Aaron Sorkin‘s electrifying screenplay based on his play, brought to life by Rob Reiner‘s deft direction, transforms the courtroom into a battleground in A Few Good Men. This 1992 legal drama boasts a stellar cast delivering powerhouse performances, with Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson leading the charge.
Cruise portrays Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee, a young, ambitious Navy lawyer tasked with defending two Marines accused of murder on base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. Initially dismissive of the case, Kaffee soon finds himself entangled in a web of military protocol, honor, and the blurred lines between duty and justice. His journey from a cynical, career-driven attorney to a passionate advocate for truth is both compelling and inspiring.
Tom Cruise in A Few Good Men (Photo/Sony Pictures)
Cruise’s salary for the film was $12.5 million.
Nicholson shines as Colonel Nathan R. Jessup, the enigmatic and volatile commander at the heart of the scandal. His iconic “You can’t handle the truth!” speech is a tour de force, showcasing Nicholson’s ability to command the screen with his sheer presence and intensity.
Nicholson received a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Academy Awards and Golden Globes for this film. He was paid $5 million for 10 days of shooting, earning $500,000 a day.
Impressive Supporting Cast
Demi Moore shines as Lieutenant Commander JoAnne Galloway, Kaffee’s sharp and determined superior officer.
Kevin Bacon stands out as Smilin’ Jack Ross, the prosecuting attorney on the other side of the courtroom from Kaffee and Galloway.
Kiefer Sutherland delivers a chilling performance as the cunning and manipulative Lieutenant Jonathan Kendrick.
Kevin Pollak and J.T. Walsh (who counts Tequila Sunrise among his many credits) round out the ensemble with memorable portrayals of complex characters.
Reiner and Sorkin
Reiner’s (coming off his acclaimed adaptation of Misery) skillfully balances the film’s dramatic and comedic elements, creating a tense and thought-provoking atmosphere. Sorkin’s razor-sharp dialogue, filled with witty banter and philosophical musings, elevates the film to a higher level. The courtroom scenes are particularly gripping, with the characters engaging in verbal sparring matches that leave a lasting impact.
Reception for A Few Good Men
A Few Good Men opened at No. 1 at the box office, grossing $15.5 million, topping Home Alone 2: Lost in New York ($8.3 million) and The Bodyguard ($7.4 million). The film would be atop the box office for five of its first six weeks in release en route to a total gross of $141.4 million.
Richard Schickel in said in his Time review that the film was “an extraordinarily well-made movie, which wastes no words or images in telling a conventional but compelling story.”
Lasting Legacy
A Few Good Men is more than just a courtroom drama; it’s a profound exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the consequences of unquestioning obedience. It raises important questions about the nature of authority and the importance of individual conscience. The film’s powerful performances, intelligent script, and masterful direction make it a timeless classic.
