Taps (1981)

There are some classic movies you just have to see. Often they are popular because of the actors. Especially when they cast present-day stars early in their careers. In Taps, you get Timothy Hutton (fresh after winning an Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Ordinary People), Sean Penn in his first feature film and a testosterone-fuelled Tom Cruise.

Cadet Major Brian Moreland (Timothy Hutton) is a made man. He’s now a Major, the highest rank at Bunker Hill Military Academy. After dining with General Harlan Bache (George C. Scott), he’s on military-themed cloud 9. That is, until Bache makes a devastating announcement—that Bunker Hill Military Academy will be closing its doors. The historic buildings will be razed and condos will be built. This drives the boys mental. Following a devastating incident, Moreland launches a siege to take control of the academy. They won’t let their 140+ years school be destroyed without a fight. Tension starts between best friends Moreland and Cadet Captain Alex Dwyer (Sean Penn). Dwyer doesn’t share Moreland’s and Cadet Captain David Shawn’s (Tom Cruise) idol worship of Bache. The situation escalates and soon, their war comes to a head, but how far are they prepared to go to save Bunker Hill? Taps plays like a modified incarnation of Lord of the Flies and, nearly 30 years later, is still relevant.

Director: Harold Becker

Country: USA

Genre: Drama

Run time: 129 minutes

Scale: 4