ViewGuide

Created Apr 07, 2012 09:57PM PST • Edited Apr 07, 2012 09:57PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   In the US, not much is understood about the Soviet war in Afghanistan. This movie follows new recruits as they are thrust in to the bloody, dirty mess. It seems they picked the craziest mo-fo’s for Afghanistan though — at least that’s the impression you get watching. The fighting starts out like a 60’s spaghetti western with Russian accents and Indians in turbans. Soon enough, the young Russkies which started with an air of innocence about them end up in brutal combat scenes, including some real up close and personal hand-to-hand combat. Makes you wonder if we (the US) would have bothered after watching a movie like this. In any case, the brutality and futility of fighting is made obvious, as is the valor and camaraderie of those who are asked to do the dirty work. Put 9th Company on your list if you are a war movie buff.

4. Acting

   OK 2.5

   Over-acted in most cases, but entertaining to be sure.

5. Male Stars OK 2.5

6. Female Stars OK 2.5

7. Female Costars OK 2.5

8. Male Costars OK 2.5

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

    Great use of special effects, and I’m informed by reading reviews that the equipment, uniforms, and surroundings are all accurate for the era.

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

12. Play Very Good 3.5

13. Music Very Good 3.5

14. Visuals Very Good 3.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Horrid 3.7

17. Sex Lewd 3.7

18. Violence Savage 3.7

19. Rudeness Nasty 3.7

21. Reality

    Surreal 2.3

22. Circumstantial Surreal 2.3

23. Biological Surreal 2.3

24. Physical Surreal 2.3