Aaron Sorkin’s “A Few Good Men”: A Sharp, Witty Masterpiece
Aaron Sorkin’s third play, A Few Good Men (1989), became his big Broadway hit, praised for its sharp, satirical dialogue. Its success led to the famous movie starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson—whose intense performance left audiences gripping their seats.
The story follows two U.S. Marines accused of killing a fellow soldier, exploring themes of honor, power, and justice. Whether you’ve seen the film or not, the play is a gripping read. Below are some of its most memorable quotes, packed with humor and insight.
Top 20 Quotes from A Few Good Men
Quotes About Lawyers and Trials
- Lt. Sam Weinberg: “Lt. Kaffee is the best litigator in our office. He plea-bargained 44 cases in 9 months.”
Lt. Daniel Kaffee: “One more and I get a set of steak knives.” - Col. Nathan R. Jessup: “I don’t want money or medals. What I want is for you to stand there in that fancy white uniform and with your Harvard mouth extend me some courtesy.”
- Unnamed: “I get paid no matter how much time you spend in jail.”
- Capt. Jack Ross: “He’s not about to have clients go to jail for life when they could be home in six months.”
Quotes on Military Life
- Col. Jessup: “Ever put your life in another man’s hands? We follow orders, or people die. It’s that simple.”
- Lt. Kaffee: “I’m not crazy about boats.”
Lt. Cdr. Galloway: “Jesus, Kaffee, you’re in the Navy!” - Lance Cpl. Dawson: “We joined the Marines to live by a code. I won’t dishonor myself, my unit, or the Corps just to go home early.”
Witty and Humorous Quotes
- Lt. Kaffee: “How’d you find the mess hall if it’s not in the book?”
Cpl. Barnes: “I followed the crowd at chow time, sir.” - Col. Jessup: “Is there another kind?” (When asked if a situation was “grave danger.”)
- Lt. Kaffee: “Is the colonel’s underwear a matter of national security?”
- Col. Jessup: “How’s your dad, Danny?”
Lt. Kaffee: “He died seven years ago, sir.”
Col. Jessup: “Don’t I feel like the asshole?”
Other Memorable Lines
- Col. Jessup: “You can’t handle the truth!”
- Lt. Kaffee: “Dawson brought a hungry guy food. What crime did he commit?”
Final Thoughts
Sorkin’s A Few Good Men remains a brilliant mix of drama and wit. These quotes capture its essence—sharp, thought-provoking, and often hilarious. His later works, like Moneyball and Steve Jobs, prove he’s one of the best writers in the business.
