I recently viewed this film during the pandemic, and a few things struck me right away about the film; its honesty and integrity. The same cannot be said about a lot of Hollywood films about war. One stark difference that I did observe was the reception that the Danish soldiers got when they got home (and the reception of the vast majority of GIs got when they got home from Afghanistan or Iraq. They were met by loved ones and/or small reception ceremonies. This was not the case during the Vietnam War. You often returned home in the dark, or in civilian clothes to no loved ones or ceremonies. I met my father in a Newark train station at midnight. That was my reception; and I was luckier than most. No wonder we had thousands of Vietnam vets with post-traumatic experiences. After a few weeks of home cooking and reconnecting with old friends, I was fine; but most of the other men returning home then were not so lucky. The men in this film, quick frankly, had it pretty easy; a six month tour instead of a 13 month tour makes a big difference. Living in a compound where you can take a swim is a lot different than being in the bush for 13 months. However, several of them did get that post-tour disease called "the juice" by the boys in Vietnam. "The Juice" is that feeling of living life on the edge; similar to that of a gambler who needs action to feel alive. Both situations are unhealthy and unnatural. However, I had several friends in the same exact situation. They signed up for two or even three tours because they missed "the juice". A good film worth viewing.
Review of Armadillo
