“I Don’t Know, But I’ve Been Told” – Full Metal Jacket Quote

The quote, “I don’t know, but I’ve been told,” is an iconic line from the gripping war film Full Metal Jacket. This memorable quote is emblematic of the military cadence chants that are prominently featured during the boot camp training scenes in the movie.

Movie Title	Full Metal Jacket
Release Year	1987
Director	Stanley Kubrick
Writer(s)	Gustav Hasford, Michael Herr, Stanley Kubrick
Main Cast	Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D’Onofrio
Genre	War, Drama
Character who says the quote	Drill Instructor Sgt. Hartman (portrayed by R. Lee Ermey)
Scene Context	This cadence chant is prominently used during training scenes to help keep the recruits in step and synchronized as they march.

Introduction to the Quote

The phrase “I don’t know, but I’ve been told” is often used as the beginning of various military cadences. In Full Metal Jacket, it signifies the disciplined and rigorous nature of military life, encapsulating the spirit and rhythm of boot camp training. This quote, among others, forms part of the film’s authentic portrayal of soldiers’ experiences.

About Full Metal Jacket

Full Metal Jacket is a landmark war film directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1987. The film is divided into two segments: the brutal boot camp training and the harrowing experience of the Vietnam War. The screenplay, written by Kubrick, Michael Herr, and Gustav Hasford, is based on Hasford’s novel The Short-Timers.

Quote Context and Meaning

Boot Camp Training Scene

The quote occurs during the boot camp scenes where the future Marines undergo grueling and dehumanizing training under the command of the harsh and authoritative Drill Instructor Sgt. Hartman. The chant, “I don’t know, but I’ve been told,” is a part of the military cadence that helps synchronize the recruits’ movements, instilling a sense of unity and discipline.

Cadence Chants in the Military

Military cadences are used for marching in unison and building morale among troops. They often start with a call (“I don’t know”) followed by a response from the group (“but I’ve been told”), creating a rhythm that helps maintain the pace and spirit during physically demanding drills.

Impact and Cultural Significance

The quote and the cadence chants in Full Metal Jacket resonate beyond the film’s narrative, reflecting the real-life practices and experiences of military training. The film itself is revered for its realistic portrayal of the psychological and physical transformation soldiers undergo. Lines like “I don’t know, but I’ve been told” have entered popular culture and are frequently referenced in discussions about military life and media.

Related Quotes from Full Metal Jacket

“This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.”
“What is your major malfunction, numbnuts?”
“You will not laugh, you will not cry. You will learn by the numbers; I will teach you.”

FAQs About the Quote and Movie

1. Who directed Full Metal Jacket?

The film was directed by Stanley Kubrick, a legendary filmmaker known for his meticulous craftsmanship and probing themes.

2. What is the significance of military cadences in the film?

Military cadences in the film serve to illustrate the discipline, unity, and rigorous training that Marines undergo. They also add authenticity to the portrayal of boot camp.

3. What other films have similar military training scenes?

Other notable films with intense military training scenes include An Officer and a Gentleman, Jarhead, and G.I. Jane.

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