Tigerland

REVIEW
Having made a name for himself with big-budget, glossy Hollywood fare, director Schumacher retreats from the mainstream to create a gritty antiwar film that is both involving and credible. At a boot camp in the early 1970s, soldiers are being hastily trained for a quick flight to Vietnam. Amongst the ranks is Bozz (Farrell), a pacifist rebel who only wants out of the Army. During the grueling weeks of training, that ends with simulated combat at a makeshift jungle called Tigerland, Bozz comes to have a palpable effect on his fellow soldiers -- and reclaims a little of his own humanity in the process. Tigerland transcends the clichés of the war film not only through compelling dramatics but bristling characterizations as well. At the eye of this storm is a force of great intensity, Irish actor Farrell, whose brooding good looks and Steve McQueen coolness make him a natural for international stardom. His tempered, riveting portrayal provides a stark balance to circumstances that are out of control.