Extremely powerful and moving War pic. A 'Platoon' for Gen X.

Rating: 9/10 (27 October 2005)

I saw this movie at a screening at UC Berkeley. Afterward the author of the novel it is based on held a Q&A.
This movie is a bit long, but so are most War films. It does, however, keep your attention the entire times.
This film is not just a War film, it is able to seamlessly mix comedy and drama, with such issues as Mental health and even a bit of ennui.
The characters are fully developed, each and everyone has an interesting story that is covered, briefly but perfectly. You get a broad spectrum of the kinds of men that go to war, what they left behind, and how it effects them when they return.
The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous and Sam Mendes' direction is pitch perfect.
Jakc Gyllenhaal gives an astounding performance, as does Jamie Foxx, but it is Peter Sarsgaard that steals the show, with a heartbreakingly subtle ghost of a performance.
This is definitely a must-see.