AceShowbiz - The boundary-breaking action drama G.I. Jane, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Demi Moore, is set to join the streaming catalog of Peacock on March 1. Originally released in 1997, this film marked a bold statement in Hollywood by challenging traditional gender roles within a military context. Nearly 30 years after its debut, G.I. Jane will be available for streaming exclusively on Peacock, as it is not currently featured on any other streaming service. However, viewers can still rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Prime Video starting from $3.99.

Ridley Scott, fresh off the success of the iconic 1991 film Thelma & Louise, teamed up with Demi Moore during the height of her career to bring this intense military drama to life. The screenplay was crafted by David Twohy and Danielle Alexandra, focusing on the fictional story of Lieutenant Jordan O’Neil, portrayed by Moore. The character undergoes grueling training comparable to that of the U.S. Navy SEALs, representing the first woman to attempt such elite special operations preparation.

The cast also features a strong supporting lineup, including three-time Oscar nominee Viggo Mortensen, Oscar winner Anne Bancroft, Jason Beghe, Scott Wilson, Lucinda Jenney, Morris Chestnut, Josh Hopkins, Jim Caviezel, Boyd Kestner, Kevin Gage, David Vadim, Daniel Von Bargen, David Warshofsky, John Michael Higgins, and Dimitri Diatchenko. This ensemble helped ground the film’s intense atmosphere and complex themes.

Upon its release, G.I. Jane received mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike. The film holds a 55% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many reviewers acknowledging Moore’s committed performance but criticizing the film’s heavy-handed patriotism and sometimes excessive stylistic choices. Audience scores were similarly divided, with a 53% rating reflecting the polarized response.

Despite the mixed reviews, the movie was a commercial success, debuting at No. 1 in the domestic box office and maintaining that position for two consecutive weeks. It ultimately grossed $98.4 million worldwide on a $50 million production budget. Furthermore, the film generated over $22 million in revenue from VHS and DVD rentals, underscoring its popularity beyond theatrical release.

While Moore’s performance was praised by many, she controversially received the Razzie Award for Worst Actress. This dubious honor is widely attributed not to her role in G.I. Jane but rather her previous year’s performance in the critically panned film Striptease.

In her autobiography Inside Out, Moore named G.I. Jane as the proudest achievement of her career. Likewise, Ridley Scott has praised the film, describing it as “the best pro-women film ever made, even better than Thelma & Louise.” Today, the film is viewed as a significant work that went beyond its initial reception, delivering a powerful story about perseverance, dignity, and breaking societal limits.

At its core, G.I. Jane remains a compelling military drama with a message of empowerment that was ahead of its time. The film’s enduring spirit resonates through its intense training sequences and the protagonist’s refusal to accept imposed boundaries, making it a landmark piece in action cinema and feminist storytelling.

For fans and newcomers alike, the film’s arrival on Peacock offers a fresh opportunity to experience this classic that helped redefine the genre. With its blend of action, drama, and social commentary, G.I. Jane continues to inspire discussions about gender roles and resilience in challenging environments.