An Officer and a Gentleman (Widescreen)

Even though we had a mail strike I still got the movie in a decent span of time. Thank you so much. The DVD is in great store new shape. Thanks again:)

Richard Gere gives a very natural and fantastic performance as Zachary Mayo. Zachary goes through many challenges and tests of emotional and physical endurance on his way to becoming a naval officer via navy officer candidate school. He ends up becoming close friends with another fellow officer candidate named Sid Worley (well played by David Keith). Both Zach and Sid also meet and fall in love during their time in training. Zach's love interest Paula is played by Debra Winger. Sid's love interest Lynette is played by Lisa Blount. Louis Gossett Jr. plays a Marine Gunnery Sargeant by the name of Emil, who is a drill instructor tasked with shaping the officer candidates into leaders. I felt an urge to watch the movie because I use to be in the navy, and I was curious to get an idea of what it might be like for a soon to be officer going through bootcamp compared to the process of an enlisted person through bootcamp (I honorably served in the enlisted ranks from June 2000 until May 2009). The movie itself only takes place in one location, but I did enjoy how the characters forged special friendships and implied the traveling adventures that were going to take place once they graduated from officer candidate school (I appreciate the travel and the many wonderful friends that I met while I was in the navy). The only caveat that I had with the movie was how some of the women were portrayed. The main female characters were beautiful but were depicted as women whose only chance at making something of themselves in life depended the long term plans of their male partners. In real life (in and outside of the military) many women have unlimited potential to achieve whatever they want regardless of their romantic status (it would have been nice if the movie would have portrayed the women as being poised for success regardless of what happens in their romantic lives). I understand that this movie was made in the early 80's before many more women became naval officers. I just wish that they would have showed a more personal romantic life of the one female officer candidate in the school as well as the men that were featured. I only say this because (over a month ago) I currently ran across an article in both airforce times and navy times that told how there is a high rate of military female veterans committing suicide, and one of the reasons cited was the fact that many of these veterans were not acknowledged for having done legitimate military service due to them being women, and as a result feelings of isolation resulted. I myself do not endorse or condone suicide because I appreciate being alive regardless of external circumstances that may appear, but I have empathy and compassion for those who do (whether military or civilian). Officer and a Gentleman is a fantastic movie, but it would be nice if more movies were featured that highlighted the personal lives of military female officers so that more members of the general public can see how both men and women make a positive contribution to our all volunteer military. Aside from my personal rant, I still highly recommend this movie as one to watch especially if you are open to seeing one of many ways of how a military person balances their personal and professional life in an interesting manner.

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.