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I have not read Jones' book, so I do not know how he calls it, nor if he identifies the unit he fought with (Company F, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division),but on Guadalcanal it WAS called the "galloping horse", sitting next to the "sea horse" and west of the "Gifu". Those were fortified positions the Japanese had been occupying since their disastruos attempt to capture Henderson Field from the Marines. The 27th was ordered by Gen. Collins to capture the "horses" while the 35th was to contain the "Gifu"; the 116th was held in reserve. Much of what we see in the movie is historical, such as the bayonet charge, the water supply snafu, and the overall looks of the place. For reference I would suggest you to read the excellent book "Guadalcanal" by Richard B. Frank for further details.
Now this site is a site whose purpose is to poke fun at movies regardless of whether we like them or not. However, since it is apparent that many of the individuals who participate in the discussion here are walking with a cork up their ass to make sure it is tight, I have to share more thoughts on the movie so that other imbeciles do not get offended.
First it is a Great movie. Photography is breathtaking, and the music is awesome. The performance by Sean Penn is outstanding, and so is the performance by most who appear in this movie. However the movie is one hour too long, and the reason I say that is because after the climax of the battle, the movie loses its edge and never regains it. I suspect this is the consequence of trying to pack too much message: what might be riveting and moving and provide grounds for reflexion in a book will look dripping, mushy and predictable when translated in a movie, especially a war movie.
And BTW, if I had not liked the movie, I would not have bought it and watched it a dozen times, would I?
And also I do not give a rat's ass as to what people like or not in Private Witt: I just can't stand the guy.
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