| Tigerland |
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| Rating: Very Good Distributor: 20th Century Fox MPAA Rating: R Release Date: September 22nd, 2000 (limited) Running Length: 1 hour, 50 minutes Genre: Drama, Action/Adventure Director: Joel Schumacher Cast: Colin Farrell, Matt Davis, Shea Whigham, Clifton Collins, Russell Richardson, Cole Hauser, and Tom Guiry. |
| Plot: The setting is 1971, and soldiers are in a training camp, getting ready to be shipped off to Tigerland. Tigerland is the last week of training before these soldiers are taken to fight in Vietnam. Roland Bozz is constantly getting in trouble, and disobeying orders and authority. At first he is dismissed by peers and authorities as a failure who only starts trouble. However, his pacifist beliefs come to surface, and his true gift as a leader who merely wants to save himself and his companions from fighting in Vietnam becomes apparent. He isn't perfect, he has no social skills, and has failed in the life that he should have been living. Still, he finds a way to get many of his fellow soldiers out of the camp and the war, winning most of his peers' hearts. Some men who just want to kill and fight the war, including most of his superiors find him distasteful. For those who will join him they may find themselves rewarded with an off beat friendship. |
| Critique: I'm not sure what I'd call Tigerland. It doesn't belong in any genre, at least not comfortably. At first glance it is a war movie, a Vietnam movie. Neither are true. The film ends before the soldiers the film depicts go off to Vietnam; it ends as they are leaving Tigerland. Thus the film is not really a Vietnam movie, or a war movie, because there is no war shown and the main characters never go to Vietnam. It's mostly a movie about The Vietnam War era. It's sensitive, and acts as a careful meditation. Its characters are strongly rounded, and well crafted. Colin Farrell, who has earned acclaim for his lead performance, is a strong screen presence and delivers realistic mannerisms. The whole cast, mostly of unknown actors does a terrific job. Clifton Collins and Cole Hauser stand out, and I believe Collins who was very strong in Price of Glory is especially talented. The script is intelligent, and the direction is natural and solid. The cinemgatography and score are restrained, but properly affecting. In its storyline Tigerland is not a sad movie, or a happy movie - it's totally neutral. However, Schumacher casts a sad mood, a mood of longing. In the characters case that longing pertains to their urges to leave. The film is littered with character interplay, and thoughtful reflections. In some cases the film can be seen as a metaphor for the war that will soon engulf our characters. Mostly, it's just a commentary on the era and feelings towards the war. I believe that latter is what is intended. The finale was an especially intelligent. It avoids all cliches, and possible self indulgent roads. It sets itself up to do something stupid, but never does it. There is a strong sparkle of wisdom that resonates throughout the film. Tigerland is a fine film, well realized and well acted. It's thoughtful, observant and displays strong character development. I highly recommend this affecting film. review by supernothingman |
| 1/2 |