One of the best films of recent years.

Rating: 8/10 (28 October 2002)

I saw this film at the cinema, I really enjoyed it. Recently I got it on DVD, and have watched it a great many times since.
What really made me love this film, was it's gritty realism of war. And based on just what was shown in the action sequences, was easily comparable to Private Ryan and Apocalypse Now (among others).
The characters aren't really that important (except for maybe Eversman and Hoot), what is, is the way that work together and the bonds that they have in the field.
The half hour build-up to the action, is used simply show what they (the US) was doing there, and what the Rangers, Delta and 160th SOAR were going to do.
What follows, never once, not even after seeing it so many times, makes my attention wonder from the screen. From the codeword "Irene" until the last bullet is heard snapping past your ears, you are on the edge of your seat, dodging RPGs around your living room and shooting imaginary enemies.
Because of the realism of this film, it's not one for the squeamish. There are (as you would expect) some grizzly injuries.
The performances are good (although as the extras on the DVD show, a lot of it isn't acting), but Ewan McGregor should really learn to hold down an accent. A special mention for Eric Bana as the films "voice", Sgt. Hooten. Who really shows why they were there.
All in all, an excellent war film, which really pushes the genre to a new extreme of action, with a little bit of depth.
8/10