No. 31 Tigerland (2000) 7 of 100

 

Off to war now, or at least the training for it. It is the great year of 1971 and a group of recruits are undergoing their 8 week training in preparation for their deployment to Vietnam. After the 8 weeks are up the group spends a week in Tigerland, the army’s Vietnam recreation which prepares them for war with harsh conditions and live ammunition.

The soldiers are a mix of enlisted and conscripted men but most are keen for a way to escape the already unpopular war. Chief amongst them is Colin Farrell’s Bozz, who has come to the camp fresh from the stockade. He’s a liberal who knows his rights and isn’t shy to stir up insurrection amongst the men.

At first the military seems like no bad thing as an early trip to town sees Bozz and a colleague engage in some sweaty sex with some local girls. The two contemplate jumping off a roof to gain a discharge injury but are too scared to go through with it.

Back in camp we are introduced to the usual array of misfit soldiers and sadistic officers. The soldiers initially dislike Bozz, who gets them extra details due to his attitude, but things swing in his favour when he gets some discharged using his knowledge of military law and procedures.

The men are trained in various aspects of fighting and intelligence gathering, the latter of which involves our man Shannon. He’s only in one scene in the film, but it is a good one as he instructs the men on how to gather intel from the Vietcong by the subtle method of attaching electrodes to their balls.

Bozz bonds with Paxton, an idealist who plans on writing a book on his experiences, and an enemy in Shea Whigham’s Private Wilson who is a lot nastier than his Dad’s Army namesake.

After a few mishaps and discharges the men are off to Tigerland – who will see out the final week and make it to the war?

This was an unusual film for director Joel Schumacher who usual revels in big budget action films. Here the film is grainy and washed out having been shot on 16mm stock to add authenticity. There are also a lot of handheld cameras and we are clearly looking at a low budget passion project.

There is however a lot to like, not least in Colin Farrell who does well to be annoying yet worthy. His Irish accent does replace his supposed Texan at times but you can tell the actors have all been run through the mill. Whigham does a great 1000 yard stare and you do feel that he has genuinely gone nuts.

To its detriment the film is somewhat derivative of things like ‘The Hill’ and ‘Full Metal Jacket’ but there can’t be many unturned rocks in the world of military training films.

This was an early outing for Shannon and he did look a bit young and skinny to be outranking the other soldiers, but he had a memorable part which involved another soldier’s part and carried it off well.

I enjoyed the film overall and although not saying much new about the horrors of war and the camaraderie amongst men, it was still entertaining with enough conflict and action to keep me dialled in.

When is Shannon-On? - 31.02

Outcome? Probably still zapping nuts on base

Film 3.5/5

Shannon Stars 2/5