Welcome to the suck.|Nov. 04, 2005|United States | United Kingdom | Germany|123 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;War
Description: In 1989, Anthony “Swoff” Swofford, inspired by his father’s service in the Vietnam War (1961-1975), enlists in the United States Marine Corps. After completing recruit training, he is stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. Swofford, who humorously claims he joined the military because he “got lost on the way to college,” struggles to adapt to life at the camp and finds it difficult to connect with others. Despite his attempts to avoid duties by feigning illness, his potential is recognized by Staff Sergeant Sykes, a seasoned veteran. Sykes orders Swofford to join the Scout Sniper course, where he undergoes intense training.
By the end of the rigorous program, only eight candidates remain, including Swofford, who becomes a sniper, and his roommate Corporal Alan Troy, who serves as his spotter. When Iraq invades Kuwait, Swofford’s unit is deployed to the Arabian Peninsula as part of “Operation Desert Shield” during the Gulf War (1990–1991). Expecting combat, the Marines instead face endless drills, repetitive training, and overwhelming boredom. To cope, they share stories of unfaithful girlfriends and wives back home, even creating a “Jodie Wall” with photos and notes detailing their partners’ betrayals.
Swofford, frustrated by the monotony, smuggles alcohol and organizes an unauthorized Christmas celebration. He arranges for Fergus to cover his watch, but Fergus accidentally sets a tent on fire while cooking sausages, igniting a crate of flares and waking the entire camp. Staff Sergeant Sykes, furious, demotes Swofford to private and assigns him to “shit-burning” duty. The harsh punishment, combined with the relentless heat, boredom, and suspicions of his girlfriend Kristina’s infidelity, pushes Swofford to a breaking point. In a moment of despair, he threatens Fergus with a rifle and then demands Fergus shoot him instead.
Cast director: Sam Mendes
Cast actor: Jamie Foxx, Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Scott MacDonald, Chris Cooper, Laz Alonso, Lucas Black, Brian Geraghty, Damion Poitier, Jocko Sims
Original name: Jarhead