Private Benjamin

Synopsis

Private Benjamin is a delightful comedy that follows the journey of Judy Benjamin, portrayed by Goldie Hawn, a wealthy and pampered young woman who finds herself enlisted in the U.S. Army. After a shocking turn of events leads to her enlistment, Judy's glamorous life is turned upside down as she navigates the harsh realities of military training. Initially overwhelmed and out of place, she soon discovers her inner strength and resilience. The movie explores themes of empowerment and self-discovery as Judy learns to embrace the challenges of military life while maintaining her unique personality. With a blend of humor and heart, Private Benjamin illustrates the transformation of a woman who, despite her initial reluctance, finds confidence, independence, and camaraderie in a world that initially feels foreign to her, ultimately making it a memorable and inspiring story of self-growth and adaptation.

Cast

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  Goldie Hawn

  Judy Benjamin

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  Eileen Brennan

  Capt. Doreen Lewis

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  Armand Assante

  Henrí Trémont

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  Robert Webber

  Col. Clay Thornbush

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  Sam Wanamaker

  Teddy Benjamin

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  Barbara Barrie

  Harriet Benjamin

Reviews

Private Benjamin is largely regarded as a classic comedy that successfully combines humor with a poignant message about self-discovery. Rotten Tomatoes has awarded the film an impressive 83%, indicating a strong positive reception among audiences, while IMDb gives it a score of 6.2/10. Critics praise Goldie Hawn's performance, referring to her as 'perfectly cast' and noting that she 'brings a delightful charm' to the character of Judy. The film's comedic moments, especially Hawn's interactions with her fellow soldiers and commanding officers, have been highlighted as laugh-out-loud funny. For instance, a review from The Washington Post calls it 'a buoyant satire on military life that manages to be both light and satirical.' Conversely, some critics have pointed to a less favorable Metacritic score of 59/100, suggesting that while the comedic elements shine through, the story sometimes falters in depth. Nonetheless, audiences have connected with Judy's journey, making it a defining role for Hawn and a noteworthy entry in the 1980s comedy scene.