This take on Vietnam War doesn't break new thematic ground but it's Schumacher's best film since the 1993 Falling Down, and it showcases the talents of newcomer Colin Farrell, who has everything that it takes to become a major Hollywood star
Tigerland (2000)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:10
Fresh:9
Rotten:1
Average Rating:7.5/10
Consensus: A great cast and the gritty feel of the film help elevate Tigerland above the familiarity of the subject matter.
Runtime: 1 hr 50 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: Set in 1971, when America was a nation divided over the escalating violence and bloodshed of the Vietnam War, TIGERLAND begins when thousands of young soldiers had already lost their lives to the... Set in 1971, when America was a nation divided over the escalating violence and bloodshed of the Vietnam War, TIGERLAND begins when thousands of young soldiers had already lost their lives to the war, and thousands more were preparing to enter combat. In Fort Polk, Louisiana, a group of young soldiers-in-training has conflicting opinions about the war. Jim Paxton (Matthew Davis) is an idealistic romantic who sees Vietnam as potential inspiration for future novels and romantic war stories. Roland Bozz (Colin Farrell) is a rebellious antihero who decides that he wants no part of the army or the war and begins to disobey orders, trying to get expelled from the infantry. Paxton and Bozz become leaders to a small group of young draftees, and Bozz inspires them to question authority. As they enter Tigerland--a training process in which the soldiers simulate combat in the Louisiana wilderness--the men begin to realize just how far they will go to stay out of the war. This gritty, documentary-like vision of the war is engaging and incredibly moving, employing natural lighting, handheld cameras, and realistic dialogue to encapsulate the deeply internalized psychological journeys of the characters. Irishman Farrell gives a breakout performance as Bozz, replete with intense charisma and brooding outlaw heroism. [More]
Starring: Colin Farrell, Matt Davis, Shea Whigham, Clifton Collins
Starring: Colin Farrell, Matt Davis, Shea Whigham, Clifton Collins, Russell Richardson, Tom Guiry, Cole Hauser
Director: Joel Schumacher
Director: Joel Schumacher
Screenwriter: Michael McGruther, Ross Klaven
Producer: Arnon Milchan, Beau Flynn, Steven M. Haft
Composer: Nathan Larson
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Reviews for Tigerland
Even when the script overtaxes the allegory about how Vietnam divided a nation at home, Schumacher and the actors prevail by fixing their sights on what happens to men on that last stop before the game of war becomes a grim reality.
For those who don't mind being challenged, however, and are curious to see why Farrell is being touted as the next big thing, Tigerland has its rewards.
Tigerland lands squarely in the top tier of best movies about America's Vietnam experience.
Tigerland is tightly constructed and culminates with a stunningly appropriate charge of ambiguity.
Beneath the rough vérité exterior beats the same slick, corny heart that has pumped blood (and money) through Mr. Schumacher's Batman and John Grisham pictures.
One of its writers, Ross Klavan, based the screenplay on his own experience, and it's his approach that makes the film worth talking about.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
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