Did you people see the same film I saw?

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

I served from 1983-1993,7+ years in the European theater (mostley Germany)and this was and IS an ongoing market.While most of Germany's Army bases are closed,I WAS THERE. This is a true account of how things were and didn't ever scratch the surface of what went on. I also served in Operation Desert Storm and that kind of looting also only scratched the surface.I have personally seen things sent home you would not believe. The reason this was iced for 2 years was it was taken as true and it was. The US didn't need this bad PR at the time.The sad part is the loss of the two towers have more BS and mystery that will be never solved. I truly believe this was based on a true story as I have seen it first hand and lived it. I drove a semi their and had many customers in many varied products.I am proud of my time served, but not of some of the things I had to do.Only after all these years do I feel this should be told as it STILL goes on only under a better guise. I do feel liberated getting this out.May my soul rest as many many others like me will NEVER admit this and take it to their graves.Sgt Zak (as I was known) 108th MI and 123rd SPT-1st Infantry .

When I first saw this movie, I think it was after it came to DVD in late 2003 or early 2004. I really liked it and though I couldn't follow what it was about at the time, I decided to see it again today.I still remember every scene, and what really drew me in was the atmosphere of the film, a black comedy, but also a movie about a lone wolf who's an anti-hero, the best anti-hero I've ever seen. This movie puts soldiers in Western Germany in 1989 just after the Cold War ended and the Berlin Wall was about to fall. What's amazing is that boredom gets the best of these soldiers, especially for our main character.This film explores the life of a stationed drug dealer soldier and of course, not without some great humour. I will admit, I do hate indie films and indie directors, but this is the best indie film I have ever seen, it almost feels like a mainstream Hollywood movie, but in a good way. I absolutely love the time period and the location, it makes me feel like I'm at home in Romania.It's really thanks to Jacquin and his amazing, under-rated acting that make me appreciate the anti-hero character he portrays. I like the setup of the story because to those bored soldiers, their duty is like serving time in prison, so they have to find good recreational activities to do so they can kill off their boredom, and what better way to do that than make drugs, steal weapons and sell them for a nice wad of cash.This is one of those rare feel-good films that make you care about the character a lot, his struggles, and his fears. No matter how wrong you think what he's doing is, you still end up rooting for him in the end. Anti-Hero characters are always neutral, so they fight for their own cause. That may seem selfish, but in a world full of bad guys and good guys, the anti-hero must choose his own destiny and he'll let the good fight the evil as much as they want as long as neither get in his way.Truly under-rated film of the decade, if you're from Europe, or are in the military, and you have some friends over at your house, then order some pizzas, some nachos, and enjoy this film. I sure did, and I sure need to read the book as well, which is much more darker than the movie, apparently. I don't know why this is not in the top 250, but it deserves a spot in the top 20's.

The story about soldiers in a midst of a peacetime really proves to be an excellent example of a darkly humorous crime story.The story is set in 1989 on the American Army base. It is a period of stagnation in army; there is no one to fight with, and soldiers try to spend their free time by all ways and means they prefer.The main character is an ingenious clerk Ray Elwood (Joaquin Phoenix; gorgeous, simply gorgeous) who tries to get profit from everything that is available in the base. His problems start when the new top sergeant Robert Lee (played extremely well by Scott Glenn) who appears to be a Vietnam veteran, prevents poor Ray from making an important deal and tries to make his life hell and even worse when he finds out about close relationship between Ray and sergeant's daughter.The screenplay is based on the novel written by Robert Connor. Undeniably, the modish anti-military skit, pure black army humor, breathtaking story about cynical (mis)adventures of dashing Yankees in the Western Germany, when the soldiers have their heads in the clouds of homemade heroine - all that makes the movie incredibly good. Equally good are professionally filmed close-ups and long shots.Another remarkable feature of the movie is the soundtrack. De la Soul performance suits incredibly well.In spite of the success of the movie in Europe, in the US the first showing was in the wrong time - in 8th of September, 2001. After the 11th of September it was furtively shown only in 24 cinemas, and was a box-office disaster.The most remarkable character in the movie is beyond doubts Ray Elwood. He is a very contradictory character; he is at the same time cynic and in despair, fable and strong, enjoying life and losing his face, tormented by discrepancies. The lead is portrayed awesomely by Joaquin Phoenix. Ed Harris, as usually, shows very enjoyable high-class performance. Also I like the performance by Gabriel Mann; it is a minor role, though quite noticeable. I do not like Anna Paquin in this role; she unnaturally has tried to be intense and alluring.On the whole, the movie, being at the same time funny, serious and sad, is perfect, and it is worth watching at least because of the outstanding performance of Joaquin Phoenix in one of his best roles.

The author has taken Robert Stone's haunting "Dog Soldiers" and moved it to peacetime, Europe, and the tiresomely predictable FTA perspective of a minor English prof. It is 3.2 beer at best. Stick to "Mash" or "Catch 22" for this kind of thing."Buffalo Soldiers" is a term of honor coined by the Plains Indians to describe brave black soldiers they met in battle of the US Cavalry on the 10th Cav and other black units because of their nappy hair. Apparently the author hasn't a clue about what the term means.The cast does its best, but the stereotypes kill the film early on. It is tedious, never generates any real tension, and is as predictable as a Roadrunner cartoon. The only difference is they are a lot more fun to watch.