'Jarhead'

By Betsy Curry
The movie “Jarhead” is based upon former Marine Anthony Swofford’s best-selling 2003 book. Just like the book, the movie Jarhead gives us a first-hand insight into the life of a Marine in the Gulf War.

Swofford, the main character played by Jake Gyllenhaal (Day After Tomorrow) is a third-generation enlistee. The movie follows Swofford through a treacherous boot camp and on to becoming the best Marine sniper in his platoon.

I reluctantly report that many found the movie “not up to snuff,” as some might say. Jarhead is being given bad reviews because “a war movie should have violence in it.” Many agree with the previous statement, but I strongly disagree. War in general is violent, but if you are not one of our heroes that has served this country you are left clueless to the daily obstacles soldiers deal with.

War plays with a soldier’s mind and emotions. Young men and women leave husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, and all too often children behind, in order to protect the country we live in. “Jarhead” presents the audience with the rare and rewarding chance to view such a diverse aspect of war. Just because every five seconds of the movie is not interrupted with guns firing and bombs exploding, or blood being spattered across the screen for all to view, does not mean the film is not worthy of viewing.

Swofford and his fellow Marines are excited at the thought of war, but none is prepared for what lies ahead, especially Swofford. The Marines are dropped off in the desert with the thought that they will only be there a few weeks. One hundred and twenty-two days later the troops still find themselves fighting the scorching Saudi Arabian heat with no victory in sight. During the time spent in the desert, the Marines are forced to deal with 100 plus degree heat, drenching rain, oil raining from blown-up oil rigs, and the emotional breakdowns of fellow soldiers.

Regardless of Hollywood’s reviews, I found “Jarhead” to be one of my favorite movies. Just like a lot of others, I like nothing more than a good action flick. With that being said, “Jarhead” is still a great movie with an unusual twist to the norm. Anyone looking for a different outlook on war, instead of the standard bombs exploding and gory battle scenes, would enjoy this film.