an unique film from a tired genre

Rating: 8/10 (26 January 2007)

This is an important film to any fan of war films. The true story, told from the memories of Anthony Swofford ( very well portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal) is an eye opener, a window into the way life of in the military. To see the way "Swoff" changes from a kid fresh out of high school, eager for opportunity to an in compassionate, barely sane soldier of war is genuinely shocking. What makes it more unique is that it this isn't a movie of action and violence, it's about the mental toll a soldier takes during war. The film is well directed by Sam Mendes, who's direction, reminiscent of Paul Greengrass, brings the appropriate grittiness to the movie. Peter Sarsgaard's performance as "Troy" really stood out as well. The emotional struggle he goes through adds another dimension to the film and at times took my attention from the main character. Jamie Foxx's performance as Stf. Sgt. Stykes was also very good, as that authority figure who acts tough but who's vulnerability shows during rough moments. Any fan of war pictures really owe it to themselves to see this. It's a sobering portrait of the war inside a soldier's head as well as the conflict around them.