Recommended Viewing

This $55 million, 7 part mini-series follows 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, an elite unit of Marines during the initial phase of (first 40 days) the Iraq Invasion/War in 2003.

The mini-series is based upon Evan Wright's book, Generation Kill, which was such a naked and brutal (and humorous at times) portrayal of the obscenity, irreverence, and effects of war that there were repercussions for those involved: Evan Wright was attacked, handcuffed, and threatened by Marines at a 1rst RECON BN homecoming he'd been invited to attend, and some of the men he wrote about experienced difficulties as a result of military reaction to what was written (Wickipedia):

"Sgt. Espera was forced to leave the battalion, Sgt. Eric Kocher was disciplined and one Marine's promotion from corporal to sergeant was canceled as a direct result of the publication of the original articles"

Eventually though, Arthur Schopenhauer's phases of Truth willed out, and Generation Kill and Wright's articles became recommended reading for new(and old) officers of 1st Reconnaissance, offering them insight into the realities of war they themselves may face in Iraq.

If the potency of the original material weren't enough to guarantee a truly compelling and gritty viewing experience, David Simon and Ed Burns ( remember The Wire?) bring their brutal and alternately humanizing story telling skills to this mini-series as producers of Generation Kill.If you loved the documentary No End In Sight, you'll enjoy this one. If you haven't seen No End In Sight, well... add that to your Netflix cue! Definitely recommended (and delightfully infuriating) viewing for inquiring minds.

(PS, tomorrow night, same time, same channel, you'll find the heartbreaking documentary CHINA’S STOLEN CHILDREN. Definitely worth a couple of hours. Gotta warn ya' though...it is more than slightly disturbing.

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