Review of Gunner Palace (2004) by Mel V — 16 Apr 2005

[font=Century Gothic][color=darkslategray]"Gunner Palace" is an enlightening documentary about an American infantry company in Baghdad in 2003 and 2004, following the American invasion, as they patrol the volatile city and live in what used to be Uday Hussein's sumptuous palace.

The movie makes the good point about these soldiers being trained against standard forces; now being an occupying force and carrying out police and other duties, that they were not trained for.(In retrospect, this film sort of reminded me about the reality show "Cops" and the fictional show "The Shield.

") I learned about what kind of lives these soliders lead when they are not on duty. The film does sympathize with the soldiers while Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is held up for ridicule for some of the statements he has made.

My only complaint was I wished this film had shown more things from the Iraqi point of view, too. [/color][/font].