Not what i expected...

Rating: 8/10 (16 January 2006)

I saw a trailer for this film a few weeks ago and was really unimpressed by it. Once I realised it was directed by Mendes, and that Deakins was the cinematographer I decided it'd be worth a watch As I took my seat i was half expecting a typical, unrealistic, pro-American 'war' film that would just try to justify America's current political position (albeit with some decent cinematography). Needless to say, what i actually got was something different. The film focuses on what it is to be a modern soldier, rather than the actual details of the Gulf War. Any major plot points are centred around the Marines and the way they interact with each other, and/or react to the situation they are in. The pace of the film is almost spot-on, and the performances of all the lead actors help give depth to the characters without it seeming forced.
I thought this film was brilliantly paced, and the cloying, claustrophobic tension was built to a climax excellently. Stand out performances came from Gyllenhaal and Foxx (an actor i'm usually unimpressed by), top this with some excellent cinematography, to give a film well worth watching.
Worth a watch, a different kind of war film...