Don't let the 4 star vote of one of the previous commentators prevent you from viewing this movie, it conveys much more than only a 'war is futile' message. Many 'good' war movies could be reduced to only this message (could, because mostly in reality they are only cheap propaganda a la 'Waltz with Bashir'), but certainly not this movie. As another commentator said, it lingers in your mind for a while after watching it and in this aftermath I really began to realize how meaningful and elaborate each scene or part of the story of the movie was. In one judgment sharptongue was right, though, the movie is depressing, and not only slightly. I don't want to spoil anything so let me only say that if you liked movies like 'Seven Samurai' this one is also for you.