Rating of
3.5/4
A true experience.
memento_mori - wrote on 09/21/13
There's not much to say about this movie that hasn't been said already.
I feel bad for saying this is a fascinating film, considering it is so horrifying to watch. But if you put all the bona fide moments of war aside, it is still a very realistic depiction of how soldiers and army men interacted.
I especially liked the scenes involving Matt Damon. In his breakout role, he delivered an Award-worthy performance. Fun fact: His backstory was improvised by him.
Steven Spielberg is the man. It would've come as a shock if he hadn't won for Best Director.
This movie is one of the few where I appreciate the shaky-cam. The first half hour is incredibly filmed, full of cringe-worthy moments.
It's one of the few Steven Spielberg films that I see as undergoing style over substance. But the environment that the excellent direction provides almost furthers the substance, thus making it even better. Leave it to Spielberg to make an authentic war film.
I'm going to gripe about what everyone gripes about in this movie, too: The propaganda.
I don't think I know a film that is more bent on furthering America as the towering nation. A dozen scenes in the film almost shouted: AMERICA!
It may be victim to some one-sided propaganda, but it sure is a realistic portrait of a bloodthirsty canvas. It is still a very impressive fable of earning your pride and a reminder that you shouldn't be afraid to fight for the person next to you.
It may not be the best thing to look at, but it's like Schindler's List. It's something you have to experience once in your life.
