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Jarhead

Play trailer Poster for Jarhead R Released Nov 4, 2005 2h 3m War Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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60% Tomatometer 197 Reviews 68% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
In the late 1980s, Anthony Swofford (Jake Gyllenhaal) enlists as a Marine, training in boot camp under a sadistic drill instructor. Swofford undertakes a sniper course headed by Staff Sgt. Sykes (Jamie Foxx) during this time, which is shortly before the advent of the Gulf War. When the United States becomes involved, Swofford is shipped out, along with his spotter, Alan Troy (Peter Sarsgaard). Facing uncertainty each day -- about the war and home -- the soldiers try to maintain composure.
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Jarhead

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Critics Consensus

This first person account of the first Gulf War scores with its performances and cinematography but lacks an emotional thrust.

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Critics Reviews

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Catherine Shoard Daily Telegraph (UK) Gyllenhaal can, in fact, act, so the blame must fall elsewhere for his dim performance, all topless tears and soulful voiceovers. The same goes for Peter Sarsgaard, Chris Cooper and Jamie Foxx, three good actors forced into contortions of theatrics. Jan 16, 2018 Full Review Leslie Felperin Sight & Sound Jarhead is simultaneously audaciously original and so mired in the clichés it knowingly acknowledges, sends up and honours that it has little new to say. Sep 28, 2006 Full Review Empire Magazine Rated: 3/5 Apr 1, 2006 Full Review Joanne Laurier World Socialist Web Site The deep demoralization of the US forces flows ultimately from their soul-destroying assignment to conquer the world on behalf of a bankrupt imperialism. Mar 5, 2021 Full Review David Lamble Bay Area Reporter Jarhead aims to provide the eternal reason why young men are drawn to war, like moths to the flame. Swofford and director Sam Mendes stress that to most young GIs, even the most fervently created antiwar film is a fighting man's pornography. May 7, 2020 Full Review Micheal Compton Bowling Green Daily News These soldiers wanted action, any action, just to feel justified for the life they left behind and Mendes does a great job of showing that anguish. The cast is excellent, too. Rated: B+ Nov 19, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

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Arjun l Good film showing a small picture aspect of the iraq war from a single solider perpective. Shows insight to what they might have gone through. There is alot of machoness and bravado. Explore men's mental heatlh, Male lonileness. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 07/17/25 Full Review Nick E. Jarhead is beautifully shot, but lacking any sort of emotional depth. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 07/17/25 Full Review Daniel N Surprisingly easy to watch considering absolutely nothing ever happens. Wouldn't watch it again. But it makes you feel for the soldiers that were stationed over there with nothing to do. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 07/10/25 Full Review Christopher L I think this is an under appreciated movie that is a great allegory about modern war and the experiences of many in the armed forces during this time. I loved all the characters and the end did touch your heartstrings a bit. Worth a watch! Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/09/25 Full Review thiago s Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 06/27/25 Full Review shane o A well shot and acted film highlighted the pointlessness of war and the effect it has on those who take part in it . Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 06/23/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Jarhead

Jarhead: Official Clip - Training Death Jarhead: Official Clip - Training Death 1:16 Jarhead: Official Clip - Swofford Loses It Jarhead: Official Clip - Swofford Loses It 3:01 Jarhead: Official Clip - Stripping Soldiers Jarhead: Official Clip - Stripping Soldiers 3:55 Jarhead: Official Clip - Drill Sergeant Intro Jarhead: Official Clip - Drill Sergeant Intro 2:36 Jarhead: Official Clip - The Scorpion Fight Jarhead: Official Clip - The Scorpion Fight 1:17 Jarhead: Official Clip - Permission to Take the Shot Jarhead: Official Clip - Permission to Take the Shot 2:34 Jarhead: Official Clip - Christmas Party Flares Jarhead: Official Clip - Christmas Party Flares 2:42 Jarhead: Official Clip - We're Going Home! Jarhead: Official Clip - We're Going Home! 2:58 Jarhead: Official Clip - Demotion & Latrine Duty Jarhead: Official Clip - Demotion & Latrine Duty 2:38 Jarhead: Official Clip - Bugle Try Out Jarhead: Official Clip - Bugle Try Out 2:12 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis In the late 1980s, Anthony Swofford (Jake Gyllenhaal) enlists as a Marine, training in boot camp under a sadistic drill instructor. Swofford undertakes a sniper course headed by Staff Sgt. Sykes (Jamie Foxx) during this time, which is shortly before the advent of the Gulf War. When the United States becomes involved, Swofford is shipped out, along with his spotter, Alan Troy (Peter Sarsgaard). Facing uncertainty each day -- about the war and home -- the soldiers try to maintain composure.
Director
Sam Mendes
Producer
Lucy Fisher, Sam Mendes, Douglas Wick
Screenwriter
William Broyles Jr.
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
Red Wagon Entertainment, Neal Street Productions
Rating
R (Some Violent Images|Pervasive Language|Strong Sexual Content)
Genre
War, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 4, 2005, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 1, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$62.6M
Runtime
2h 3m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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