Hilariously dark, beautifully shot!

Rating: 10/10 (30 January 2006)

I just loved this film, it really wasn't what I had expected and in no way should be described as a war film, in the traditional sense! If anything, this film is a true war film, and is leagues above rubbish like Saving Private Ryan and films that trivialise war and suffering.
Set in the first Gulf war, Swoff joins the marines instead of going to college and ends up being sent to Iraq. His experience of war is very different to what one might expect, but shot in a way which still keeps the viewer in anticipation about what comes next.
Jake Gyllenhaal shines in the lead role, and Peter Sarsgaard also puts in an amazing performance. The cinematography is lush, with beautiful wide screen shots of the oil fields of Iraq and others which I won't go into as it will spoil seeing them! The music for this film is great, chosen very well so that its really funny when it kicks in! All in all, you must see this film, its very clever and not arrogant at all, with some really touching moments which will remind you of that first time you watched Apocalypse Now! A must see for all!