While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Blistering performances.

This was bay far Conroy's best novel and also the best movie adaptation of his work. It's a tight little thriller with the enchanting backdrop of Charleston, South Carolina. I made a pilgrimage to most of the places in his books, places he describes with such passion and clarity in his novels. Of course, The Citadel wouldn't allow the movie to be made at the school so they filmed Lords at the Virginia Military Institute. I can only imagine that these are horrible places to go to school.The film is fast-paced and tells a compelling story of friendship, honor, and betrayal. The whole sadistic hazing bull is still a big part of military training but for what reason no one really seems to know. Treating people like animals and heaping abuse on people in training only serves to make petty and angry idiots, not leaders. I went to school when I was in the military with some West Points grads and they were the worst officers that I encountered in all of my service. I think the book and this film point this out.

It's hard to put into words how great this film is. I read the novel by Pat Conroy, and it became one of my all time favorites. Then, i rented the movie, somewhat afraid that it might not be as good.....or even good. But i was very wrong.....the movie was excellent....great chemistry of the actors, great direction, great screen writing. *Spoilers* Powerful seen when Pig is exiled from the Institute, they did a very good job with that.A few changes in the story line, but great still. The acting's great, I'm a fan of Rick Rossovich and David Keith. I give this movie a full 10 out of 10 stars.....watch this movie, and read the book.....

Here is a good movie showing why one should not bother with either the military or it's pissant little institutions of higher learning. Yes the novel is 10 times better, but this is not a bad film either. Do these military schools really develop character and produce real men or do they brainwash and engender false codes of honor and loyalty thereby turning out highly tuned robots to fight for all the real reasons wars are waged - oil, money, and population control? The smart money would bypass entering these halls of insanity.

I enjoyed this movie thoroughly. Now i have never read the novel it is based on so i am not disillusioned by how "bland" an adaptation this is, but i must say that this was an interesting, intriguing and enjoyable film. It was deep and thought provoking and provided an insight into what was... and possibly still is considered to be the making of a man and a soldier.Also, the fact that it is a veritable melting pot of future stars and character actors doesn't hurt. David Keith as a likeable character? Michael Biehn and Bill Paxton, a year before making Terminator together, a few years before making Aliens and ages before making Tombstone. Judge Reinhold, Rick Rossovich (the guy from Roxanne and pacific blue), Matt Frewer (HE LOOKS SO YOUNG!!!), the fat guy out of Godzilla (he is great). It was interesting seeing all these people in these roles, big and small.Moral of the story, great flick :)