As a cadet who experienced a very similar situation, I found the story to be very close to the truth. I enjoyed watching the movie although most (if not all) of the performances were stilted and stuffy!
I was a former R.O.T.C. cadet, who was actually supposed to attend The Citadel (the institution that movie supposedly depicts) and attended another Military College...I found the depictions very close to some of the "on-goings" of Military College life for cadets (at that time), including some of the treatment of cadets with different ethnic backgrounds.
The performances of the "actors" in this movie showed their inexperience at that time. Although, some of those actors learned from the experience and are some of the best known character actors, although mostly in comedic roles (I wonder, why?) of current films, including: Judge Reinhold and "Wild" Bill Paxton.
I recommend this film as a film to be watched by those learning how to act. It is a prime example of what not to do. Hopefully, no one imitates any of the acting in this film but hopefully they will use it as a learning tool.
I was a former R.O.T.C. cadet, who was actually supposed to attend The Citadel (the institution that movie supposedly depicts) and attended another Military College...I found the depictions very close to some of the "on-goings" of Military College life for cadets (at that time), including some of the treatment of cadets with different ethnic backgrounds.
The performances of the "actors" in this movie showed their inexperience at that time. Although, some of those actors learned from the experience and are some of the best known character actors, although mostly in comedic roles (I wonder, why?) of current films, including: Judge Reinhold and "Wild" Bill Paxton.
I recommend this film as a film to be watched by those learning how to act. It is a prime example of what not to do. Hopefully, no one imitates any of the acting in this film but hopefully they will use it as a learning tool.