This film is a hidden gem!

Rating: Null/10 (26 January 2004)

This is an interesting take on Vietnam films, as it must be one of the few movies about this war, that is NOT set in Vietnam. This film concentrates on the gruelling training that the soldiers had to endure before being sent to 'Nam. After their basic training, platoons are sent for another 8 weeks of incredibly intensive training (where the story begins), after which, they have another week or two of training in Tigerland. Tigerland has been created by the military to mimic the Vietnamese conditions and surroundings that the soldiers will experience - so it is kind of like a dry run, if you will, but it is no walk in the park, that's for sure!
Colin Farrell is amazing in this film and is supported by a decent cast of unknowns. The film actually reminds me a little of Full Metal Jacket, which certainly isn't a bad thing.
I strongly urge you to watch this film at your next available opportunity, even if you don't like war movies - the film is more of a study of human nature - the war just provides a kind of backdrop for the well-written and well-acted story.