine at the hands of his fellow soldiers.
Academy Award Nominations
At the 65th Academy Awards in 1993, A Few Good Men was nominated for four Oscars. The movie was up for Best Picture, but ultimately lost out to Unforgiven.
Jack Nicholson was nominated for Best Supporting Actor, but he lost to Gene Hackman for his role in Unforgiven. The film was also nominated for Best Sound and Best Film Editing but didn’t win either award.
Gene Hackman’s Winning Supporting Role
Gene Hackman was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 1993 Oscars and ultimately won for his role in Unforgiven. Despite this, Hackman’s role in A Few Good Men was also highly praised and is still remembered by fans of the film.
Hackman played the character of Colonel Nathan R. Jessup and delivered one of the film’s most memorable lines: “You can’t handle the truth!”
Other Awards and Honors Received
Besides the Academy Award nominations, A Few Good Men also received several other awards and honors. The film won a Motion Picture Sound Editors award for Best Sound Editing and was nominated for a Grammy for the film’s score.
The American Film Institute included A Few Good Men in their list of the 100 greatest American movies, and the film has continued to receive critical acclaim in the years since its release.
Impact and Legacy
A Few Good Men is one of the most iconic legal drama films in Hollywood history. Since its release, it has been referenced and parodied in numerous movies, TV shows, and pop culture moments.
Its most memorable scene, the “You can’t handle the truth!” courtroom monologue delivered by Jack Nicholson, has become a classic and has been mimicked by countless actors.
Aside from its pop culture references and influence, A Few Good Men’s legacy also lies in its portrayal of the legal system, the military, and the ethics of the United States Armed Forces. The movie sparked debates on the justifiability of military conduct and highlighted the importance of truth, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of governmental institutions.
Today, A Few Good Men remains relevant and continues to captivate audiences with its timeless themes and unforgettable performances.
