Military lawyer Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee defends Marines accused of murder. They contend they were acting under orders.
You weep for Santiago and curse the Marines. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know... That this is one of the best courtroom dramas ever and Jack Nicholson, villain though he may be, gives one of the most real-life-relevant speeches ever committed to film. Oscar-worthy performances from Cruise, Moore, and Nicholson, and great performances from everybody else.