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Showing reviews from 1 to 50 (total: 83)
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I found this movie a little boring, and the purposely shaky camera work was used more than necessary. It seems to be a very realistic movie and the acting was believable, but perhaps the story needed something extra. I am not sure if I would recommend it, some people will really like it and others won't.
7/10
23.10.2009 -
beachandtennis@ - age: 50+
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I had to take into consideration how the actors put themselves in the place of real soldiers on the front line and project that onto the BiG Screen... it worked. I forgot for a time that I was watching actors and that made a BiG difference. Given the new insight into the lives of these technical supposedly non combative soldiers and the different almost alienating lifestyle they live apart from other soldiers... I am swayed to give this movie a round of applause! The Hurt Locker is a fitting title for the movie. The soldiers in Iraq have to treat each and every moment like a day at work. 365 days in the rotation. Everyday and every night... open the Locker, get suited up and clock in. 365 days where the locker symbolizes the pain & suffering, the guilt, the death and the horror of war. They have to face it everyday and then take it all off and close the locker. The locker in most cases is a compartment where one contains gym clothes, school books, etc... like any other locker... these soldiers have to "try" and compartmentalize the "Hurt".
8/10
2.10.2009 -
paulleslie12@ - age: 36-49
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I loved the movie from start to finish. There were predictable points but I still had a voice in my head saying 'no, they wouldn't do that... holy crap' All in all I really liked it and would advise it for anyone. It's not super accurate, I spoke with a buddy from the 1st Cavalry Division after I saw the movie whose job is what those guys did. But in my opinion it's good, he said it was good but not accurate. If you want the best Man movie for 09, this is it. It gets you to think, consider everything. War is hell, but he loves his job and he does what he has to do. Sorry to be so vague.
10/10
1.10.2009 -
bcritch4@ - age: 18-25
Gripping movie. SO glad 'prima donna' actors like Pitt etc. weren't used. More realistic and intense. I don't like war movies, but was talked into seeing this one, was very surprised at how intense and well done this movie was.
9/10
11.9.2009 -
deborahmoser@ - age: 50+
The acting was superb. To capture the intensity of this human tragedy on film is nothing short of great art. The Irakis come out short. We experience everything thru American eyes & their particular lingo. Nevertheless, the message is clear: war destroys our ability to live... anywhere.
9/10
11.9.2009 -
h,chiba@
If you haven't seen The Hurt Locker yet, you really need to buy yourself a ticket. Watching the film, you taste the desert sand in your mouth…you flinch at the blast shrapnel…and you feel the heat of the flaming aftermath, smoldering into the night sky. From a human perspective, the film effectively captures the momentary spats of camaraderie in-between the waking nightmare of wrongful death, fatal decoys, and compromised aggression…all through a patient and raw documentary lens. What I found most startling and satisfying about the film, was the way it dealt with the emotional differences between the individual soldiers. Boasting fantastic performances by Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, and Brian Geraghty, this film deserves its place alongside Platoon, Apocalypse Now, and Full Metal Jacket as one of the best modern war movies ever made.
10/10
11.9.2009 -
kari,lavine@ - age: 26-35
Easily as 9+ movie. Maybe worth it just for David Morse's 4 minute cameo. Great direction, almost like 3 movies in one, like a documentary, a horror, and a drama. The Renner character decides he does not feel alive without the fear of impending death and the rush of the win against the terrorist by disarming. The end of the movie wheb he actually goes back as a Marine is a fantastic statement about his character or character flaw. Bigelow, I don't think, has made that many movies, the only one that comes to mind is an excellent vampire movie in the 90's called "near dark". I loved this one.
9/10
10.9.2009 -
kafka2015@ - age: 50+
As an ex-army member, I can say this is a masterpiece. There are so many factor beside just the action scenes that truly show you what soldiers in combat undergo in a regular basis and how it is impossible that their lives - and that of their families - would not be for ever changed after being in battle. A must-see movie!
10/10
9.9.2009 -
martinjsosa@ - age: 26-35
I loved the opening scene. This film reminds me a lot of the HBO series "Over There"... the tension is captivating. At times I felt the theme was slightly forced but an entertaining couple of hours.
8/10
8.9.2009 -
apostolicman@ - age: 36-49
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One of the best 'war' films in years. Up there with Full Metal Jacket (2nd (Vietnam) half) Great acting and cinematography.
9/10
6.9.2009 -
ryaninsk@ - age: 26-35
Some very strong performances in this movie, and gives an interesting perspective on the "war movie" genre. It gets a little bit cliched at certain times, but generally a well-told, tense thriller.
8/10
4.9.2009 -
puddleofcolm@ - age: 18-25
Hurt Locker is an impressive and satisfying movie, although it did not totally meet my high expectations. The craft and performances on display were very high-caliber, but I did not feel as engaged in the characters or story as I ‘should have been’…. [...]
8/10
28.8.2009 -
livetowatch@ - age: 26-35
First half of the movie was great then the second half was not as exciting. None the less it was still a great overall movie.
7/10
27.8.2009 -
cft_elitefitness@ - age: 26-35
Thought provoking, tense and well acted. If you want Brad Pitt and a Hollywood ending, this might not be for you. If you like some film with your popcorn, it is an excellent war drama.
9/10
24.8.2009 -
droood@ - age: 36-49
Much like a good Nirvana song with a quiet/loud dynamic, I love the way Katheryn Bigelow keeps the intensity even during a "lull" in the action. During moments that take place between the various intense combat scenes there is a strong sense that these characters are on the verge of losing it. Highly recommended.
8/10
24.8.2009 -
funksoulmother@ - age: 26-35
Wow! This movie was intense, and it had some great performances. It was very good and worth seeing.
8/10
22.8.2009 -
arvan09@ - age: 36-49
This is going to sound funny, but I loved this movie, but would've preferred not seeing it. One part of me had to see it, being I'm married to a military member, and the other part wanted to avoid it altogether. Despite my internal conflict, I don't know how anyone can deny the quality of this movie and the sacrifices made by military members. I'm glad I saw it and yet I wish I didn't since my husband is heading to Afghanistan a few short months.
8/10
21.8.2009 -
anne_girard@
I swear they pay people to come and bad mouth some movies- yes it did have a part where it was pretty gruesome; I enjoyed that the movie pulled no punches. It doesn't even resemble 99% of "war" movies out there. Much more documentary style, I thought it was riveting, extremely intense and well acted. People have their own opinions, the only reason I can think somebody NOT liking this movies is if they dont like war movies or violence- in which case why are they watching this movie anyways? Best movie I have seen this year so far, and I go to the theaters often. Makes me kind of sad though how some popcorn flick like G. I. Joe could be number one and something like this not many people know about.
9/10
19.8.2009 -
kuetb@ - age: 26-35
Great acting, especially from the movies leads. I am not really a big fan of iraq war movies, but this one was the exception.
9/10
18.8.2009 -
johnsheridanc@ - age: 26-35
Overall, not a bad movie. The message of 'war is awful' is a little heavy handed, but parts of the movie are entertaining. Long at 2 hours and 10 minutes and loud with a soundtrack only a teenager could like, but certainly worth renting.
6/10
18.8.2009 -
ryandoucet@ - age: 36-49
Living on the edge, men who volunteer into danger to help a people, some of whom want them dead. Some people get through war keeping their head down, not these guys. The danger is terrorizing but it's the most important job ordinary people will ever get to do. Not sure you'd be up to the challenge? Neither are these guys. Spend two hours in their boots.
9/10
17.8.2009 -
greystone223@ - age: 50+
Great movie all around! It wasn't just mindless action. The story was well told and the actors did a great job portraying it. I had no problem with the shaky cam, I felt it brought you closer to the battle in the action scenes because it wasn't overdone in other parts of the movie. It is gruesome but so is war.
9/10
17.8.2009 -
sneakysniper@ - age: 18-25
I thought this was great. Suspenseful, entertaining, well shot, good dialogue, all it was missing was an alternate ending. Worth checking out. Not for everyone, but entertaining.
9/10
16.8.2009 -
cahootsinc@ - age: 26-35
A renter... another war movie. It's all been done before... just another perspective bombs and crazy people on both sides of the fence...
5/10
16.8.2009 -
candv@ - age: 36-49
I loved this movie! , Great war movie must see... and plus Jeremy is sooo HOTT! , great acting, even a lil funny and Sad :( GO SEE IT!
10/10
15.8.2009 -
xox_dead_sexy_xox@ - age: 13-17
Decent movie with lots of suspense. The movie flowed well, and I didn't really seem all that put off by the camera work like others. Not sure why some found it boring. I guess some fall asleep unless things are going 100 MPH with things constantly blowing up? Sit back.. relax and try to enjoy a movie... I know it's hard for some to sit still for 10 minutes without firing up the XBox. Anyway, well worth a peek if you have any type of interest in the Iraq operations.
7/10
15.8.2009 -
darrells@ - age: 36-49
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The Hurt Locker would easily be a " 9 or 10" if not for the intense violent reality. Like Raging Bull, I staggered out of the cinema. Movie features several exceptional conversations and an equal measure of gruesome reality.
7/10
14.8.2009 -
javaman44@ - age: 50+
This is a great movie, and perhaps the best American movie about war since, well, since the 50s. I like that it comes across as neither patriotic nor anti-American, but is deeply anti-terrorism and anti-war.
9/10
12.8.2009 -
darkthirty@ - age: 36-49
Intense. It showed different perspective on dealing with daily intense violence without being preachy. Kind of hard to watch, but worth it.
9/10
11.8.2009 -
caicyn@ - age: 26-35
Felt like we were there. Sad social commentary on life in presumably "Iraq" and the interaction of soldiers with locals. Disturbing but not shocking. Characters are real beacuse of the excellent acting. Loved the movie.
9/10
10.8.2009 -
mary-lou@ - age: 50+
The acting is terrific as is pretty much everything else, direction, cinematography etc. Found myself nodding off part way through the film, maybe some of the night scenes were too hard to follow, I don't know. A believable story but possibly too much like the news.
8/10
9.8.2009 -
rozzw@ - age: 50+
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Best movie of the year. Rivetiung, thoughtful, morally ambiguous... Katheryn Bigelow's achievement completely outshines other Irag WaR II films/series such as Generation Kill.
9/10
9.8.2009 -
nicholas@ - age: 36-49
Great movie; one that I appreciated more several days after having seen it. It is like a series of vignettes, each one different and unto its own. Jeremy Renner as the lead is great! I agree with the other reviews in that it felt more like a documentary than a film. In addition (which I liked), there is no Hollywood love story. Just great acting. Enjoy.
9/10
8.8.2009 -
fabioteachesbell@ - age: 26-35
If you need to spend 2hrs to watch this movie, you might as well watch it half of the time less than 2hrs in CNN. I think it will be more exciting & more real than this movie. My boyfriend & I snore at most of this movie... boring and no plot... don't waste time & money. Watch it in CNN for FREE!
1/10
8.8.2009 -
jli0809@ - age: 36-49
Ok I am a big war movie buff and was excited to see this one - but after 30 minutes of NO STORYLINE and shakey hand-held camera work I walked out. The movie begins with three bomb-defusing scenes in a row, one right after the other. No plot at all. The camera work made my wife and I feel dizzy. The main character's behaviour would be completely unacceptable in the military, it was laughable and totally unrealisitic. I can't believe so many people gave this film a 9 or 10 out of 10, it just didn't do it for me. Some scenes were gripping but there needs to be A STORY. And the shakey-cam has to go, just a terrible way to put together a film imo.
5/10
8.8.2009 -
hutch@ - age: 36-49
The movie watches more like a Docu-drama. Therefore, you should keep that in mind when going to see it. It doesn't really compare too well to other soldier movies such as Black Hawk Down since they're more of a story with action. The Hurt Locker focuses more on the behavior of the soldiers and their relation to war. On that level, it has a decent level of success I believe.
7/10
8.8.2009 -
husseindanish@ - age: 18-25
One of the best movie's I've seen in a long time. I'm telling everyone to see this film.
9/10
8.8.2009 -
am,fitz66@ - age: 36-49
I felt this movie gave a very accurate depiction of the tension and tenuousness of life that war really is. It also showed just how addictive it can become to a certain type of presonality. Very well done.
9/10
7.8.2009 -
caps888@ - age: 36-49
An excellent film about war. Definitely one of the best war films made in the last 5 years. I'm surprised it didn't get wide release and also shocked that some people would rate it as 1 or 2. It's right behind "apocalypse now" and "saving private Ryan". If you're sensitive and boring [...] then this film is not for you and you will probably end up giving it the low rating. But if you're a film fan and appreciate the truth, as gruesome as it maybe and raw emotions that war brings about, than this film is not to be missed. Also is has nothing to do with it... but the fact the it was directed by a female is bloody inspiring! I would love to make a film like that!
10/10
7.8.2009 -
promarina23@ - age: 26-35
I can't believe how some of the reviewers feel this is not a realistic movie. You feel like you are right there, in the humvee, living in hell with these guys. I agree with that using unknown actors adds to the reality of the movie. They did a great job. Best war film I have seen in a long time.
9/10
7.8.2009 -
rvg@ - age: 50+
Very well done, the movie is equally about character as it is about action and portrayal of the war situation in Iraq. Very well done.
9/10
6.8.2009 -
marcel,grauer@ - age: 36-49
[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Although a little slow at times, this movie was very gripping. It brought to mind the harsh realities of those men (both from the west and from the middle east) who really dealt with this. I was particularly moved by the scene where the Middle Eastern man with a family was begging the bomb tech to remove the bomb off him. It sounded like he was forced into it and a few seconds before it exploded, he started to pray. I know it's just a movie, but when I think of the men, women and children, forced to do this for real even if they arent forced. People just dont seem to see how precious life is. That we have no issues hurting our brothers and sisters saddens me.
8/10
6.8.2009 -
waterempath@ - age: 18-25
It is rare to see a movie where the tension is palpable throughout and where as a member of the audience, you get caught up into it so fully. The stress never waivers - you feel that the soldiers are unwelcome and the threat comes from the population, on top of the bombs that need to be defused. Powerful. Makes you realize why soldiers coming back are never the same after that. Who can live with that sort of stress? However, in the real world, wouldn't a soldier behaving so individually expose himself to harsh discipline and reprimand? If it weren't for that, I would have given the movie a 10. Directed masterfully by a woman, by the way.
9/10
6.8.2009 -
norman_haerens@ - age: 36-49
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Kathryn Bigelow (dir.) returns with a bang - literally. Documentary style shooting, with great performances all around.
9/10
5.8.2009 -
smeerkat@ - age: 36-49
So glad Kathryn Bigelow cast relative unknowns in this picture which is an honest and compelling look at one reality in Iraq. The film just wouldn't cut it with Brad Pitt and Will Smith in the James and Sanborn roles.
9/10
5.8.2009 -
rundmund@ - age: 36-49
Definitely worth the watch. It's very intense from start to finish and an in depth look into the lives of soldiers. It's not the story of the underdog or good versus evil. It just is real.
8/10
5.8.2009 -
tisha_2@ - age: 18-25
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This movie is a bit difficult to watch. It keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Having all the characters face insanely dangerous situations throughout the entire movie might be a little much for sensitive viewers. There is also lots of violence and graphic scenes; I often found myself covering my eyes. I'm still giving this movie a 7 because it *IS* a good movie. The actors deliver very strong and convincing performances. Also, the subject is very eye-opening. Many people are probably immune by now to the topic of the war or conflict. Such a deeply moving film reminds the viewer of the truly awful aspects of war.
7/10
5.8.2009 -
freestyle3000@ - age: 26-35
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One of the best, most realistic war movies made in the past 20 years. The writer, Mark Boal is a journalist who has based this movie on his experiences and the bomb squad he had followed around in Iraq This is about as real as you are going to get without turning it into a documentary. It is very intense right from the beginning and it puts you right in the middle of war-torn Baghdad. It certainly paints a picture of what these soldiers have to embrace every single day. Go see it!
10/10
4.8.2009 -
bigkidney@ - age: 26-35
A tremendously thrilling, insightful, intelligent, well-acted, intense and moving film. Superb direction. Extremely gritty and realistic. What a wonderful surprise! Some scenes are so tense, in fact, that you will be on the edge of your seat gasping for breath. Highly recommended!
9/10
4.8.2009 -
charles,tisseyre@ - age: 18-25
Very intense and thrilling film without the usual black and white pattern or hooray patriotism. In addition with the absence of heroism of soldiers or the condemnation of war, it made me feel like a documentary. Everyone just tries to survive this mess and the audience gets a first hand impression of how it is like to live under circumstances where nothing is save and no one can be trusted. It left me with the question that is barely discussed in the media or in public: what do we do with the returning traumatized and mentally injured soldiers?
9/10
4.8.2009 -
shane,mcdoughy@ - age: 36-49
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