Replies

Good evening.
"I am not quite sure how to take this:"

Try this.

The majority of the FReepers posting on this thread are outraged that Clint is going to make a movie that shows the Japanese as more than faceless savages and that this will somehow make the sacrifices of the Marines less than they were.

It doesn't matter that none of us have seen either of the movies, or that the article that inspired the anger is in a socialist British rag that makes the WaPo look conservative. That is where the 21 thousand dead Japanese comment comes from. I guess I should have added a sarcasm tag.

One anti war movie that I consider a great war movie is "Saving Private Ryan". That would probably horrify Spielberg, but he captured the reality that, as awful as war is we still are willing to risk it all for our people. It would probably horrify some here that I believe that. The fact is, that I believe all war movies are designed to be anti rather than pro war, but the movies take on a life of their own.

I consider Gettysburg to be another really well done war movie that is meant to show how bad it is, yet shows us the better part of humanity. "The Steel Helmet", "All The Young Men", either version of the "All Quiet On The Western Front" are all movies that I say fit the bill. "A Walk in the Sun" and "Hell Is For Heroes" are others. Few movie makers set out to show anything positive about war but it just brings out the good in us along with the the bad and they can't stop showing that fact if they are good at their craft.

I read on your homepage that you are on your way to Iraq or Afghanistan. Good luck and let us know what you think about what you experience.

Michael Frazier

Okay. The majority of Freepers on this thread are outraged that there is a possibility of Clint making a movie that somehow makes the Japanese "human" and therefore makes the Marines look like murderers. We know inherently that war is killing, but when we can (as a people) think the enemy is a godless heathen bent on destroying us, it is easier.

Insinuated sarcasm tag appreciated. LOL

Of the movies you cite that I have seen Saving Private Ryan is antiwar, but does seem to be especially moving to many WWII vets. They seem to ignore the anti stance, so you may be right about a movie assuming a "life of its own". Although I've "seen" the Steel Helmet and All Quiet On The Western Front, they were basically background noise while I surfed the net (maybe here) so I can't comment accurately. But you seem straight with your understanding of them, so I'll assume you are correct. Gettysburg on the other hand...please.

Yeah, I am Baghdad bound. If I can post from there I will, but if not, rest assured I'll let everyone here know how it was. My understanding is that I'll be a REMF guy, in some command center. We'll see.