CPT Peretz quotes from The Last Castle (2001)

I know what you're thinking. Do I salute you, or do you salute me? Well, the answer is neither. My men salute me, of course, and each other according to rank, but there is no saluting within the facility by the general prison population. Well, first things first; are you hungry?

No.

Are you sure? Mondays are our Salisbury-steak night.

Always a cause for celebration.

Indeed, indeed. [Motions to Irwin] If you'll step over here, I'll give you a general layout of the prison. The building we are in now is the administration building. That building there houses the tiers; that's where you and the other inmates will live. The building next to it is the laundry, where I've had you assigned. [Notices Irwin looking at a dilapidated stone wall in the prison yard] Oh, that is the old prison block wall. That's all that's left from the original prison from the 1870s. I could've removed it, but I thought it was important to keep a sense of history, so I asked the inmates to rebuild it. They seem to enjoy it; it's a matter of some pride now.

Sir.

Yes, please, on the table there. I personally meet with every new inmate here at the prison, usually downstairs, and I ask them a question: What do you expect from your time here at The Castle?

Nothing. Just to do my time and go home.

Perfect. That is the perfect answer.

Prisoner Aguilar, resume your punishment.

The punishment is over.

Aguilar, I'm warning you.

MAN DOWN! MAN DOWN!

You're better than this.

Okay, okay! That's enough!

All inmates will remain on the ground in the prone position.

Prisoner Irwin. I understand that coming here must be a big adjustment for you. To go from commanding thousands of troops in battle, to having no war to fight and no one to follow you must not be easy. However, I do ask that you learn how things are done around here. I try to set an example for the other men. Saluting is prohibited. Aguilar was saluting; he needed discipline. Surely you understand that.

Sir. May the prisoner speak, sir?

Yes?

According to the regulation manual, a punishment begun on the evening shift, may not exceed the following morning's horn.

Prisoner Irwin, you are exactly correct. Thank you, for bringing that to my attention. Captain Peretz?

Prisoner Irwin, under no circumstances is an inmate to make physical contact with an officer. You have violated the regulation for the prisoner's code of conduct. And this violation requires discipline.

Privates are "Pal", Corporal's "Buddy", Sergeant's "Sport", officers are "Chief"- playing soldiers, sir.

Hearts and minds. He is offering them self-respect, in exchange for loyalty. The general is building himself an army.

He can have the hearts and minds, sir. Long as we got 'em by the balls.

Well put, Corporal.

Thank you, sir.

Bring him to my office.

Who?

The Prince of Venezuela! Who do you think?

General Irwin?

Mister Irwin!