Stanley Kubrick’s searing Vietnam War film was made without ever leaving England – the director famously rebuilt the ruined city of Hue in a derelict East London gasworks, and turned the English countryside into Vietnam.
Where was Full Metal Jacket filmed?
Full Metal Jacket was filmed entirely in England – with Beckton in East London recreating the city of Hue.
Every Full Metal Jacket location, explained
1
Hue city – Beckton
The ruined Vietnamese city used the derelict Beckton Gasworks in East London.
2
Parris Island – Cambridgeshire
The boot-camp scenes used a base in Cambridgeshire, England.
3
The Mekong – Norfolk
The river scenes used the countryside of Norfolk.
4
The Vietnamese countryside – Kent
Rural scenes used Kent and other parts of England.
Planning a visit
Kubrick’s ‘Vietnam’ was really the London area and the English countryside – accessible, if transformed on screen.
Full Metal Jacket Fun Facts
1
Filmed in England Kubrick shot the entire Vietnam War film in England.
2
Beckton as Hue A derelict East London gasworks became the ruined city of Hue.
3
Palm trees shipped in Real palm trees were imported to make England look tropical.
4
Ermey's drill sergeant R. Lee Ermey’s ferocious drill instructor became legendary.
5
A Kubrick film It was one of Stanley Kubrick’s final films.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Full Metal Jacket filmed?
Entirely in England – with Beckton in East London recreating the city of Hue.
Was it filmed in Vietnam?
No – Kubrick recreated Vietnam entirely in England.
Can you visit the locations?
The Beckton gasworks is gone, but the London area is accessible.
Who directed it?
Stanley Kubrick.
When was it released?
1987.
