Jarhead

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Synopsis

Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx and Jake Gyllenhaal star in this critically acclaimed, brilliantly unconventional war story from Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes.

Jarhead (the self-imposed moniker of the Marines) follows Swoff (Gyllenhaal) from a sobering stint in boot camp to active duty, where he sports a sniper rifle through Middle East deserts that provide no cover from the heat or Iraqi soldiers. Swoff and his fellow Marines sustain themselves with sardonic humanity and wicked comedy on blazing desert fields in a country they don't understand against an enemy they can't see for a cause they don't fully grasp.

Movie info:

Release:

2005

Running Time:

118 min

Certificate:

Contains strong language, sex references and strong war imagery

Availability:

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Cast:

Director:

Sam Mendes

Reviews & comments (3)

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Jodie O'Rourke
A decent portrayal of the realities of modern war
31 December 2008
I don't think there are many films out there that tackle this subject matter particularly well. Most focus on the heroic stories we've already heard through the press, and account for a tiny fraction of the mass of troops sent to fight. Jarhead is different, portraying war as one enormous anticlimax. Young guys with little else going for them, except for their birds, fill their empty heads with the knowledge that they hope they’ll one-day use to kill someone. For most, the day never comes. A great film that, if you go in expecting a plot, is a real treat (and a laugh). If you’re looking for a glorification of war and big explosions, this won’t be your thing.
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Elena Vinterberg
not bad
06 December 2008
Directed by Sam Mendes, Jarhead is based on the true account of life as a Marine named Anthony Swofford serving in the Gulf War. Rather than carrying a strong political message, Jarhead instead focuses on the real life of a soldier, showing the side of war not often seen – as a dull, disappointing experience where inaction is common. Jarhead makes a pleasant change from the usual gung-ho war films, and does a decent job of keeping interest without in your face action at every moment. Although, saying that the actual warfare that's shown is gripping, but made even more so because it contrasts with the quieter bits (which take up most of the film) where there's a complete lack of action. Jarhead could have been better but overall it's a strong film that never lacks interest.
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George Harrison
This movie has such a unique perspective amongst…
27 May 2008
This movie has such a unique perspective amongst war films (it's not always firing bazookas and driving tanks), and I thought it was really cool to watch. The acting's great, and there's this one scene which takes place in an oil field at night which is really amazing to see.
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