“Let me see your war face.”

Stanley Kubrick‘s under-seen (and under-appreciated) FULL METAL JACKET is an unflinching two-act stunner, and deserves its rightful place among the top films ever made about America’s involvement in Vietnam. Based on Gustav Hasford‘s novel ‘The Short Timers,’ the story unfolds from the perspective of a young marine (Matthew Modine), whose transitional war experience takes him from training into active duty. Beyond its position in the canon of such an esteemed director as Kubrick, FULL METAL JACKET is perhaps best known for the iconic performance of the late, great former US marine-turned-actor Ronald Lee Ermey and his brutally caustic turn as drill instructor Sgt. Hartman. Also starring Vincent D’Onofrio.

“A hardy Kubrickian effort that warms on you with repeated viewings, that is, if you love Kubrick long time.” (Empire Magazine)

Thursday, May 31
Movie 8:45 pm *Start time subject to change; screens as a double bill with FILMWORKER at 6:45 pm.

Single film tickets $10 advance HERE | $12 at the door

*Minors welcome in the balcony! (Please note this film is rated 18A.) Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
**Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK! Please redeem at the door.

FULL METAL JACKET (Stanley Kubrick, 1987 / 116 mins / 18A) | Stanley Kubrick’s take on the Vietnam War follows smart-aleck Private Davis, quickly christened “Joker” by his foul-mouthed drill sergeant , and pudgy Private Lawrence, nicknamed “Gomer Pyle,” as they endure the rigors of basic training. Though Pyle takes a frightening detour, Joker graduates to the Marine Corps and is sent to Vietnam as a journalist, covering — and eventually participating in — the bloody Battle of Hué.