An Excellent film!

Rating: 9/10 (7 March 2006)

I rented Jarhead not knowing exactly what to think. I had wanted to see it in theaters but was told not to. I was also told to not pay any attention to the trailer because the trailer for Jarhead makes it seem like an action war movie. THIS IS NOT AN ACTION WAR MOVIE. If you want a war movie with a lot of fighting go get Black Hawk Down! Jarhead focuses on the character of Anthony Swofford (Jake Gyllenhaal) and the psychological turmoil that he goes through during his tour in the Gulf. The film displays exactly what goes on in the minds of the soldiers when the really have nothing to do.
The movie was simply brilliant. Sam Mendes did a phenomenal job with the direction. The shots in the desert and breathtaking and the shots with the burning oil fields are astounding. The acting in the film is also terrific. Peter Sarsgaard does an exceptional job playing Troy. His emotionally portrayal of this characters adds incredible depth to the film. Jamie Foxx (who I normally hate) also did a great job. He was confident in his scenes but also displayed sympathy towards the men in his squad. But the film truly belongs to Gyllenhaal. He is able to demonstrate the incredible change his character underwent throughout the film. There are a number of scenes where Gyllenhaal just explodes and simply takes your breath away. With films like this, Donnie Darko and Brokeback Mountain, Gyllenhaal is showing why he really is one of the best actors of this generation. He will be around for a very long time!! Jarhead is an excellent movie that moved me greatly. GO RENT IT NOW!