<P> Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone deemed the song a sequel to the group's 1997 single "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)". </P> <P> The song's music video was directed by Samuel Bayer, best known for his work with Nirvana and Metallica . Bayer wrote the treatment for the video, which he envisioned as a mini-movie . Bayer brought the idea of an Iraq War - themed video to the trio after interviewing soldiers who had signed up to fight after being persuaded by a television advertisement . The song's music video thus attempts to "turn the machine on itself" by acting as a commercial for "free thought or peace ." Although it was far from the song's literal meaning, Armstrong felt it appropriate considering the song's theme of loss . Bayer noted that he felt bored with predictable music videos, and wanted to produce a video that felt like a film . Consequently, he and a crew spent a month casting actors for the roles and conducted rehearsals, uncommon for music videos . The clip was filmed in Los Angeles in late March 2004 . </P> <P> The video focuses on a couple in love (played by Jamie Bell and Evan Rachel Wood). The boyfriend promises never to leave his girlfriend but they later argue when the boyfriend enlists in the United States Marine Corps . The boyfriend interprets his actions as a way to show her that he loves her so much that he would put his life on the line to keep her safe . However, the girlfriend is heartbroken, as he broke his vow to never leave her . The video then shows the boyfriend in battle in Iraq being ambushed by insurgents . This scene is intercut with scenes of the girlfriend tearfully mourning in a quiet field . The video ends on this juxtaposition, emphasizing the pain and heartache of losing loved ones due to the war . </P> <P> The clip prompted criticism from conservative media pundits . On the subject of the clip being seen as exploitive of the war for entertainment purposes, Dirnt rejected this notion: "Rock & roll should be dangerous . (...) It should be striking and stir questions, and I think that that video, at the end of the day, comes down to that core emotion of loss ." Bayer considered it his best production to that point, remarking, "' September' is hands down the greatest thing I've ever done ." </P>

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