Mr. Hertz, if you have ever talked to a WW2 veteran about Okinawa or similar battles (like D-day), you would know that what you claim is a "grotesque ballet" is as close to the truth as any movie will likely get. I have no idea what dreams you have of warfare, but I have grown up in a family full of military personnel, and I know it's not pretty. As for his depiction of Virginia, I would agree it is awfully cheery for the time. Our country was just out of the Great Depression, at war, filled with racism, and full of fear. Though when it comes down to it, the movie is almost entirely accurate. I don't really agree with your opinion, but it is exactly that, and your allowed to have it.