like being hit by a 2x4

Rating: 10/10 (19 January 2002)

I've been a fan of Ridley Scott since Blade Runner but this has to be his best ever and firmly establishes him as one of the greatest directors of all time. He has captured the chaos, the horror, the courage, the stupidity of war in a way no other movie I have seen ever has. I was literally on the edge of my seat throughout the movie, something I dont think I have ever done before. The visceral impact of the battle scene is unbelievable, more intense than any movie in my recent memory. This is not a pleasant movie, its not a fun experience, but I think I come out of it with an incredible respect for the people who do fight on my behalf. I cannot imagine what motivates them to make the sacrifices they do.