4/5 Great scenes for reflecting on how military life invades a family
  by Barbara Traylor (Arcadia, OK USA)
This was a great movie to see how military discipline can spill over into a family and cut communication and understanding within the family structure.

5/5 should have been the movie of the year it was released !
  by Darryl J. Rambo
"The Great Santini" had the GREAT misfortune to come out the same year as "Raging Bull".

It was quickly pulled from the market and not re-released until the following year, making it ineligable for any nominations or award consideration.

It has something for everyone(except sex). The closet movie to it would be "an Officer & a Gentlemen" (without the sex). It is that memorable. I highly recommend this movie for everyone over the age of 8 years of age. It is one "chick flick" that the guys will be very happy to see. In fact, I would say it is more for the guys than for the chicks.

It is powerful drama of a war hero father trying to toughen his son for the cruel world ahead. You will laugh out loud and tear up. I promise you.

I highly recommend this movie. At lease rent it ! ! ! ! If you agree with me, you will buy it, too !

5/5 Before there was Top Gun, there was The Great Santini
  by Rick Harshman (Colorful Colorado)
This movie depicts life as seen through the eyes of a military family. A heart warming, humorous and heartbreaking tale of how a wife must cope with her disciplined Marine Aviator, the way he disciplines their own children and her struggle to allow them all to grow.

The scene when Ben turns 18 and accompanies his `ol man to the Officer's Club for his first drink is a classic! You'll laugh, you'll cry...and if you're not a military brat, you'll always wonder why.

5/5 The great Robert Duvall
  by Kitfox Bill (Georgia)
If you are from the low lands of South Carolina, you will love the setting. Great acting by all.

5/5 No Cliches
  by mr. critic (lake city, fl)
This is not just another strict military dad story. Only about halfway through is it clear that this family has seen many happy days. Alcohol and middle age have only recently started to permanently affect this perfectionist's physical and mental sharpness. this is a man who apparently has always found his courage in a bottle and seems to be frozen in a mode of teenage prankish bravado. Back in WWII the glory came easy, but now the dull complacency that his fellow officers are shrinking into troubles him. clearly he sees the new pilots half his age will become faster and stronger than him. this is a man with no purpose left. on top of all this, he knows if the choice ever came between duty and personal safety, he would err way on the side of duty. the family comes to understand the courage and selflessness behind the cruel insensitivity. the last scene shows how that strength has built them up more often than it hurt them.