A solid war piece.

Rating: 7/10 (31 January 2008)

Compared to Sam Mendes' other works, this one lacks the really powerful acting and original storyline of American Beauty or Road to Perdition. Compared to other war films, however, it is still a strong piece that shows the obscurity and tediousness the Marines went through in the Gulf War. The cinematography is very good, with the scenes of burning oil being beautiful to look at. Overall, I thought this film was very neutral in its message. It isn't pro-war or anti-war. It simply shows what Anthony Swofford and other Marines went through and what they continue to go through after returning home. If anything, watching this film should increase our respect for anyone who fights in the military. It is a rough life, and all that sign up for it deserve to be respected by those who do not.