A good, indeed very mature summary here again, hmun.
Many years ago I worked for a US company(based in Idaho) in the Gulf on contract to the US Army, so saw their side of events to an extent and their modus operandi.
As my father was ex-British Army, and I have retained a lifelong interest in our Armed Forces and an older-fashioned loyalty to them,and massive pride in them all, I did appreciate this movie, a lot. The attention to every detail was highly commendable. One review on this site from a surgeon remarked how "hugely impressed" he was with the accurate depiction of the traumas suffered, and graphic portrayal of wounds. That is some commendation from a true professional in his field.
I recall a line from "Zulu" from a Private to his RSM, asking why they were in Zululand, and the age-old reply - "because we're here, lad, because we're here." Similar might apply to all of our lads today.
No Oscars will be given for this film, but as you have said, its simplicity makes it refreshing and no A-listers, also adding to the authenticity.
Yes, in a nutshell, a very British war film ; if anyone asks what the Brits are like? Start with this movie, a fair enough cross section of our Armed Forces, and most contemporary males.
Being flippant (only for a moment if I may)no unnecessary music and no token female love interest either!
Poignant too for me that there were a few Scots playing key roles here, which reflects the fact that more Scots serve in our Army, per head of population, than other constituent nations which comprise the United Kingdom. Proud of that.
Now, if you want to watch another, older British Army film, may I quickly recommend on here, "Tunes of Glory" and "Guns at Batasi"? Not at all time wasted.
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