Tigerland

Tigerland is a somewhat unconventional Vietnam film which can perhaps barely be categorised as such, since it is not set in Vietnam, but it deals with some of the same issues as the other films in the genre.

The film is about a group of soldiers' training before they are shipped out to Vietnam. The very last training takes place over 8 weeks, and in the 9th week the training is held in the so-called Tigerland, a replica of Vietnam in Louisiana.

The protagonist is Bozz, a rebellious infantryman who is capable of turning the army, and not least his own platoon, upside down. He is impossible to break and wildly provocative because he takes nothing seriously. His superiors, however, display great insight into human nature when they appoint Bozz platoon leader, for he is intelligent, perceptive and respected by the other men.

The film is also about the internal conflicts among the men. The sadistic Wilson is something of a caricature, in contrast to the other characters, who are drawn with great nuance.

Tigerland fizzles out a little at the end. If you were expecting the big cathartic dramatic finale, think again.