Tigerland (2001)

Vietnam War Movie #7 (ok, it’s set entirely in basic training, but the characters are all getting trained for ‘Nam)

Synopsis: Smartass recruit and pals find terror and violence await them in Vietnam... um...Louisiana!?

Blurb From the DVD Jacket: “Just released from the base stockade, recruit Roland Bozz (Colin Farrell) joins a platoon of young soldiers preparing to ship out from Vietnam. Bozz’s independence and outright defiance draws fire from his own men as well as commanding officers. But when a platoon is sent to Tigerland, a hellish training ground that is the last stop before Vietnam, Bozz’s leadership and loyalty bring his men together – triggering extraordinary consequences.”

What Did I Learn?: When a drill instructor teaches you how to interrogate a Viet Cong prisoner using live electrodes, he probably doesn’t wish to hear the words: “why would I want to do that on a fellow human being?”

You Might Like This Movie If: You know that any movie with the word “tiger” in the title must be pretty scary stuff.

Really?: So wait – Bozz refuses to follow an order during basic training, walks off, and the drill sergeant not only lets him address him by his first name but shares a cigarette with the defiant recruit?!

Rating: Tigerland isn’t exactly a Vietnam War movie, but it is an interesting character-driven drama about a tough non-conformist who questions authority and disturbs shit during basic training – imagine Cool Hand Luke Joins the Army. Farrell is quite good as Pvt. Bozz, and there are more than a few funny moments in Tigerland, although it isn’t a comedy by any stretch. 8/10 stars.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0170691/