One of this movie year's biggest surprises was the decision by the MPAA's Classification and Rating Administration to grant a special ratings exception to the documentary "Gunner Palace."
Normally, the nearly constant four-letter words found here would automatically earn an R rating. But the thinking was that this documentary deserves to be seen by audiences who would be excluded by an R rating — especially teens faced with the prospect of going to war or going overseas.
So, on appeal, the board granted the film a PG-13 rating. And as it turns out, that was a wise decision.
This documentary about Iraqi-based U.S. Army troops isn't a great piece of filmmaking — in fact, some of it resembles a feature-film version of the reality TV show "Cops."
But the content is compelling, fascinating stuff.
"Gunner Palace" refers to a former Iraqi royal palace, where several field troops are quartered. Obviously, the bombed-out mansion is not as cozy as it used to be. But it's a home away from home of sorts for these soldiers.
Documentarians Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein (1998's "The Last Cowboy") follow the troops around during some supposedly routine reconnaissance missions, some of which turn out to be less than routine. (One of the more amusing segments shows them raiding the homes of a sheikh who's deemed unpopular by U.S. officials that particular week.)
Some parts of the film are less than essential viewing. For example, who knew there were so many awful, would-be rap stars in the U.S. Army?
But there are just as many moments from the film that will stick with you, no matter how you feel about the U.S. presence in the Middle East. One of the best is an interview segment when one weary soldier wonders if anyone — in Iraq or in the United States — will remember the soldiers' contributions in years to come.
"Gunner Palace" is rated PG-13 for frequent use of strong sexual profanity, war violence (shootings and explosive mayhem, mostly overheard), use of racial epithets and ethnic slurs, some vulgar humor (including a T-shirt slogan), and brief drug content (references to drug use). Running time: 86 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com