
Jarhead
2005, War/Drama, 2h 3m
200 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
This first person account of the first Gulf War scores with its performances and cinematography but lacks an emotional thrust. Read critic reviews
You might also like

Hannibal

We Own the Night

Four Brothers

Equilibrium

Phone Booth
Where to watch
Jarhead Photos
Movie Info
In the late 1980s, Anthony Swofford (Jake Gyllenhaal) enlists as a Marine, training in boot camp under a sadistic drill instructor. Swofford undertakes a sniper course headed by Staff Sgt. Sykes (Jamie Foxx) during this time, which is shortly before the advent of the Gulf War. When the United States becomes involved, Swofford is shipped out, along with his spotter, Alan Troy (Peter Sarsgaard). Facing uncertainty each day -- about the war and home -- the soldiers try to maintain composure.
Cast & Crew
Jake Gyllenhaal
Anthony Swofford
Anthony Swofford
Peter Sarsgaard
Alan Troy
Alan Troy
Jamie Foxx
Staff Sgt. Sykes
Staff Sgt. Sykes
Chris Cooper
Lt. Col. Kazinski
Lt. Col. Kazinski
Lucas Black
Chris Kruger
Chris Kruger
Brian Geraghty
Fergus O'Donnell
Fergus O'Donnell
Critic Reviews for Jarhead
Audience Reviews for Jarhead
-
Aug 10, 2020"Every war is different. Every war is the same." From director Sam Mendes comes the compelling war drama Jarhead. Based on a memoir by Anthony Swofford, the film follows Swofford as he joins the Marines and is recruited to be a sniper, but he soon finds himself stationed in Saudi Arabian as part of Operation Desert Shield endlessly waiting to see action. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamie Foxx, Peter Sarsgaard, Lucas Black, and Chris Cooper, a film features a strong cast that gives good performances. And Mendes does a great job at capturing the isolation and beauty of the desert, and at showing the horrors of war. Additionally, Thomas Newman provides a terrific score. Yet at times the film gets a little crass and vulgar, but it's also incredible honest. While it has some problems, Jarhead is a powerful look at the life of a soldier.Dann M Super Reviewer
-
Feb 12, 2016Reminiscent of Full Metal Jacket to a certain extent, Jarhead gives a different picture of war- the kind that's beyond explosions, ambushes, and chaos.Maymay A Super Reviewer
-
Nov 24, 2012Not at all what I was expecting, It focuses on the the life of one soldier and his time in Afghanistan, There is no action at all but somehow you get really gripped, It's brilliantly acted, Worth a watch.Jamie C Super Reviewer
-
Jul 12, 2012Upon first viewing, 'Jarhead' is no more than a portrait of the psychological challenges of a boring war. Yet, after the credits role, this film settles into your stomach and mind and doesn't leave. Sam Mendes creates a beautifully terrifying atmosphere with amazing cinematography and a strong cast of actors, with Gyllenhaal, Foxx, and Sarsgaard showing true talent. This film is not a trigger-happy gun show, but instead a poignant portrayal of soldiers battling themselves instead of the enemy. It's refreshing to see a great filmmaker give a unique turn on the modern 'war' genre.Kase V Super Reviewer
Verified