Customer Reviews

An Officer and a Gentleman

5 star:		(59)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This film is a classic and viscerally honest portrayal of human conflict and personal growth. It clearly depicts working class young adults who sought to break away from past barriers and limitations and build better lives for themselves. It is a coming of age story, where a full spectrum of feelings are explored as young adults learn about fulfilling their potential, building value systems and attempting to fulfill personal desires with honesty and integrity on many levels. Two hot young stars were cast in the leading roles: Richard Gere who was riding high on his recent success in "American Gigolo" and Debra Winger who shined in her role in "Urban Cowboy". With stars of this caliber, it surprised me to learn (in the Special Features section) that doubts existed about the film's acceptance by theater audiences. In fact, the script had made the rounds of different studios for eight years, with no one daring to make the film which was essentially about training Naval pilots. The concern was it was too close to the end of the Viet Nam War and would be rejected by the public as being about war. Luckily, the film was interpreted very differently by the viewing audience who saw it in a positive light where personal survival, transformation and the expression of love were the key elements successfully played out on film.

Richard Gere stars as Zack Mayo, a hardened, slightly rebellious loner who locked up his feelings and dared not get emotionally close to people. He had been hurt as a youth when his mother committed suicide and he went to live with his dad, who was a selfish womanizer and alcoholic. When Zack announced his acceptance into Naval candidacy school to become a pilot, his father did not give him accolades or support. This was nothing new and it did not matter to Zack who pursued his dream with determination and courage. At the Port Townsend Naval Base, Zack learned discipline and made new friends. The camaraderie of being candidates and challenging themselves to acheive their goals awakened something new within him which totally transformed him. Zack excelled in physical survival skills and martial arts training. It was Gunnery Sergeant Foley's job to detect weakness of character and courage, to eliminate candidates who would not survive under the harsh conditions of war. Foley knew of Zack's streetwise rebellious tendencies and rode him hard. Foley and Zack clashed periodically and one climactic scene especially stood out ... where Foley meted out severe discipline and punishment to get Zack to ask for a "D.O.R" slip (drop out on request). Zack endured the punishment and after a particularly difficult session of physical endurance tests, Zack *finally* gut wrenchingly admitted, "I got nowhere else to go" ...

Besides the obvious story about a group of young adults who under go rigorous training to become Naval pilots, several other stories arise and are fully developed within the plot which makes this film so highly appealing. Early on, Sgt Foley warned the candidates that young ladies who work in local factories, come from across the Puget Sound, to meet Naval candidates, with one goal in mind: to marry a Navy pilot. They will stoop to any means to win their man. Zack and his friend Sid are dressed to kill in their white uniforms during a social dance where they connect with two charming and beautiful factory workers of similar age to themselves. Paula a raven-haired beauty, played by Deborah Winger is paired with Zack, while Lynette, an attractive blond is paired with Sid. The attraction between the paired off guys and ladies is mutual and in a short time, they often meet for consensual physical liasons, even going to a local motel when the candidates are on leave. While everyone agrees it is with "no strings attached", the ladies have secret agendas with hopes of marriage. Zack attempts to play the gentleman, by going to meet Paula's parents and have dinner at their home. However, he still holds back and makes no promises to Paula. Paula plays it cool, claiming to expect nothing but she *does* manage to melt his cool exterior when their physical relationship becomes more steamy and personal. The guys discuss their plans to break off the liasons after graduation. As the end of their training is near, the two candidates cool their relationships with the two ladies. Lynette pulls a trick to win Sid, that backfires in ways totally unimaginable. She refuses Sid's engagement ring which results in one of the saddest, most gut-wrenching, heart-breaking and realistic scenes ever depicted on film. This earth-shattering event shakes Zack up and makes him realize what is real and important in his life ... While the ending may arguably be interpreted by some as corny and hokey, in effect, it is very satisfying and provides an honest and fulfilling conclusion to the film. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]

Initially, my first impression of this movie was this movie was going to be boring. Then, after the first 20 minutes, my mind went into another direction. I found this movie to be interesting, and I knew there had to be some meaning to the movie. And indeed there was!

Zack Mayo, (Richard Gere) is a college graduate who pursues a chance to become a naval officer by entering the Officer Candidate Training School. In 14 solid weeks, Zack progresses and learns the ability of leadership, friendship, and discipline, through his tough drill instructor, (Louis Gossett Jr, in his Oscar-winning performance), and his friends.

Mood and tone are expressed intelligently through the emotions of adventure, torture, romance, and entertainment. My favorite aspect of this movie is Jack Nitzsche's unforgettable scoring. The mood and tone ties in together as the music plays, and makes the audiences feel spontaneous of what they are watching (especially with the love themes).

This movie, starring Richard Gere, Debra Winger, David Keith, Lisa Blount, Louis Gossett Jr., Robert Loggia, and Lisa Eilbacher, was the winner recipient of 2 Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor: LOUIS GOSSETT JR., and Best Original Song: "UP WHERE WE BELONG." Also nominated for 4 additional Academy Awards, including Best Actress: DEBRA WINGER, Best Original Screenplay: DOUGLAS DAY STEWART, Best Original Score: JACK NITZSCHE, Best Film editing, and nominated for a total of 8 Golden Globes, this movie unmarks the boundary between love and adventure.

Richard Gere, even though nominated for a Golden Globe, should of been nominated for an Oscar. His outstanding performance brought the true nature of what it's like to be his character. This was the performance of his entire career!

With a clear-cut picture, and sharp sound, this movie will never grow old in your home! I would positively recommend this movie to another.

While no one would ever accuse me of being a romantic, I'll still maintain that "An Officer and a Gentleman" is one of the most affecting films within that genre. Even after 25 years, the film holds up and transcends its flaws to be a powerful and satisfying emotional journey. The film is riddled with cliche'd and oft-used premises and the ending is overly sentimental (when other films have attempted the same thing, I've absolutely cringed)--but none of that matters. With remarkable and raw performances, "Officer" taps into a primal nerve and makes even the most familiar movie formulas seem fresh and vital. I'll make no apologies--I think "An Officer and a Gentleman" is one terrific film!

Richard Gere stars as Zach Mayo--a charming, rebellious, and somewhat amoral badboy. Improbably entering the Naval Academy in an attempt to become a pilot, he immediately clashes with Louis Gossett, Jr. as his supervisor. Learning about teamwork and friendship, his life is further complicated by a local girl (Debra Winger) looking to latch onto a promising future. The film alternates between Gere's progress at the Academy and his burgeoning romance with Winger--but it seems unlikely that either are a good fit. It's a classic story of reform, of overcoming adversity, of making the right choices to become a better person. But what might be mawkish and predictable comes alive with tremendously real performances!

While Gossett won an Oscar as the imperious drill sergeant, and Winger was nominated--the film, in many ways, belongs to Richard Gere. Cunningly believable as the selfish antihero, his evolution throughout the film is remarkably genuine. With much energy and bravado, his performance should have garnered him a Best Actor nomination. In one of the film's most powerful moments, as he proclaims to Gossett that he has "nowhere else to go," his emotion is so raw and all encompassing that I've never forgotten that scene. Gere commands the film so fully, it's interesting to compare it to the more subdued work of his later career. I'd also single out Lisa Blount as Winger's best friend. Cast in a somewhat villainous light, Blount expertly conveys the desperation and ambition of a woman doing whatever is necessary to improve her circumstances in life.

The notoriously difficult (real life) relationship between Winger and Gere on this film proves once again that off-screen antics have little to do with on-screen magic. Channeling their hatred for one another, their romantic and sexual liaisons have a realistic power and aggression that is rare even today. Fierce and independent, these two literally crash together in unexpected--but believable--ways. Old fashioned, yet surprisingly modern, "An Officer and a Gentleman" is supremely entertaining. It will tug at your emotions, but it is never overly manipulative as it has earned our investment with its great characterizations! Highly recommended as drama, romance, or even as a character study--revisit "Officer" now that it has a more deserving DVD release. KGHarris, 05/07.

Basically Gere joins the armed forces because "he's got no where else to go" and his Drill Sgt (Louis Gossett Jr) is going to make him or break him. Filled with now classic scenes and lines this is a movie that if you haven't seen you need to. Debra Winger (see Urban Cowboy) is a girl who's looking for love in all the wrong places. Will she find it in the unlikely Gere or will he just be another notch on her belt? Excellent movie.

This 1982 romantic classic is a perfect remedy for Valentine's Day. This movie not only pleases the woman you love, but it's only enjoyable for the guys, too. I'm a man, so there I admit I liked the film. I'm not too keen on romantic movies, but if the story is about a man who trying "to be all he can be" and trying to get the girl, that's my ticket home.

This "chick flick" has a young Richard Gere playing a self seeking, ill-bred nobody who enlists in the Navy training corps under a strict and disciplined drill instructor(Louis Gossett, Jr. who gives a Oscar winning performance) who teaches him the fine line of courage, friendship and compassion toward his fellow man. And of course his hard work pays off by wooing the lovely Debra Winger where both of indulge into tendor passion.

This movie is oozing of sexiness and the commanding performances by Gere and Winger are all worth while. The film has enticing moments of drama, which are perceptive to the viewer. The timeless song UP WHERE WE BELONG may be kinda fruity to listen for a guy, but hey admit it! Some of you sing it in the shower I bet!

Anyway, AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMEN should be a perfect gift or viwing on Valentine's Day.

Self centered hustler Zack Mayo (Richard Gere) enlists in an officer's training school where he quickly meets his match in Sergeant Foley (Lou Gossett, Jr.), who warns him of all the "Puget Sound debs", girls who come across the ferry every weekend to try to land (or trap) themselves a future naval aviator. But Mayo manages to shake off his selfishness and he learns to love-not only deb Paula Pokrifki (Debra Winger), but his new best friend Sid Worley (David Keith). What follows is a love story that is timeless and rewarding. A great stay at home date movie. Look for young David Caruso and Lisa Eilbacher.

An old-fashioned, well-made movie, featuring terrific performances by both austere Richard Gere and the earthy Debra Winger. Lou Gossett, Jr.'s Oscar was well-deserved; his character drips with humanity. Taylor Hackford directed this movie with a lively spirit and an involving emotional core; the love story, though predictable, is mesmerizingly so, and the music, variations on Up Where We Belong, drives home the heart of the movie in the most enjoyable way. This movie easily stands the test of time, and will deliver with repeated viewings. And that ending -- what an exhilarating rush of emotion! This is what the movies are about.

Who can forget the tearjerking ending and the big sighs in the theater when Richard Gere carries Debra Winger out of the paper mill? Gotta be one of the most unforgettable romantic moments in film! Streetwise, embittered Gere finds true love with gentle blue-collar Paula and wisdom in the rough lessons taught by Lou Gossett Jr in his Oscar-winning performance. Always a classic!

This is a delightful film. An Officer and a Gentlemen is about the power of love, the importance of friendship, and the choices we make when challenges come our way.

Zack Mayo (Richard Gere) joins the Navy in his hope to become a fighter pilot, where he is constantly challenged , both mentally and physically by the drill sergeant, brilliantly played by Louis Gossett Jr. While this battle is fought out between Gere and Gossett Jr., there is also a sub-plot to the film - that being the friendship with fellow candidate, David Keith. However, the story is strengthened by the powerful relationship that Gere develops with Debra Winger, who plays the part of a factory worker with nuance and vividness, that one marvels at he acting skill.

There is a lot of pathos in this film, which creates emotional responses from the viewer. But there also some fantastic uplifting moments. The soundtrack adds to these moments of joy, and by the end of the movie we feel we have purged our pathos, and we believe in the power of love and remember those that made a difference in our lives.

I enjoyed the story line and the performances. Debra Winger did a wonderful job as a woman who was looking for happiness in a place she really did not expect to find it. Richard Gere was excellent as a young man who had practically raised himself but became a man in the military.