A juxtapositioning of art, poetry and the horrors of war.

Rating: 9/10 (22 June 2000)

This film may not be what most war genre fans may be used to, or be expecting. It is not a film which splatters blood and guts from beginning to end, attempting to outdo each mangling and tearing of limbs with another more fantastic explosion of bodies. Some may find the story slow, others may think it is overly dramatic in its attempt to get into the minds of those participating in the war. But what it is overall is impressive, striking cinematography. Some of the images would be appropriate were they to be framed, and hung on the walls of galleries and museums. The words are thoughtful, poetically written, and the cast is a compilation of all-star actors. If you're looking for action and excitement... skip this film. If you're looking for an intelligent, visual essay on another side of war, you may find this film worth watching. My only regret is that I haven't seen the original in order to compare the two. That is my next assignment. 9 0ut of 10.