Watch Private Benjamin

Private Benjamin is a classic comedy movie released in 1980. It stars Goldie Hawn in the title role of Judy Benjamin, alongside Eileen Brennan as the ruthless Captain Lewis and Armand Assante as Henri, a handsome Frenchman who catches Judy's eye. The film opens with the wedding of Judy Benjamin, a society girl from a wealthy family. However, when her new husband dies on their wedding night, Judy decides to make a fresh start and join the army. Against the advice of her friends and family, she enlists, thinking the army would be a great adventure that would provide her with free college tuition and travel opportunities, and result in an easy life.

However, Judy soon realizes that army life is far from easy. With no military background, she struggles through basic training, facing hostility, ridicule, and hard work. Captain Lewis is her tough and demanding drill instructor, who takes great delight in making Judy's life a living hell.

Judy's only ally in the army is Private Lerner, a fellow trainee who befriends her and helps her navigate through the tough times. Eventually, Judy starts to adapt to military life and even manages to impress her fellow soldiers with her skills.

However, when she discovers that she is going to be sent to an army base in Europe, she becomes despondent, feeling that she has signed up for something that is beyond her capabilities.

In Europe, she befriends Henri, a dashing Frenchman who sweeps her off her feet. Judy finds herself falling for Henri, even though she knows he is not the right man for her.

Throughout the movie, Judy struggles to adjust to army life, while also trying to figure out her own identity and what she wants from her life. The film is a heartwarming and funny story of a woman trying to find her place in the world and discovering her own strength and resilience along the way.

The performances in Private Benjamin are superb, with Goldie Hawn delivering a standout performance that showcases her range as an actress. Eileen Brennan is equally impressive as Captain Lewis, a character who is both tough and sympathetic.

The film is notable for its feminist themes, as it explores the idea of a woman breaking free from societal expectations and forging her own path. Judy's journey is a relatable one, as she navigates through the challenges of adulthood, career, and love.

The movie is also a satire of military life, poking fun at the rigidity and absurdity of the army's rules and regulations. However, it does so with affection and humor, never losing sight of the human stories at its heart.

Overall, Private Benjamin is a charming and entertaining film that has stood the test of time as a classic comedy. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good laugh and a heartfelt story.

Private Benjamin is a 1980 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 59.