Comprised of footage shot by filmmaker Michael Tucker during two visits to Baghdad (in September 2003 and February 2004), this unassuming, fly-on-the-wall 2004 documentary offers a feel for what American soldiers are really experiencing while serving in Iraq during the “postwar” or “reconstruction” phase. Tucker stays with the 2/3 Field Artillery--also known as the "Gunners"--in their makeshift living quarters (the sumptuous, partially destroyed Azimiya Palace, which once served as Uday Hussein's weekend party digs) and follows the men as they patrol streets littered with explosive devices, perform quasi-police duties, undertake night raids on suspected insurgents, and try to relieve the tension by swimming, golfing, and goofing around in the palace barracks. Some interviewees comment on their situation with idealistic fervor, while others exhibit an almost desperately flippant disdain (their statements are occasionally punctuated by hopeful messages to the troops from the likes of Donald Rumsfeld and positive reports from newscasters). Although Gunner Palace doesn't push a political agenda as much as subtly encourage viewers to forego preconceptions, what resonates here is the sight of young soldiers gradually stripped of their sense of invulnerability, some of whom inevitably die. A valuable reminder of the true dangers and costs of the war in Iraq, this is recommended. [Note: DVD extras include seventeen additional scenes (28 min.), three "Gunner" freestyle rap audio tracks (17 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an eye-opening documentary.] (F. Swietek)
Gunner Palace
Palm, 86 min., PG-13, DVD: $24.99, June 28 Volume 20, Issue 4
Gunner Palace
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