A Glimpse of Hell

This film vividly portrays the extent to which the male macho myth controls the military mentality. Youthful idealism is pitted against the false mask of professionalism. We see a literal dis-illusionment played out before our eyes -- and wish it were not so. We see loyalty used as an excuse for lying and prejudice -- and want to think these things can't really happen.

An excellent cast and clipped plotting provide us with a gripping tragedy which is all the more frightening because it is a true story of a decade-long cover-up and blatant homophobia. It is hard to believe that the military would lead a witch-hunt against one of its own men to cover its own ineptitude. But the facts are put before us in the shape of shredded, burned corpses. Telling the truth is condemned as ratting and snitching. Such is the paradox of 1984-style doublethink.

This film is a sobering look into the corporate mind, a grim revelation of the lengths people will go to hide from reality. I commend FX for being bold enough to present this sad tale in such an excellent film.