Misses being a truly great film because of 1 scene
First off, I enjoy this film very much. One of my favs.
But I can't help think the film misses being a great film because of 1 scene. The Scene where Jack, JT Walsh & Kiefer basically admit that Santiago wouldn't be transfered and he was going to be trained.
It's a fun scene, Jack's great, everyone's great but by including this scene you remove all doubt in the audience's mind that Jessup ordered the Code Red. You KNOW, for a fact, the Marines were innocent.
Imagine for a moment, that scene doesn't exist. If you didn't know Jessup ordered the Code red and Santiago wasn't going to be transferred, than you are left to wonder if Cruise & Company are on the right path. Maybe the Marines lied? You aren't sure Jessup is guilty.
Sure, the scene with Markinson appearing to Cruise strongly suggests Jessup ordered the Code red, but was Markinson trying to set up Jessup b/c of jealousy? It's just one guy, who went AWOL's word.
I think that would've made the final court scene and the reveal that much more dramatic. The only time you know for certain Jessup ordered the Code Red is when Jessup says, "You're G_Damn right I did!"
Just my 2 cents. Again, it's an entertaining & memorable film. Just misses being great IMO.