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This movie surprised me. I am not really big on Charlie Sheen movies, other than Platoon, but this is a truly good movie. Martin Sheen gives a good performance, as does the supporting cast. The setting, while not authentic, is real enough. The dialogue and acting are both excellent and believable. I found I was interested in the characters, and although the ending is predictable, it was fitting. I would recommend this movie to just about anyone, other that the hardcore action enthusiast. Definitely an entertaining film, and one that is quite a bit better than the rating it has received. I wouldn't hesitate to rent it again.

I seldom comment on a movie, but I so strongly disagreed with a prior comment on this movie, I felt I had to add two cents. I found this entrant far from boring. I have watched it four or five times, each time finding a new focus. The movie's idea is interesting, the conflict between the Sheens believable and well played, and the supporting cast excellent. Laurence Fishburne and James Marshall in particular are pleasures to watch. As the second of Sheen's two stints as a director I was impressed. Even the basic set works for me. And the music is so good that I continue to look from time to time to see if an actual CD is available. I believe that if you get your hands on this movie you won't be disappointed.

Reading Maltin's summary may steer you away from a film which, after an unpromising beginning, develops into a gripping drama, aided no end by superb acting from the nine very individual players in this film: Charlie Sheen, as the white prisoner incarcerated with five black soldiers in a military stockade, the two very different white guards, and Martin Sheen as the bullying and racist Sergeant who causes the tension to mount as his personal problems drive him to take out his frustrations on his charges. Martin Sheen perhaps gives the weakest, because least believable, characterization. It is Charlie Sheen as the initially wary room mate and the five finely etched black prisoners, all very good in their roles, who forge a memorable dramatic scenario out of their situation. Martin Sheen's sole directorial effort makes the most of the increasingly tense story-line. See it, it's good!

Why is this film so unknown ? It really deserves to be recognised as a great film along with the Nam films of the late 70s early 80s. To me it has quite a Nam feel to it, (the progression of the relationship between the inmates, and the constant battle with the higher ranks). Deterioration of character screams out "Apocalypse Now", but the team aspect shows a strong influence from films such as "Platoon". The film itself is set during the time of Nam, but can't be bracketed as one. Charlie Sheen has once again took part as the lead role in a great film. I can't see the film working with any other actor ! His cold manner, but warm heart is seen also in the classic "Platoon". All in all this film is a good modern story. Which I recommend to not only Vietnam film fans, but to a general audience.

Before he became a joke of an awful actor, Sheen did some good roles as a young man. Fishburne and Sheen also are quite good in this.

The directing isn't the best and there are some parts that are padding, but it's overall a good film. Vets will like this film because it captures army life pretty well, its everyday rhythm, its (yes) cadence. Orders, marching, discipline, chow lines, tedious busy work and solders' down time being filled with tedious time wasting like card games.

Most enlisted know someone like the sergeant, Martin Sheen's character. A lifer who has nothing else in life, who sacrificed his family and marriage.