This movie seems to be divisive... and it is raising emotions on many fronts. Death threats have been made against Michael Moore and others who have questioned the messages of the movie.
What are your thoughts? Did you see it? Would you see it? Why wouldn't you see it?
I saw the movie. I have never been to war but I have relatives who have experienced warfare.
ReplyDeleteI thought that overall the movie wasn't very good as either an action movie or a drama. I knew that the main character would survive. There were no compelling supporting actors to speak of.. or at least none that I cared about. So I experienced very little suspense while watching.
I'd give it a 5 out of 10 as a pure action/drama movie.
Now for the controversies..
What I learned from this movie was:
1. PTSD results from a warrior not being strong enough in his/her convictions. Kyle comes home and experiences PTSD. But not from remorse or lack of conviction. His PTSD results from not being able to help the troops anymore. Once he volunteers at the veteran's center than his curing takes place and the movie shows him as being fine from that point on.
2. A warrior that questions the validity/morality of their actions is weak. Another soldier is shot and his mother reads a letter from the dead soldier at the funeral where he questions the motivations of the iraqi invasion. This seems to upset Kyle and Kyle says that that is why the soldier got himself killed... he hesitated and questioned.
so.. Kyle is the perfect weapon.. doesn't question. No hesitation. Decisive.
The only hesitation he has is when several kids pick up weapons.. he waits until the last second before either shooting or standing down. I can't see anyone faulting him for either shooting or not shooting...he makes the right decision both times. But he doesn't question the fact that he/they are in the situation in the first place. perfect soldier. perfect tool for the government.
can you criticize this movie without criticizing the men/women who are fighting on the front lines? I hope so otherwise we are in trouble...