Educational Media Reviews Online

This video considers, then explores, the controversial concept that combat participants can enjoy, even become addicted to the act of killing their opponents. Beginning by contrasting the beauty of Southeast Asia with the violence and message of the film Apocalypse Now, this film proceeds to compare the reactions of several soldiers, war photographer Eddie Adams, and journalist Michael Herr. Herr may be best known as author of Dispatches, a compilation of his work as a war correspondent in Vietnam, though he also wrote the screenplay for Full Metal Jacket and co-wrote the screenplay for Apocalypse Now. Tourist destinations in contemporary Vietnam (Saigon, Cu Chi tunnels) and current museums and monuments to the war are interspersed with interviews with Herr, Adams and soldiers who explore their reactions to their roles in recording or participating in killing in combat. Whether or not those interviewed admitted to becoming addicted to the “rush” felt at taking a life -- most of the combat veterans described feeling a killing “high” of happiness or euphoria -- they all agreed in recognizing a “dark side” of humanity that placed each at risk of taking a life and quite possibly of enjoying the act of killing. The horror here is in the realization that the viewer, too, is human and probably vulnerable to enjoying the killing of another human being.

This film was directed by Coco Schriber. Video, editing and sound are excellent in this wonderful production. This is a compelling portrait of the effect of warfare on the combatant. Profoundly moving.

This film is all about what happens to normal human beings in war. By focusing on the enlisted soldier and on non-combatants, the problems involved with career soldiers: ambition; the “ticket punching” combat experience to aid with promotion in rank; the glory of leading men in battle/glory of combat itself, are eliminated. The viewer then can begin to understand how very frail our humanity may be and how the individual viewer might react in combat. This production would be an excellent teaching aid to explorations of human conduct and capabilities. For example, can the “just war” doctrine exist for any individual who may be capable of taking another’s life? As well, this film could really force serious introspection by those who may be sure they could never take a life.