Damn, that gave me the jitters. A tough, realistic film - the whole middle section is a single straight combat sequence that is insanely intense, creatively brutal, and horribly sad. It's so expertly and unflinchingly directed you accept nearly all the pathos and patriotism as an integral part of these normal, yet extraordinary human characters who have devoted themselves to an ideal to the point of absolute sacrifice. That the Afghans are also depicted as humans too comes as deeply to this films' credit, which squarely deflects political bias and asks somberly for an end to conflict in the region in its final frame. As far as true life survival stories, it just beats the pants off Captain Philips in my book (Mark Walhberg almost rivals Hanks in that), and deserves to be recognized this year in some form, even if a relatively plain narrative and comparisons to similar work means it might not get the attention it deserves. I've never winced so hard at shrapnel removal.
There's a famous quote attributed to Truffaut: "It's impossible to make an anti-war war movie." I don't think that's what this movie is going for anyways, but it does a fairly decent job of not romanticizing war, or at least the specific war it's in. But it does romanticize soldiers a lot, particularly through director Peter Berg's use of the soaring Explosions in the Sky-provided soundtrack (the same band he used for the show he created, Friday Night Lights), but it doesn't seem as fitting here as it did in portraying that hometown football feel. There's also the too-literal usage of a David Bowie's "Heroes" cover at the end that felt forced.
There are numerous changes to the book that don't feel like improvements, from
the RPG flying through the back of the Chinook, which made me laugh at its "movieness", why trivialize such a tragedy with a goofy choice like that? In real life it hit the top of the outside.
to most of
the ending
.
The action was done with a lot of moderately excessive shaky-cam, but there are some really stunning long shots that serve as a reminder of how good the rest of it could look.
The special makeup effects courtesy KNB (Walking Dead, The Pacific) look great, and everyone's portrayals are solid if at odds with their fame.
It was okay but to be honest I was let down by how much other comments here talked it up. Response bias, I guess.
It felt like I was watching the Instagrammed version of Call of Duty. The soft glow-nostalgia mood was reinforced with uplifting piano and guitar music.
Second entry (after The Rundown) in the "Peter Berg throws his cast off steep hills box set"
Had low expectations for this which probably helped as I thoroughly enjoyed it. The middle section is heart-pounding and everything is neatly orchestrated through editing and camera work. Never jingoistic or overly-stylised, this is a very decent modern war film.
Often hits home the rapid escalation of events troops must experience all the time. Found it more moving than Captain Phillips, which also dealt with people trapped amongst hostiles
This movie is shocking.
I like the movie, war movies in most are violent but this one has an impressive gun fight, the make up is really good, the action and the performances are great.
The ending is really emotional.
4.25/5
Berg does a tremendous job of telling this story. The realness and sense of emotion makes this one of the best war films i've seen in a long time, and one of the best movies of the year.
Solid movie and an enjoyable watch. The action sequences are well executed and there's enough beforehand to invest you in the characters.
On the downside, I thought the last 20 minutes or so really let it down, without posting spoilers... it made very little sense. The movie also frequently and frustratingly suffers from this fashionable shaky camera thing which seems to be everywhere these days.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 15
Armoreska
dont read title it spoilerlachyas
If you like watching people get hurt whilst falling down cliffs then boy have I got a movie for you.Scratch47
Damn, that gave me the jitters. A tough, realistic film - the whole middle section is a single straight combat sequence that is insanely intense, creatively brutal, and horribly sad. It's so expertly and unflinchingly directed you accept nearly all the pathos and patriotism as an integral part of these normal, yet extraordinary human characters who have devoted themselves to an ideal to the point of absolute sacrifice. That the Afghans are also depicted as humans too comes as deeply to this films' credit, which squarely deflects political bias and asks somberly for an end to conflict in the region in its final frame. As far as true life survival stories, it just beats the pants off Captain Philips in my book (Mark Walhberg almost rivals Hanks in that), and deserves to be recognized this year in some form, even if a relatively plain narrative and comparisons to similar work means it might not get the attention it deserves. I've never winced so hard at shrapnel removal.senorroboto
There's a famous quote attributed to Truffaut: "It's impossible to make an anti-war war movie." I don't think that's what this movie is going for anyways, but it does a fairly decent job of not romanticizing war, or at least the specific war it's in. But it does romanticize soldiers a lot, particularly through director Peter Berg's use of the soaring Explosions in the Sky-provided soundtrack (the same band he used for the show he created, Friday Night Lights), but it doesn't seem as fitting here as it did in portraying that hometown football feel. There's also the too-literal usage of a David Bowie's "Heroes" cover at the end that felt forced.There are numerous changes to the book that don't feel like improvements, from
The action was done with a lot of moderately excessive shaky-cam, but there are some really stunning long shots that serve as a reminder of how good the rest of it could look.
The special makeup effects courtesy KNB (Walking Dead, The Pacific) look great, and everyone's portrayals are solid if at odds with their fame.
It was okay but to be honest I was let down by how much other comments here talked it up. Response bias, I guess.
jchero
It felt like I was watching the Instagrammed version of Call of Duty. The soft glow-nostalgia mood was reinforced with uplifting piano and guitar music.aussieflickfan
A visceral movie, well made, hard to call it entertaining though.Earring72
Rough and tough war drama. Better than expectedmoviebuff_11
Second entry (after The Rundown) in the "Peter Berg throws his cast off steep hills box set"Had low expectations for this which probably helped as I thoroughly enjoyed it. The middle section is heart-pounding and everything is neatly orchestrated through editing and camera work. Never jingoistic or overly-stylised, this is a very decent modern war film.
Often hits home the rapid escalation of events troops must experience all the time. Found it more moving than Captain Phillips, which also dealt with people trapped amongst hostiles
Joker of Gotham
This movie is shocking.I like the movie, war movies in most are violent but this one has an impressive gun fight, the make up is really good, the action and the performances are great.
The ending is really emotional.
4.25/5
arrbrr
Some really good action sequences.nowhereman136
Berg does a tremendous job of telling this story. The realness and sense of emotion makes this one of the best war films i've seen in a long time, and one of the best movies of the year.9/10
maxdbn
One giant awesome action scene. Very touching and patriotic.Faranak
The title is a downfallMrDoog
Solid movie and an enjoyable watch. The action sequences are well executed and there's enough beforehand to invest you in the characters.On the downside, I thought the last 20 minutes or so really let it down, without posting spoilers... it made very little sense. The movie also frequently and frustratingly suffers from this fashionable shaky camera thing which seems to be everywhere these days.
Worth a watch.
rakesh
Mark Wahlberg acting is awesome & action sequences are good but the movie is over rated.....(6.5/10)