"Jarhead" is a war-time drama, set during the Persian Gulf War in the early 1990's. The movie is based on the book, "Jarhead" by Anthony Swofford (a former Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps).
The movie follows Swofford (played in the movie by Jake Gyllenhaal) through his Basic Training, and eventually overseas to Kuwait. Unlike most war movies, which contain loads of combat scenes...this movie has virtually none. Because for the majority of soldiers who fought in Desert Storm...there was no combat.
It could be argued that "Jarhead" is the "Full Metal Jacket" of the Gulf War. Like "Jacket", this movie pulls no punches about war. It sucks...and nobody wants it. It also paints a realistic portrait of the war itself and the soldiers placed squarely in the middle of it. The reactions vary from man to man...from those who are career military to those just passing through. Men who can't wait for their first taste of combat...to men who want no part of it. In stark contrast to "Jacket", these men were here by popular demand...and received a heroes' welcome on their return.
With very little combat to offer...this movie has to rely strongly on dialogue and the performances of the actors involved. Fortunately, both are used to great effect...and the movie becomes that much better as a result. Some of the backdrops in the movie, particularly the burning oil field, are extremely powerful...and give the movie a chilling, unearthly feel.
For an excellent character drama in a war-time setting, "Jarhead" moves front and center.
Starring - Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamie Foxx, Peter Sarsgaard, Scott McDonald, and Lucas Black. Directed by Sam Mendes.
Time - 2 hours, 3 minutes. Rated - R (Sexual content, language, some violence)
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