For a long while I had the impression that "An Officer and a Gentleman" was a very cheesy film, the sort of film, in fact, that is the preference of Mills and Boon readers. Of course, I hadn't watched it at that point. Since my opinion of a film I hadn't seen was so strong it's surprising that ... Read review
Richard Gere plays an enrollee at a Naval officers candidate school and Debra Winger is ... more
the woman who wants him.That's pretty much it, story-wise, in this romantic drama, which is more effective in a moment-to-moment, scene-by-scene way, where the two ...
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Richard Gere plays an enrollee at a Naval officers candidate school and Debra Winger is ... more
the woman who wants him.That's pretty much it, story-wise, in this romantic drama, which is more effective in a moment-to-moment, scene-by-scene way, where the two ...
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Richard Gere stars as Navy recruit Zack Mayo while the stunning Debra Winger is his love ... more
interest. Lou Gossett Jnr. won an Academy Award for his brilliant portrayal of a tough drill instructor. David Keith plays Zack'‚´s struggling fellow candida...
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Once in a great while a movie comes along that truly grips and uplifts its audiences. Such ... more
a movie is An Officer And A Gentleman, a timeless tale of romance, friendship and growth.Loner Zack Mayo (Richard Gere) enters Officer Candidate School to become...
Once in a great while a movie comes along that truly grips and uplifts its audiences. Such ... more
a movie is An Officer And A Gentleman, a timeless tale of romance, friendship and growth.Loner Zack Mayo enters Officer Candidate School to become a Navy pilot and in thirteen torturous weeks he learns the importance of discipline, love and friendship. Louis Gossett, Jr. won an Academy Award for his brilliant portrayal of the tough drill instructor who teaches Zack that no man can make it alone. And while Gossett tries to warn the young officer about the local girls who will do anything to catch themselves pilot husbands, Zack eventually learns to love one (Debra WInger) while his fellow candidate, a memorable character portrayed by David Keith, struggles with a very different fate.An Officer and A Gentleman is a rich and satisfying story with moving performances that will stay with you long after the film has ended.
Production Year: 1957 - Drama - Director: Leo McCarey - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Cathleen Nesbitt, Deborah Kerr, Cary Grant, Richard Denning, Neva Patterson, Fortunio Bonanova
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Advantages: Great performances, an unbeatable romance Disadvantages: Rather predictable but who cares. it's not a thriller!
...intrinsic to the plot, is an inspired one: the sight of Richard Gere in his white uniform is one that many women I know would find hard to resist. It is details such as this that add up to a romantic extravaganza which has me in tears every time.
Jack Nitzsche was nominated for an Academy Award for best original score for the movie but did not win. However the film did scoop best original song for "Love Lift us up Where we Belong" ... ...it's not the type of thing I would usually listen to.
I wonder if people who are as sceptical as I once was would think differently if they knew just how highly regarded this film has been. Being nominated for 4 Oscars (and walking away with two) and 8 Golden Globes is no mean feat. This1982 romantic milestone is a film that I think will continue to win new fans and continue to delight those watcing it again. The old cynic becomes ... more
For a long while I had the impression that "An Officer and a Gentleman" was a very cheesy film, the sort of film, in fact, that is the preference of Mills and Boon readers. Of course, I hadn't watched it at that point. Since my opinion of a film I hadn't seen was so strong it's surprising that something happened to make me watch it and to this day I can't remember what it was that spurred me to watch it, but I did. Having done so my opinion of the film is no less determined than before but it is now a film that I cannot praise highly enough.
Richard Gere plays Zack Mayo, recently graduated from college and newly enrolled in the American Naval Officers Candidate School. Zack has had a tough life, his mother committed suicide when he was young and he then spent his life with his abusive, alcoholic father. Zack doesn't find his 14 weeks training easy. He is a stubborn and independent young man who finds it hard to trust others and his intention to "go it alone" does not impress the drill sergeant, Foley.
Louis Gossett Jnr's portrayal of the seemingly harsh Foley is one of the high spots of the movie and earned him a much deserved Academy Award for best supporting actor. As the story develops the viewer's perception of this character changes and we see that all his apparent bullying and shouting is carefully considered to get the best out of his recruits.
Early on in his training Zack and his friend, Sid (David Keith), meet two young local women and they pair off. Sid and Lynette (Lisa Blount) throw themselves headlong into a relatoinship which is essentially based on sex. Zack and Paula (Debra Winger) embark on a relationship which is more controlled and deeper than that of their friends. At times the relationship comes under pressure because of Zack's inability to open up and this is in complete conntrast with Paula who finds it easier to trust others.
Lynette's discovery that she is pregnant is perhaps the key episode of the film and is one which has devastating effects, not just for herself and Sid but for Zack and Paula too.
While "An Officer and a Gentleman" is undoubtedly a romance it is much more besides. While the lead characters are a little older than those who you might normally associate with the genre, I would also say that this is a "coming of age" movie. From his fellow recruits, Sergeant Foley and Paula, Zack learns how to trust others, how to be part of a team and that he cannot take on the world alone.
On the downside, "An Officer and a Gentleman" is predictable - VERY predictable. The characters are stereotypical and do not offer up any surprises. You just know that Zack's father is going to be a good for nothing old drunk and you know instinctively that Foley is really a good guy and not hte bully he first appears. However, the things that are done well are done very well. The acting is great - Louis Gossett Jnr and David Keith stand out in particular. The screenplay too is excellent. There is nothing here which does not need to be included and the sub-plots of the two couples interweave easily.
The locations (the movie was filmed at Fort Worden State Park on America's north west coast) are a major factor in making this a truly romantic film. When Zack and Paula spend the night together, they do so in a wooden house on the edge of the beach, so close you can hear the waves lapping against the shore. The decision that Zack would be a naval recruit, whilst not intrinsic to the plot, is an inspired one: the sight of Richard Gere in his white uniform is one that many women I know would find hard to resist. It is details such as this that add up to a romantic extravaganza which has me in tears every time.
Jack Nitzsche was nominated for an Academy Award for best original score for the movie but did not win. However the film did scoop best original song for "Love Lift us up Where we Belong" a song which is perfect for this movie even though it's not the type of thing I would usually listen to.
I wonder if people who are as sceptical as I once was would think differently if they knew just how highly regarded this film has been. Being nominated for 4 Oscars (and walking away with two) and 8 Golden Globes is no mean feat. This1982 romantic milestone is a film that I think will continue to win new fans and continue to delight those watcing it again. The old cynic becomes a born again romantic - so shoot me....every time I hear the closing line "Way to go, Paula!!" I feel a tingle and want to watch it all over again!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx "An Officer and a Gentleman", 1982 Director - Taylor Hackford
Available on DVD from 7.99 Pounds and on Video from 5.99 Pounds
Advantages: Great love story, excellent acting Disadvantages: None from me
Well I have been eyeing this DVD up for some time but never bought it as hubby tells me I have seen it as I watched it with him but for the life I me I cannot remember ever seeing it. Last night I decided we would watch it as I really liked the look of it, the added bonus being that Richard Gere is in it!
The film is about Zack Mayo who has had a rough childhood, his mother killed herself and he went to live with his Dad who is a Navy man so he ... ...finally decides that he is going to try the Navy Officers recruitment course. Zack is accepted on the course and has to give 13 weeks of training which includes some daunting and gruelling tasks. The course is being run by a very strict Drill Instructor, who does start to have a bit of respect for Zack after he is pout through his paces but reuses to give up. Zack and his closest friend go out for a night and spot 2 girls and they start to spend ...
sewbizzie 13.03.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of An Officer And A Gentleman (DVD)
Advantages: romantic but gritty, good date film Disadvantages: strong language, suicide, and sex scenes may upset some viewers
...the code of conduct that an officer of the US armed forces is supposed to follow; to be both an officer and a gentleman. failure to uphold their duty as a commanding officer or failure to behave as a gentleman are both actually cause to be chastised or even decommissioned if already an officer, and in an officer candidate, a reason to be removed from officer training. As one can expect, this dual demand can put a lot of pressure on a human being, ... ...naval enlisted man, who was an uninterested womanising single father, he has perhaps not had the n=best introduction into what it is to be in the navy. Nor is his temperament a help. He is aloof and seethes with an inner rage that has simmered ever since his early teens when his mother committed suicide. He is committed to the idea however, and duly goes off to Navy, arriving at officer's training camp for an intensive 13 week course. The officers ...
Shroud 22.04.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of An Officer And A Gentleman (DVD)
Advantages: Classic, Romantic and Unforgettable Disadvantages: none
...opinions all saying it was an excellent film (I'd give it 3 stars myself), and yet AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN wasn't even listed. For those of you who have never seen it, this 1982 drama has been hailed as one of the greatest romances ever brought to the screen, and I consider it one of those precious few films that is loved by men and women, equally. Richard Gere, in one of his very best performances plays Zachary Mayo, a loner who has grown up ... ...with Sid Worley (David Keith) an Oklahoman who is trying to follow in his brother's footsteps. These two guys meet their drill instructor, a marine bad-ass named Foley (played by Louis Gossett, Jr., who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar) who shows them the ropes (literally), and mentally and physically challenge them to become the Officers he will salute---while at the same time constantly warning them about the "local girls" who will do anything ...
eve6kicksass 22.10.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of An Officer And A Gentleman (DVD)
Advantages: Richard Gere at his best Disadvantages: he picks Paula and not me. :(
...his Father he enlists as an officer candidate in the Navy's Air force on a gruelling 13-week training course.
Zack (Richard Gere) finds it hard to fit into military life, as he has always been a loner, and had to look after himself, He's soon disliked by most of the other candidates, and has set up a scam, obtaining money from other candidates by offering them, polished boots and shined belt buckles at extortionate cost.
Although very fit, and ... ...he will, he's not just an Aviator now, but an Officer and a Gentleman.
A really good film, lots of action, drama, with, with lessons to be learned I friendship and love.
The review is for the film only, as I haven't seen the extras as yet.
The film is available from Tesco's for £6.97, which I think is good value. ...
daddyslittleprincess 01.01.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of An Officer And A Gentleman (DVD)
Advantages: Unique, contains everything, appeals to emotions Disadvantages: None-unless this particular genre is not your type
...Lou Gossett Jnr. won an Academy Award for his brilliant portrayal of a tough drill instructor. David Keith plays Zack's struggling fellow candidate. Special features of the 2 disc edition include:
"An Officer and a Gentleman: 25 Years Later" Retrospective Documentary "The Cadets Reunite", featurette on stars who played the military officers and the men who inspired them "Return to Port Townsend" visit the town where the film was shot "Lifts Us Up" ... ...introduction from Richard Gere "Military Advisor" Scene analysis Featurette
Commentary by Director Taylor Hackford "Officer Candidate School: Inside and Out" "Gere and Gossett: Hand To Hand Combat" Emotional rollercoaster with Zack Mayo being played brilliantly. Grips its audience and is one of the classics. Unique film-definitely recommend. 10/10. ...
JamieT123 18.06.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of An Officer And A Gentleman (DVD)
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Advantages: Compelling multi-layered movie Disadvantages: The packaging
Cadets Reunite", featurette on stars who played the military officers and the men who inspired them ? A sort of reunion show, with some of the smaller cast members meeting up with real soldiers. In particular you meet the real life drill seargent that trained Gossett; R. Lee Ermy, who now is an actor in his own right.
? "Return to Port Townsend" visit the town where the film was shot ? This is actually quite tragic to see, as in places the town is a wreck; while in others progress has made the town almost unrecognisable. For me this is the best feature of the DVD because I love to see the comparisons, I enjoy seeing change whether its for the good or the bad.
? "Lifts Us Up" The Music of an Officer and a Gentleman ? A look at the writing of the song, the performers and the fame that went along with creating one of the most well known ...
Desperately hoping to earn a naval commission, an ambitious young man enters officer candidate school. There he learns the importance of discipline, and also falls in love.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT; TECHNICOLOR DIST. SERVICES
Best Actor In A Supporting Role 1982 (Louis Gossett Jr.)
Professional reviews
Review
"...A first-rate movie -- a beautifully acted, thoroughly involving romance..." (New York Times, p.C17, 28/07/1982)
"...Many finely-drawn characters to care about....[The director] controls these characters completely, deftly mixing his documentarian's training with the dramatist's art..." (Variety, 21/07/1982)
DVD Description
Zack Mayo (Richard Gere) has nothing--the son of an alcoholic, indifferent military father, he's grown up in the Philippines living on top of a brothel. But after college he decides he wants more and, despite his father's mockery, enrolls in the navy's Officer Candidate School to become a jet pilot. His sergeant, brilliantly played by Louis Gossett Jr., makes his life a living hell from day one, but Zack won't quit. The candidates are warned to stay away from the local girls looking for naval husbands, but Zack and his bunkmate, Sid (David Keith), find themselves falling for two friends, Paula (Debra Winger) and Lynette (Lisa Blount), who work at the local paper mill. Zack fights his feelings for Paula, determined to let nothing sway him from his goals. But as the hellish weeks of training go by, Zack begins to see that maybe he can't do it alone--and that what's getting him through are his friends in the ranks, and the girl he's been pushing away. Widely acclaimed at the time of its release, director Taylor Hackford's inspiring film is a romance for the ages.
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