Strong movie

Rating: 9/10 (23 November 2005)

I thought the movie was compelling in its own right and touched many angles on humanity and human struggle. Camera movements and stills were right on to the story and very striking. The acting became very emotional at times and involved me very much so. Sarsgaard's performance at the end was particularly compelling and really showed the struggle of the marines. I voted it a nine out of ten as I thought it to the likes of Full Metal Jacket and Black Hawk Down. The film is not about politics, nor does it ignore them. It simply tells the story and from that reaches many aspects of human struggle and human relationships. The scene where Swoff (Jake Gyllenhaal) cannot finish masturbation to his girl back home whom he suspects of cheating was strong. Ernest Ozuna did a great job with his character that is so easily relatable to the Seargent in Full Metal Jacket, and so making the role that much more challenging. I would also recommend it as a DVD purchase when that is available.