Brilliant, if you don't crave action

Rating: 10/10 (21 September 2000)

This is a truly deep and remarkable film. However, the lack of gory and fast paced action scenes like other war films (notably 'Saving Private Ryan') means that many people expecting to see an action film will be disappointed and bored. Many of my friends didn't enjoy this film, they believed it was 'boring'. There is action, however this is not so much an action or war film as an anti-war film. Showing the effect of battle on the mind.
I really enjoyed this film; it gives you lots to think about and it is beautifully directed with stunning scenery. The score is lovely and the characters well created and depicted. The characters are the focus, yet, without basing the film around one central character, the director has managed to allow the audience to relate and sympathise with them.
This film is brilliant, I have only one criticism and this may be just that I am not American; but it seems that a few of the characters sound very similar, and look very similar in their combat hats, making it a little difficult to keep track in some places. Although overall I loved this film and thought it was very intelligent and well worth the long running time.
10 out of 10