I still find the gestalt terrifying in its simplicity.
Perhaps that comes from my early life taking place in an environment where a nuclear exchange was not only thinkable, but considered likely. I was taught to 'duck and cover.' but only later did I, and I think society at large come to the realization that there really was no defense. Both sides would lose and nuclear war became somewhat less likely because the ruling classes finally realized they could not expect to prosper from one. The rise of fundamentalism seems to have put it back on the table as rational self interest no longer holds for the terminally devout. I hope they will never take power in a fully armed nuclear state. Even Pakistan can do serious damage.

I've only seen a handful of war films.
Full metal jacket.
Americans were pretty much made to look like the bad guys in this so it wasn't one sided, didn't seem too sugar coated.
Apocalypse now.
I used to watch this a lot while smoking weed so that's probably why I don't remember much about it.
Saving private ryan.
I loved this one, I think it's quite good at showing how scared the soldiers were. Plus it's not so predictable when it comes to who dies and who lives.

I tend to avoid war films that look too corny, the title black hawk down was just enough to make me avoid that one straight away.

Just saw it.

-Pretty decent film. All of the actors do a good job.
- Despite the Coens getting a writing credit, it's not very coenesque at all
- Bad use of digital cinematography. Everything is overlit and gross looking. Few shots fucked up shutter speed. Ugly bokeh.
- The opening is a little weak.
- A few lines were pretty "one the nose", particularly towards the start of the film.
- A few moments stand out as being superb.
- Music didn't stand out, foley work sounded a little dead.
- Lighting was boring. Does little to convey drama.

Overall, pretty good movie. 6/10

(January 10, 2015 at 8:54 pm)JuliaL Wrote: I still find the gestalt terrifying in its simplicity.
Perhaps that comes from my early life taking place in an environment where a nuclear exchange was not only thinkable, but considered likely. I was taught to 'duck and cover.'

Oh, yeah...I remember it well....as does Lewis Black.

It got a bad rap...and I remember thinking it was silly when I was very young "how is a desk going to help if they drop an a-bomb?"- but it's actually good advice. Military tells you to drop to your face immediately and cover your nuts (not why you think...because it gets your arms under your body - the idea being that your scalp and back take the majority of the damage).

-For all those even younger than myself who don't know what wtf we're talking about-

Quote: the title black hawk down was just enough to make me avoid that one straight away.

You missed out, then - if you like an unflinching eye. Black Hawk Down didn't pull any punches when it came to addressing the incompetence and unprofessionalism of a handful of rangers, who, in their hubris...left needed gear and water behind (as well as a ton of other unfortunate mistakes made along the way). Hell, one of the soldiers was a desk jockey who bullshitted himself into real trouble. The ending of the movie blew....but I suppose the director couldn't help himself.

Three Kings... now -that- is a shitty war movie.

I don't need the fucking army to tell me to cover my nuts.

You know I can't recall anyone ever failing that drill myself.

My school makes us hide under desks from armed intruders (well, drills).

I find it a bit hilarious. At least, until there's an armed intruder come to kill me (oh no!)

I love Luis Black in his clip describing Cheney shooting his friend.

(January 10, 2015 at 6:11 pm)Brian37 Wrote: I hate the words "honor" and "loyalty" because those are to a tribe and not to the species.

I completely disagree. Those words, to me, are principles that are not for sale. I do not restrict those sentiments to my "tribe", such as it is; but I do apply those values in my life. I live honorably, and I am loyal to those I love.

And yes, those concepts can impel me to take up arms in their defense. When I die, the only thing that will remain of me is my good name. I'll be goddamned if I leave this mortal coil having abandoned my honor.