Tigerland (2000)

I bought the Video because of its title and subject matter. As a graduate of Light Weapons Infantry Advanced Individual Training (AIT), A Co, 6th Battalion, 3d Brigade (Tigerland), Ft Polk in Sep '67, I guess I looked at this film with a very critical eye. There was a whole lot of Hollywood fiction and stereotyping in the film. This was NOT how it was! The few things the film did right was to capture the types of characters who were being drafted and sent to that cannon fodder school... a course in camping, shooting, survival and sleep deprivation. I could see the faces of my fellow trainees in some of the characters in the film. I don't know where the trainees got the time to go party as they did in the film. Our duty day started around 02:30 or 0300 and went until 24:00. What little time we had off (usually Saturday afternoon and Sunday if we were not on guard duty or kitchen police) was spent sleeping and cleaning our gear.

The drill instructors in the film were depicted as either totally insane and sadistic or as "tough but fair" professionals. In reality, 99% of the DI's were in the "tough but fair" professionals category. The few sadistic types who slipped through the screening process did not last very long at all.

Another bad fact in the film was the name of the final training phase. "Tigerland" was the name of the entire training area of Fort Polk for Infantry AIT. "Tiger Ridge", or just "The Ridge", was where we went through our final field exercise, which was a lot tougher than depicted in the film.

The main character did a great job of acting. The story was entertaining, but largely fictional. If there was a competent military "technical advisor", present, the director must have totally ignored his advice. Overall the film was entertaining and it reminded me of many of the brave souls I served with.

Sam Carlson

Captain, US Army (Retired)

After I watched this movie I really thought about why it was so good. The conclusion I arrived at was that it put a very original twist on a very documented subject; the Vietnam War.

The film focases on a group of young men in infantry training for combat. Quickly the film introduces it's central character, a rebelious private named Bozz(Coilin Ferrell). Bozz was drafted and does not believe in the army and he will do whatever it takes convey that point except desert. At first nobody likes him because he causes problems for everyone in his platoon. In particular the drill sargents and another private named Wilson(Shea Whigham) despise Bozz. However the rest of the men really start to warm to Bozz and his cause. He makes frinds with Paxton(Matthew Davis) and helps out some other soldiers which gains him favor among the others. Eventually Bozz becomes the leader of the platoon just before thay are sent to Tigerland, which is the name the army has given their mock Vietnam.

Tigerland is different from most war movies in that the soldiers in this film are never shown going to war. Instead the film is all about the training of the soldiers before they actually were sent to fight and the effects it had on them. Essentially not a whole lot happens in this film event wise, but the character study of the young men faced with war is masterful. The performances from the whole cast are excellent. Collin Ferrell is quite exceptional as Bozz. He is clever, funny, objectional, loyal and troubled, which gives the character a lot of depth. Matthew Davis, Clifton Collin Jr, and Shea Whigham all turn in wonderful supporting roles as well. Director Joel Schumacher(The Lost Boys, The client, 8mm) has crafted a beautiful film. His direction is quiet and subtle. His use of hand held cameras with 16mm film gives the movie a unique, documentary feel.

While I was watching this film I had a interesting revilation about it's message. The film actually points out that the men who fought in Vietnam came from different backrounds and had very different opinions about what they were doing there. To many, honor and duty were arbitrary when it came to the war because, like Bozz, it had nothing to do with them. For others it was all that mattered, and for still more they were just there. But for all of them the fear and reality of war was present. Additionally I really got the feeling these men had no idea what they were even preparing for. I would be willing to wager just from watching movies on the Vietnam war such as Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, and Apocalypse Now, that I have a greater understanding of what was happening in Vietnam at the time than these young men did before they were sent. They were trained to fight a enemy they had never seen, half way around the world, and all they really knew was that people were dying. So how could they really be prepared.

I urge people to see this film. It was very well done and worth the time. I am surprised it did not have a wider release in the theatres. It was one of the better films of 2000 and a worthy addition to the chronicles of war pictures. This movie was real.

Buy Tigerland (2000) Now

If you want to watch a war movie that shows death, blood and gore this is not the movie you. Instead this movie accuratly portrays the life of US Army soldiers in training before they head off to Vietnam and an uncertain fait. All the actors are excellent and really capture the human drama as these soldiers deal with the probability of dying in the jungles of Vietnam. A plus is the accuracy of the time period such as the uniforms, vehicles and even the military lingo used back that era. If you are a stickler like me for accuracy then you will like this movie. I recommend it to those who are more interested in the human aspect of war and not just the blood and guts.

Read Best Reviews of Tigerland (2000) Here

It doesnt take explosions and firepower to make a gripping Vietnam movie. As a matter of fact, Joel Schumaker proves it doesnt even take Vietnam to make a gripping Vietnam movie. All you need is a moving tale and a flawless performance from your lead actor. Tigerland has both.

Colin Farrell is Bozz, a renegade private in training before he sets out for the battlefields of Vietnam. His flamboyance and disrespect has him hated by those who would train him and awed by those that would serve with him. His character proves to be more than a rebel. Through a brilliant job of acting Farrell shows Bozz to be scared, anxious, compassionate, and intelligent. The setting of the story revolves around army infantry training that culminates in a mock Vietnam setting called Tigerland. Throughout the movie we are exposed to the emotion of those that fear Vietnam and would do almost anything not to go, and the lunacy of those that welcome the carnage with open arms. The film has many moving moments and the good guy vs. bad guy sub plot that we all love. (The bad guy being a Private Wilson another fine bit of acting)

Tigerland is full of great imagery and even shot with a grainy texture that gives it a documentary sort of feel. The effect is profound in its pseudo dating of the film, adding an air of authenticity. While this is not an action flick, the acting and flow of the movie are flawless and a great five star tale results.

Want Tigerland (2000) Discount?

Normally when you get a two'fer like this, one film is so bad that bundling it with a decent film is the only way they can get people to buy it. I bought this DVD for 'The Edge' and was pleasantly surprised to find that 'Tigerland' was no slouch either.

Both films have plenty of action but their real strength lies in their examination of the human will and the psychological strength required to survive adversity.

Of the two, Tigerland is more contemplative and philosophical, focusing a majority of its energy on the ruinous aspects of state sponsored violence, i.e. warfare. Some will find it preachy, but Ferrell turns in an engaging performance and the supporting cast is strong.

Edge is less complicated but certainly more intense. A classic tale of survival, it pits Hopkins and Baldwin against a fearsome man-eating grizzly in the remote wilds of Alaska. The physical menace is paralleled by a growing sense of distrust between the two even as they rely on each other more and more to survive. Hopkins does a great job as always, but Baldwin is outclassed by the Bear.

A good bargain for two well matched and well made films.

Save 44% Off