Private Benjamin

Private Benjamin is an American war comedy from the year 1980, starring the effervescent Goldie Hawn in the titular role, alongside talented co-stars Eileen Brennan and Armand Assante. Directed by Howard Zieff, the film's story offers well-paced humor and heartfelt moments, evolving from Judith Viorst's storyline and Nancy Meyers' screenplay. The film blends the best elements of comedy, drama, and female empowerment themes, which helps the audience connect, giggle, and relate to all at the same time.

The film's narrative revolves around Judy Benjamin (portrayed by Goldie Hawn), a naive high society woman enjoying a sheltered life under her kayfabe happiness. She's led to believe by her parents and society that the one thing she is meant to do is to marry a man and live blissfully. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when her husband dies suddenly on their wedding night, leaving her utterly devastated and unsure about her future.

As if destiny had planned it all along, she crosses path with a suave military recruiter who convinces her that the Army is essentially a more regimented version of a luxury resort. Picture the absurdity of that conversation! Naive and desperate to find a purpose in life, Judy signs up, thinking that she's signing up for glamorous duties and sophisticated surroundings.

However, the reality is far from what the recruiter painted for her - she realises this upon arriving at basic training. Rude wake-up calls, stringent routines, rugged outfits, and heavy artillery replace the envisioned spa treatments, cocktail parties and fluffy comforters. From a pampered princess, she must now transform into a soldier, fighting not only the rigorous training but also personal demons that have caged her for the longest time.

Judy Benjamin encounters an eclectic mix of women, all hyped up to serve their nation and make a mark. She's under the authoritative eye of Capt. Doreen Lewis (brilliantly played by Eileen Brennan), who is hell-bent on breaking Judy's flouncy spirit and remolding her into an obedient, strong soldier. Alongside, she develops a romantic relationship with a Frenchman Henri Tremont (a charming Armand Assante), which adds a splash of romance to the narrative.

Private Benjamin is an earnest take on transformational stories, substituting the glamour of high society with the grit of Army training. Despite the humorous treatment, it never loses the essence of the character and her journey. It shows how an unprepared woman, suddenly thrown into an unfamiliar world, adapts, survives, and ultimately thrives amidst adversaries.

Goldie Hawn's performance is the linchpin running through the whole script. She seamlessly shifts gears from a ditzy newlywed coping with tragic loss, to a lost recruit baffled by the intricacies of military life, and finally, to a confident, self-made woman who learns the power of resilience and self-belief. Hawn infuses the character of Judy Benjamin with exquisite comedic finesse, rounded off with an underlying strength that subtly shines through as the film unfurls.

Beyond the charismatic performances, the screenplay deserves a nod. It's smart, breezy, and captures the essential struggle of an out-of-place woman forging her destiny. Drama meets comedy amidst the army training, relationships, and personal reflection, making the audience ride a roller-coaster of laughter and sentiment.

Under Howard Zieff's direction, the film becomes a refreshing comedy about personal growth. While Zieff tactfully maintains the humor's consistency, he does not shy away from earnestly tackling the struggles one has to overcome in the surprisingly tough and regimented world of military life.

In conclusion, Private Benjamin is a charming comedy that offers a lift-your-spirit tale of the eponymous Judy Benjamin. It's a delightful exploration of life beyond sheltered living, finding one's strength in unlikely places, and the freedom that comes with self-discovery. This feature is a testament to the timeless appeal of heartwarming comedies, and despite the three decades since its release, it remains achingly relevant and enjoyable. It's a film that shows us how sometimes the biggest laughs come from life's toughest realities.