Produced by David Simon (The Wire), Generation Kill is a seven-part mini-series based on Wright's book. The series follows a group of Marines and chronicles their unique circumstances. From the start, Generation Kill gives a much different perspective on the war's early days than the one we watched unfold via the 24-hour news cycle. Their mission is to make their superiors happy, but they are also faced with the very human side of the war.
Generation Kill is primarily told through the perspective of Wright (Lee Tergesen), whose initial impression of the 1st Recon isn't much different from the general pre-conceptions of soldiers. As he gets to know the group, he begins to sympathize with them. This is where Generation Kill's core strength resides; it isn't a depiction of war (on screen fights are few and short) but a look at the effect war has on humans. Yes these guys are "trained killers," but they're also humans. Throughout their mission, they are confronted with situations that effectively force them to shut off their humanity. Even more interesting is how they use humor as a coping strategy. Jokes sometimes feel highly inappropriate and out of place, but make sense when you consider the troop's mindset.
While Wright's experiences hold everything together, it's the rest of the cast that keeps everything moving. Generation Kill's best moments are when we get to know each of the characters on their most private, open moments. The men will occasionally discuss racism, politics and other social issues. These moments of "normalcy" are where we really get to know the group. However, while each solider has his own story arc, Generation Kill doesn't offer much in the way of follow-up or closure. This will irk viewers who need closure, as it gives the entire series an "on going" feeling. It's a bit like Rachel Getting Married -- rather than seeing the entire journey, we're instead dropped into the middle for a few days.
Generation Kill includes six commentaries that cover everything from production to the original articles to scripts. These are some of the deeper commentaries I've heard in either a movie or TV series and are worth a listen once you finished your first view of the series. Once the commentary is done, you'll probably want to go for a third run with the Blu-Ray exclusive Interactive Experience. During episodes, you can use your remote's direction buttons to access three different tracks. "Chain of Command" brings up a diagram showing rank and hierarchy; Military Glossary is a one-stop-shop for all your military terminology; and Mission Maps offer a look at the Marine's current location.
One of the best extras is "Conversation wit 1st Recon Marines." Wright sits down and talks to real members of the 1st Recon about their experiences and the reality and "fiction" of war. This is great piece when paired up with the fictional Wright's viewpoint throughout the series.
Regardless of your opinions of the war, Generation Kill is a must-watch series. If anything, it will offer a new perspective on the life of a solider on the battlefield.
