Wow, someone finally did an Iraq war film that’s not an anti-war film! That’s not to say it’s a pro-war film; rather it’s a film about people at war. But it’s a good film. If you’ve been sitting out treasonous garbage, here’s the one you waited for.
Watching the movie, I was riveted. Afterwards, I had second thoughts. How realistic is this? It’s a fictional story, and I’m sure many liberties were taken. The drama was contrived, and some sequences were not quite logical. But these are quibbles. The film works.
The focus is on a team that neutralizes bombs and booby traps. Watching from the safety of the theater, you feel very close to the action. A report comes, and the crew rolls to the hot spot. There’s potential for life and death…but from where? Ascertain the situation, set a perimeter, push the gawkers back. It’s the surprises that kill, so keep your eyes open. Stick with your team and stay focused on your task, but be ready for fireworks.
We feel the stress of the mission in our bones. This aspect of the film rings true, regardless of whether the technical details are right or wrong. I came out thinking, among other things, of the dedicated men and women in our military, and the paucity of models of masculinity in modern civilian life. We’re exposed to an endless parade of thugs and pigs on one hand, and self-obsessed metrosexuals on the other; here we see characters that are real men at the core, men who may still have some growing to do, but men nevertheless.
Speaking of real men…I was surprised to note the director was in fact a woman, Kathryn Bigelow. (Call me sexist and shoot me if you must, but the point is interesting.)
Shooting (film shooting, that is) was done in Jordan. The official movie site is here. Reviews are universally positive; Metacritic gave it 93 (on a scale of 100). Rated R for violence and language, this is okay for mature teens.
“The Stoning of Soraya M.” opens today here in Atlanta. I haven’t decided if I have the guts to go see it. It’s going to be absolutely heart-breaking, but it’s the kind of movie that needs to be supported. Am wondering if anybody on the blog has seen it yet. J
I saw “The Stoning of Soraya M.” and had mixed feelings. It’s a story that must be told, that’s for sure. Advocates of “tolerance” and “multiculturalism” should understand what goes on around the world. However, as is typical of agenda-driven films, the drama suffers. The characters are flat and cartoonish; pained, noble heroes and snarling, leering villains. Yes, many people really are like that. But it’s not the stuff that makes, in my opinion, a watchable movie. I feel bad saying that, because I really wanted to be a booster for this film. But that’s my honest take. I know some conservative reviewers have labeled this a “must see”, so maybe I’m just being overly demanding.
Thanks, Maynard. I appreciate your evaluation. Like you, I want quality along with the message. Will figure out what to do. Take care. J
Thanks for letting everyone know about this Maynard. While channel surfing I caught Kathryn Bigelow on Charlie Rose about 3 weeks ago. I hadn’t even heard of the movie until then. She’s very serious about her work, very smart, and didn’t seem to have an agenda, personal or political.
Can’t wait to see this one!
According to the LA Times, while the DoD pulled its Production Assistant (PA) last minute when the script veered off course— portraying the military in an unflattering fashion along with soldiers going rogue— in Hollywood, this is as close as you get to a good movie about the Iraq war or our involvement in the Middle East.
certainly not “Body of Lies.”
and yes, the authenticity comes into question but at the end of the day, entertainment value trumps accuracy.