Distant From the War

Rating: 5/10 (11 July 2006)

In 1989, when Iraq invaded Kuwait, the USA sent countless troops to Middle East deserts to combat Saddam Hussein army. "Jarhead" is based on a book written by one Marine, who joined this force due to lack of professional options, since he was not able to go to college. This movie shows the Marine Corp trained by stupid and sadistic leaders, and the troop completely alienated, in a war without seeing the enemy, or knows the country or the costumes of the locals, and even the reasons for their action, being trained like pawns, aiming to kill an enemy. I do not know the reality of the Marines, but the way the story is presented it is not compatible with the worldwide image they have, mostly due to Hollywood movies. I was a little disappointed with director Sam Mendes, after "American Beauty" (1999) and "Road to Perdition" (2002). With the usual interval of three years to make a movie, he should have selected a better screenplay. My vote is five.
Title (Brazil): "Soldado Anônimo" ("Anonymous Soldier")