It is a fictional story told from one person's view.
Some of the criticisms are valid in the NY Post review...but this review is just not accurate in so many places. I saw the movie. I am not a veteran or a Marine.
The "reality" I have heard about from veterans is that a lot of combat is 'unreal", crazy and insane at times. War is ugly and at times, incredibly "boring" with waiting. Young men in combat do weird, goofy stuff at times.
The movie did not make Marines out to be "monstors " or fools. Only automatons, not real men out to do a very difficult job under the worst of conditions, would not ever have any fears or ambivalence. Jamie foxx commenting on why he chooses to stay in active combat duty in the Marines was very strong.
It is a f'ng movie, not a documentary! Sure there was stupid stuff going on, and at times they guys were not "John Wayne". But the Movie also showed their feelings of pride in their mission, the Marines and in each other. I guess this reviewer missed many scenes of the Marines' commraderie and deep committment to each other. I guess he missed the scene of the guy so proud of his pregnant wife and his child.
And yes, it is ALSO about oil. I don't think there was an "endless liberal commercial" about the oil connection.
But the oil in the mideast IS a reality and a PART of our conflict there. It is not the only reason we are in the mideast and the movie did not make that "the only reason we're there is cause of the oil" yapping. No, they showed the young boy --a Kuwaitee--who had been gassed by Sadaam.
I thought the movie was well produced and directed and will most likely positively impact Americans regarding our military and their missions. The liberals will of course not see that.
Now, all the combat experts can flame me about missing the fact that the director didn't get the uniforms right!