The Highlander

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Director Sam Mendes took on the challenge of adapting Anthony Swofford's 2003 memoir, "Jarhead," for the silver screen. Obviously, this film comes at a time when American attention is heavily focused on the Middle East and our current war in Iraq. This film shows that much has changed since the Operation Desert Shield began in August 1990.

I do not think Swofford set out to write an overtly political book, but people will come to their own conclusions on how apolitical the movie is. When the book came out in early 2003, Swofford made no attempt to hide his opposition to the current war in Iraq.

As a Marine, I greatly anticipated this film because it is seen from the eyes of the "grunt." The term grunt in any other sector of society is usually viewed negatively, but within Marine Corps culture it is viewed as a term of endearment. Swofford was a scout/sniper with a Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA) unit. Within the combat arms, the sniper is a highly respected operator.

It is impossible to avoid politics in this movie, however, especially as it deals with American reliance on foreign oil. The bulk of the movie deals with the "hurry up and wait" aspect of the military. Swofford's unit was deployed to Saudi Arabia in the initial massing of forces in the region. The battalion commander flat-out tells the Marines of their role in protecting Saudi Arabian oil fields. While awaiting the transition from Operation Desert Shield to Operation Desert Storm, the film accurately depicts the various methods Marines utilize to pass time.

The film takes its share of "Hollywood excess" along the way, but it conveys important concepts within the Marine Corps. A few Marines, including Swofford, were depicted as independent thinkers. As the American public conveys their frustrations with the current war, it is important to understand how the enlisted Marine has evolved. More and more barracks rooms of Marine "grunts" are filled with computers. Many are blogging from Iraq, although the Pentagon has voiced its frustration about this. The Corps has come along way since the days of Gomer Pyle. This is needed as they take on the challenge of reconstructing Iraq as the security situation still hangs in the balance.

The film does have humorous aspects that lighten the emotional load. Swofford epitomizes the "take care of your own" culture of the Marine Corps in helping his buddies celebrate the holidays by his ability to acquire "vital supplies" in the middle of the desert. As one might expect, "Murphy's Law" occurs during these Marine moments of holiday cheer. Swofford's punishment is a very funny episode and an unfortunate reality for lower ranks. Swofford's platoon buddies attempt to embarrass their Platoon Sergeant (Jamie Fox) as he speaks to the media. Although they create another memorable scene, in a land of hierarchy the higher rank laughs last.

I enjoyed the movie and would recommend it to anyone. It shows the individual battles these Marines face as they move towards the liberation of Kuwait. Regardless of how one may view the film politically, it is timely as so much our society is removed from the realities of our current war. As President Bush said on the eve of the current Iraq war, "War has no certainty except the certainty of sacrifice." I hope people will think about our current lack of shared sacrifice as they see the difficulties Swofford's unit faces. Recognize that multiple Marine Infantry battalions are on their third tours in Iraq.

Rating: 3.5 stars

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