The Vietnam War film genre is generally dominated by cult classics such as Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, and Apocalypse Now, but fans have recently uncovered a lesser-known drama on Prime Video. Released in 2000, Tigerland is a gripping war drama that boasts a rating of 77% on Rotten Tomatoes and includes a star-studded cast. With Colin Farrell and Matthew Davis leading, the film follows the story of a group of soldiers who undergo advanced training before being sent to Louisiana’s infamous Tigerland. This was generally the last stop for tens of thousands of young soldiers before Vietnam in 1971.
Directed by Joel Schumacher, it is one of the best-reviewed films in his filmography and also has a score of 55 out of 100 on Metacritic. It garnered generally positive reviews worldwide, and fans have labelled it ‘gripping’ and ‘underrated.’
Matthew Turner from ViewLondon wrote on Rotten Tomatoes, “The hype is justified – Farrell’s performance just screams star quality and has already drawn comparisons with Steve McQueen and Paul Newman.”
Another critic gushed, “One of the most potent explorations of the military mind-set, irrespective of the war in question, that you’ll ever see. See it.”
The Hollywood Reporter also said in a review, “Tigerland lands squarely in the top tier of best movies about America’s Vietnam experience.”
Audiences at home also praised Tigerland, with one fan writing online, “This was such an engaging film with great acting and storyline. It’s a different take for a war movie. It’s definitely worth the watch.”
A second also commented, “One of my favourite war movies. Pulls you in right from the beginning and holds you throughout but at the same time has quite a bit of funny moments. An awesome movie.”
A third similarly said, “Gritty military training film, with more flashy style than we’re used to seeing from Joel Schumacher, who usually makes the most tepid and boring of tepid and boring films. Also features a good performance from a young Colin Farrell, in his first starring role in a major American film, proving he could carry a typical action film with brutish charm.”
Tigerland is available to rent on Prime Video and Apple TV.