I saw this film. I felt the people in this film were very different from us. They seemed more innocent, guileless - and happy
I attribute that to the age we live in. We are greatly changed (corrupted?) by our modern, media, entertainment, computer, sex-filled life style. Think about it - these men grew up mostly in the country, many probably without even electricity.
Back then, war was thought of a break from the monotony, a chance to experience a great adventure. Life was pretty boring for the most part, back then for a young man.