Wow. I think I watched this for the first time in my early 30's. It was alright but I didn't get all of the obsession the other guys I knew had for it. Now I am watching it again at 41 and I have to say, my mind is much more open and I am catching so much that just flew over me last time around. This is a very profound and bare portrayal of the life of marines in the Vietnam War and I have trouble turning it off. "War is hell" indeed!