This feels like one of Tom Cruise’s best performances. He portrays "Kaffee," a confident young naval lawyer who typically settles cases out of court and hasn't had courtroom experience. Unexpectedly, he becomes involved in looking into the death of a soldier at Guantanamo Bay. Two Marines are under arrest for murder, but they insist they were following orders to carry out a “Code Red”—a harsh disciplinary measure used on soldiers accused of violating their code of conduct. Working alongside his friend "Sam" (Kevin Pollak) and the more conventional "Galloway" (Demi Moore), they encounter a clear sense of opposition from the base commander, "Jessep" (Jack Nicholson), and his right-hand man, "Kendrick" (Kiefer Sutherland). Their investigation reveals that not only was this attack sanctioned but that the orders may have originated at a high level. Cruise seems completely comfortable in the role; his character appears arrogant and self-centered, yet also appealing and captivating—and he interacts effectively with Moore and Nicholson, who is perhaps acting a bit too broadly. The courtroom scenes are handled with precision and intensity, boosted by an unusually strong showing from Kevin Bacon ("Ross"). While I felt that the conclusion contradicted the central theme of the story, it remains a well-crafted exploration of trust and how people behave when confronted with those in positions of power who misuse their authority. Rob Reiner avoids any unnecessary romantic elements, and although there are a few minor distractions throughout, the film largely stays focused as an exciting and entertaining thriller.

Source on TMDB