Powerful war movie

Rating: 7/10 (18 January 2006)

The movie takes place during the first Gulf war and contains some very graphic battle scenes. It is told from the viewpoint of one of the soldiers played by Jake Gyllenhaal.
A very strong performance from Gyllenhaal. He plays Swofford the author of the book on which the movie is based. He questions his being in the war in the first place and never really comes to terms with it. Jamie Foxx, as Sgt. Sykes gives a powerful performance which could get him a supporting actor nomination at the Oscars.
Sam Mendes gets the best out of a somewhat weak screenplay but this movie isn't in the same league as 'Road to Perdition' and 'American beauty'. I expected more action and think the movie would have been better for it.