Generation Kill

Nice job, HBO. Something like Band of Brothers, but more modern, as it’s set in Iraq. It’s also shot in a documentary style, which kind of works, fortunately. But I need to watch more episodes before I can decide if the story’s as good as Band of Brothers. I’m hoping it’s better.


1. "Get Some"

Nothing says "macho" more than a convoy of Humvees.

These are Marines. Or Jarheads, as they are more commonly called. But there is one civilian─that guy who looks like a young Harvey Keitel. I'm guessing he dies somewhere along the way. Unless of course he's the main character, but I'm not really sure about that.


2. "The Cradle of Civilization"

An Iraqi sunset background makes everyone look ten times cooler.

That guy in the picture is the highest in command. At least among the characters with screen time. He's the Battalion Commander. His nickname: Godfather. Because his raspy, barely audible voice sounds like Vito Corleone. Seriously. And he is so badass, he refers to himself in the third person.


3. "Screwby"

A camel writhing in pain. Image not from National Geographic or Discovery.

This episode discusses morality, or following orders which you think are bullshit. I really hate that character Trombley. I don't like stupid rednecks. I mean, I'd prefer stupid Englishmen over stupid Americans any day.


4. "Combat Jack"

Just another casualty of war. Just another day in the office.

The title actually refers to the act of jacking off in combat. But check out that pic, man. Doesn't it feel like the Iraqis got jacked off, too?


5. "A Burning Dog"

"What the fuck... "

I'm starting to love this series, for putting a face on every innocent Iraqi slain by American bullets. It's questioning the morality of the war, something which no war film has ever shown me before. Or maybe I haven't noticed it before this series. And I also told myself, "Hey, that guy looks like Stellan Skarsgård. I mean, he can totally play a young Stellan Skarsgård." Turns out I was right. That guy is Alexander Skarsgård. Stellan Skarsgård's first-born son. I really hate typing that Swedish "A" with the circle on top.


6. "Stay Frosty"

A Marine playing "Spot the Hot Iraqi Pussy", a popular military game.

And this is where it gets all Band of Brothers-like. Now they have more interactions with Iraqis than ever before.


7. "Bomb in the Garden"

The only way to end a war film. With a game. Like they did in Band of Brothers.

Finally... an end to the series. And surprisingly, the reporter makes it. You know what they should do? They should make a movie starring Harvey Keitel and Stellan Skarsgård. Then they should cast the reporter and Alexander Skarsgård to play younger versions of themselves.


*some info from IMDb
pics from VLC


Generation Kill. USA. 2008.


Rating: Eight out of ten.