A Few Good Men official poster

Official promotional poster. Rights belong to the respective rights holders.

Read the film reference Availability and pricing vary by region.
MovieSpoiler-free2-minute brief

A Few Good MenA movie brief.

1992 / Legal drama / Directed by Rob Reiner

The truth will be revealed in the courtroom.

What is A Few Good Men about?

The film follows the court-martial of two U.S. Marines charged with murder and the tribulations of their lawyers as they prepare the case. The story unfolds at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.

By Brefly · AI-assisted

Five things to know.

  1. Setup

    The movie is based on a play by Aaron Sorkin, inspired by a real-life incident involving a code red at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base.

  2. World

    The film explores the military justice system and the culture of the U.S. Marine Corps.

  3. Pressure

    The defense lawyers face intense pressure and contempt from the base's commanders.

  4. Craft

    The screenplay was written by Aaron Sorkin, with an uncredited rewrite by William Goldman.

  5. Viewing note

    The film features a iconic performance by Jack Nicholson, with a famous line that has become a cultural reference.

Brefly’s take / Interpretation

A thought to take with you.

Kaffee's legal strategy begins with a plea deal, but the defendants' account makes him decide whether to test the command structure behind the order. The courtroom conflict asks where obedience ends and accountability begins inside a military hierarchy.

Is it your kind of movie?

Choose it for a dialogue-led military courtroom drama about orders and responsibility. Its famous confrontations follow a measured legal investigation.

Sources & scope

This AI-assisted brief is based on the linked secondary reference. Facts and interpretation are separated; it does not claim personal viewing or independent expert review.

Source details checked October 3, 2026. Suggest a correction · Our editorial approach