The old National Guard ad used to say, "It's not just a job, it's an adventure!" Robert Clem's adaptation of William March's book of the same title retains the overall humanity of men in combat but is clear to dispel any myth of glorious combat action. Service men and women will enjoy this film for its accuracy and will relate to the characters and their experiences. The book is a timeless classic. Robert Clem has done a masterful job of portraying the story for us to enjoy and learn from.
This film is a timeless examination of how combat affects men and their lives after the combat is over. As an officer in the U.S. Army myself, I recognize and relate to the characters and their experiences. There are genuine events portrayed that have been repeated time-after-time since William March wrote his book. As a primer for the military, this could help leaders to identify when their subordinates are facing moral dilemmas perhaps at the cost of their own life. It will help the first line combatants to remember to remain vigilant or suffer the consequences of inattentiveness. It will also help the general public to understand a bit more what is involved with service in the military.
Certainly there is a close camaraderie demonstrated in the film among the fighting Marines. That camaraderie is present today too. Those men struggled upon their return home when their close knit organization was no longer around to provide support (positive or negative). Today's veteran also all-too-often returns home facing a public that really doesn't understand or is often unwilling to accept the fact that waging war is not simply a job.
Today's U.S. Military is all volunteer and most personnel re-enlist themselves to defend the ideals of freedom defined in the U.S. Constitution. The military and society are partners receiving mutual benefit in turn for that service. I think this film is clear on long-term effects from combat.
I appreciate Mr. Clem's attention to detail and accuracy in creating this film. His adaptation is a poignant work of craftsmanship. I highly recommend this film.