Seeing things for what they are.

Rating: 9/10 (23 March 2001)

I needn't comment further on the story or the actors since so many have already done so. It's remarkable how this film creates an indelible imprint on one's mind long after the ending. What is so poignant are the last scenes. One is that fatal reaching out for the butterfly, a symbol of Life's beauty amidst the destruction. Yet for me it is the last scene which says volumes, the incredibly haunting backward glance of the young soldiers turning toward the camera, they speak to us, the peoples of the world, to generations then and those to come. Somehow I felt, What right have we to compel them to lay down their lives so thoughtlessly, and, What is war but slaughter? I could go on but this will suffice. Yes, it's a memorable movie to experience.