Biloxi Blues

In Biloxi Blues, a young Jewish recruit named Eugene Morris Jerome arrives at a wartime boot camp in Biloxi Mississippi, still figuring out who he is. He has three practical aims that guide his days: break free from the confines of adolescence by losing his virginity, nurture his dream of becoming a writer, and simply survive the grind of training as World War II looms. The story follows his misfit circle of fellow recruits, the pranks that ease fear, and the sharp-eyed drill sergeant who tests each reserve of nerve. The clash between small town dreams and the brutal pace of military life frames his evolving sense of self without revealing what lies ahead.

Directed by Mike Nichols, Biloxi Blues translates Neil Simon's semi autobiographical stage piece to the screen while preserving his fast witty dialogue and character focus. Released in 1988, the film features Matthew Broderick with Christopher Walken in a standout role.

Budgeted at about 20 million, the film earned roughly 51.7 million worldwide, making it a solid, if modest, performer for a late 80s war comedy and helping Nichols translate stage humor to the screen, with steady home video appeal too.

Biloxi Blues sits at the intersection of Neil Simon's theater roots and 1980s cinema, showcasing a coming of age set against a wartime backdrop. The character dynamics in the boot camp environment highlight both the humor and the grit of military life. Matthew Broderick's Eugene became a recognizable example of the wry, self-reflecting hero, balancing humor with vulnerability.

Critics largely praised the performances and Nichols's brisk pacing, with the film seen as a strong blend of humor and wartime pathos. It examines adolescence and ambition under pressure, while honoring its stage origins and offering a broader audience a window into a late 1980s screen adaptation.