Tigerland (2000) - Movie Review

When you hear the name Joel Schumacher, what do you think? The director who brought us such awesome thrillers like A Time to Kill and The Client? No. We see him as the director of the horrid 8mm, and even more so, the man who destroyed the Batman franchise. To say the least, Schumacher's career has been spiraling downward...

And he needed something like Tigerland to raise him back up. Though hardly noticed by the public, Tigerland takes us inside the world of boot camp during the Vietnam era, and creates a vivid picture of the men who were sent off to die.

Starring is Colin Farrell, who turns in a wonderful performance as Bos, the reluctant soldier who defies orders whenever possible in hopes that he will be sent home, even though he is probably the best man in training. As time goes on, he realizes that despite what his feelings might be, he might have to take control so that everyone else doesn't lose it.

The direction is scratchy, rough, and low budget, yet it captures the mood of the film perfectly. Tigerland takes no censorship in itself, and I like it that way.

I think what is best about Tigerland is that it shows what happens to these men in boot camp. Some go crazy, some break down, and others emerge as heroes. The sad thing is that these men aren't even in war yet; if they are breaking down already, what's going to happen when they are put into a situation where real bullets are flying at them?

Tigerland actually addresses the question in a very compelling story arc between Farrell and the 'bad guy' of the movie.

Tigerland has rejuvenated my faith in Joel Schumacher as a director; too bad more people have not seen this movie.

This movie is lonely because people have neglected it and not written kind things about it. Please help this movie feel better about itself and write a comment or review now.

No HTML. Be kind - your mom might read what you say.

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