Story of war, love, sacrifice - delicately balanced, delivers explosively

Rating: 10/10 (18 March 2001)

Most of the reviews I've read for this movie refer to the misplaced love story that dilutes the otherwise strong plot and minimalizes the omnipresent tragedy and horror that is war.
Quite honestly, I feel that the love story is what truly solidified this film and took it from the ranks of the great war movies to the category of great cinema.
The film is technically engrossing, and dramatically enthralling. All of the performances are solid and emotionally involving.
This is definitely the finest movie I've seen this year.
The sniper battles were very well portrayed and suspenseful. The love triangle, though seemingly out of place, was quite realistic, and added a new element to an already fascinating story. Both sides of the larger battle were portrayed fairly and for the most part accurately (as opposed to, say, Saving Private Ryan). The film succeeded in all the ways a wonderful film should, in my opinion.
I simply cannot say how much I love this movie.