The Grass Grows Green

Make a point of seeing this short film! I saw it at Sundance 07....Its a moving story of one man's struggle with his conscious as he strives to do his duty - when the reality of what his duty is begins to haunt him. We all want to consider ourselves heroes and think that what we do is for the higher good....but at what cost? Go see this film...and decide for yourself. This isn't a pro military or anti war film though each person will try to slant it however they feel. This is a film about doing what you believe in to only to find out you are no longer sure what you believe. I think Santiago Vasquez did an excellent job as Lobos. The BEST scene is of him in the bathroom trying to steel himself to face his fears. He says more in drying his face with a papertowel then most people say in 10 minutes of dialogue.

This is a very challenging movie to me, as the focus of the film seems to be strongly anti-Iraq War and I was in favor of the war (provided, in hindsight, there was a real strategy to win). However, as it brings up a very, very good point, it's not an anti-war film you can so easily dismiss as just "propaganda".

The film is about a Mexican-American US Marine recruiter who just found out that a guy he recruited was killed in Iraq. While his fellow recruiter isn't particularly upset by this and is still VERY mindful of his quotas, this main character is rocked. It's very interesting that not once did you really hear him SAY that he was unsure about the war or his job recruiting, but it's very obvious that this is his inner turmoil thanks to the music and exceptional way the director filmed it. I really liked how it said something without really saying something--this was amazing and the film is technically excellent.

I do wonder now that I've seen this film how indicative this film is of the way recruiters view this war--I'd love to hear from them. Is this a biased film or are these men questioning as well?

FYI--There is very "colorful" language in this film. While I have complained in many of my recent reviews about the proliferation of obscenities in films (it truly has gotten out of control lately), in this case I have no complaints--as this IS how military men talk when they are chatting with each other. So the language, though rough, is appropriate to the situation.

Also FYI--If you go to the web site for this film company (Zumpango Films), you should look over their mission statement. It says it all.

Jesus Beltran's short "The Grass Grows Green" is powerful in its simplicity. Although Beltran says his biggest influences are Scorsese and Michael Mann, his style is stripped from any of those directors' flash and glitter. His film is observant and reflective, which is very appropriate for the story of a marine who questions his recruitment of a marine who dies in combat.

I loved this movie because it realizes the relevance of its subject matter and handles it appropriately. In times of combat, the occupation of marine recruitment carries weight many recruiters may not be prepared for- pointing to the question, should we be swaying our youth towards possible death? The answer is unclear and Beltran makes no compromises. This movie is so sharp in its flawed characters and gray moral terrain. In dealing with a serious issue, it smartly doesn't let any movie contrivances strangle it.

First time director Jesus Beltran is very skillful with the technical aspects as well. He keeps the camera moving gracefully throughout, moving the audience through the story with agility and a tight focus. On a low budget, he nicely balances elements like sound, production design, cinematography and lighting. This is a very well-made short that hits all its marks.

I was fortunate enough to see Beltran premiere this film at the Dallas film festival. It was surely a good opportunity as much should be expected from Beltran in the future. He shows masterful control that is not common among first time filmmakers. On a big budget, he just might catch up to his idols.

First of all I would like to say good job on portraying the us marine core in a very tasteful manner. I served 11 years in the US Navy 6 of which I was a recruiter. You could have not portrayed the day and life as a recruiter any better.This short film is a master piece of what goes on on a daily basis in a recruiting office. Anthony did an Awesome job of portraying his Role as a marine core recruiter. When I tell you it brought back memories of the day to day battles as a recruiter. This is a must see short film for all..Good luck in future endeavors your headed to the top if you keep producing work like this. Im looking forward to seeing other films by you.