Oh, that's really interesting! I agree with you--I didn't have a problem with the movie just 'being': neither pro or anti war. It was more a movie about human experience of the armed forces for me.

It's interesting you discuss your boyfriend's viewing of the movie. I don't know how my own boyfriend would react to it. He was an airforce brat, and while he's never been part of the armed forces himself, he's always had a strong interest in that lifestyle. In the past I've dated a guy in the army reserve here as well. It's kind of strange as I'm quite anti-war myself, in a global sense. I would never take it out on an individual, though. And I'm fascinated by the individual experience of war. I don't judge the individuals that choose to partake--but I frequently dislike government's reasons for engaging them, if that makes sense.

So I found the meaninglessness for Swofford very sympathetic. I also really like Sebastian Faulks's Birdsong, and the series Band of Brothers. Both did a great job of showing the tragic absurdities and momentary meaningfulness of war.

I'll put you on my books filter! And I'd be interested to hear about what you're reading/seeing too. *g*