If you like American Beauty, you will enjoy Jarhead.

Rating: 8/10 (7 November 2005)

Jarhead is a story of Marine Sniper Anthony Swoffard finding himself completely overwhelmed by his current situation in life. The film follows Swoffard through boot camp, deployment, and as a Marine stationed in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War.
A mix of humor, youth and tragedy surround him in his journey to seek some sort of meaning within himself and the war. Very similar to the basis of Kevin Spacey's character in American Beauty; Swoffard is just trying to live his own life in the incredibly screwed up world surrounding him. The film focuses more on the interpersonal relationships surrounding Swoffard as opposed to any political motivations behind the war; however the film is still packed with enough "action" to keep a less intellectually inclined viewer entertained. Jarhead is sexy, edgy and smart; the stunning visuals and charged performances of Gyllenhall and the rest of the cast are worth a look.