This movie packs a lot of punch as it reveals how a mighty army might be undermined by those that are there to serve and protect. It's a sad commentary on the reality of the times we are living.
Gregor Jordan, an Australian director gives a great account of what happens in a US Army base in Germany when unscrupulous soldiers do anything to supplement their meager incomes by stealing things from the supply department for profit. It is a moral tale that is told as a black comedy.
Mr. Jordan has extracted a splendid performance out of Joaquin Phoenix, an actor that has not played up to his full potential in the movies. He is an excellent actor, make no mistake. His choice of material might not have been the greatest. He shines as Roy Elwood, the corrupt supply soldier who knows how to flatter the ego of Colonel Berman, the base commander, as well as satisfying Mrs. Berman in bed.
Equally fabulous is Scott Glenn, as Sargeant Lee, who sees right through Elwood and his associates what they are doing to the Army. Sgt. Lee is the man who can potentially bring Elwood to justice and unmask his clandestine activities. He also has a daughter who falls for Elwood; he is at a loss because he can't do anything to get the girl away from this evil man.
Anna Paquin, as Robyn, is also good as the army brat who will do anything to bring pain to her father. Obviously, not everything is well between Sgt. Lee and Robyn. Ed Harris, as Col. Berman, is a man that has no clue of what's going right in front of his nose. He is more interested in what he will do after his army career than in anything else. This is a shorter but effective role that Mr. Harris can add to his distinguished career.
The irony of this tale is that some things, the more they change, the more they stay the same, as we watch in disbelief the final scenes of the movie.
Gregor Jordan, an Australian director gives a great account of what happens in a US Army base in Germany when unscrupulous soldiers do anything to supplement their meager incomes by stealing things from the supply department for profit. It is a moral tale that is told as a black comedy.
Mr. Jordan has extracted a splendid performance out of Joaquin Phoenix, an actor that has not played up to his full potential in the movies. He is an excellent actor, make no mistake. His choice of material might not have been the greatest. He shines as Roy Elwood, the corrupt supply soldier who knows how to flatter the ego of Colonel Berman, the base commander, as well as satisfying Mrs. Berman in bed.
Equally fabulous is Scott Glenn, as Sargeant Lee, who sees right through Elwood and his associates what they are doing to the Army. Sgt. Lee is the man who can potentially bring Elwood to justice and unmask his clandestine activities. He also has a daughter who falls for Elwood; he is at a loss because he can't do anything to get the girl away from this evil man.
Anna Paquin, as Robyn, is also good as the army brat who will do anything to bring pain to her father. Obviously, not everything is well between Sgt. Lee and Robyn. Ed Harris, as Col. Berman, is a man that has no clue of what's going right in front of his nose. He is more interested in what he will do after his army career than in anything else. This is a shorter but effective role that Mr. Harris can add to his distinguished career.
The irony of this tale is that some things, the more they change, the more they stay the same, as we watch in disbelief the final scenes of the movie.