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This is the first time that I have rated a film as a "10". It is a masterpiece, written, produced and directed by Paul Haggis, and he has "done it" -- again! Go and see it -- NOW! But be warned: this is not a "nice" film. Be prepared to be shaken. Post-traumatic stress syndrome does horrible things to soldiers -- especially when the Army's leadership and their political masters refuse to acknowledge that horrible things occur in war. By doing so, soldiers are deluded into thinking that horrible acts of death and destruction are somehow "normal". I have heard suggested that this film is an indictment of war. Possibly so, but to my mind this film is more an indictment of a society that, in the interests of political expediency, refuses to acknowledge the horrors that are perpetrated in its name. Tommy Lee Jones is perfectly cast as the honored proud Vietnam veteran forced to confront what the Army has done to and with his son. Charlize Theron is also excellent; she represents "the innocent civilian" finally forced to confront the unacknowledged horrors of war represented by the callous behaviour of the traumatized veterans. As a final but important thought, I would encourage anyone seeing this film to stay right through to the end of the credits. The last image on the screen underlines the dedication," For the children," and the viewer is left wondering which set of children is being referred to, the children of Iraq -- or the children of the United States. (This film was evidently directed at an American audience, so the references above to the "Army" and its military and political leadership clearly refer to the U. S. Army. But we in Canada need to ask ourselves whether -- or maybe to what extent -- this film might apply to Canada and the Canadian Forces.)
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WARNING: This comment is hidden because it reveals the content of the film.
Click here to show this comment. John, thank you for your very insightful review. I shared all of your sentiments, particularly that of the indictment of a society that refuses to acknowledge the horrors perpetrated in its name, for political expediency. These damaged men, are exploited to carry out the dirty work of political hegemony. I thought it telling to see the young man who tortured chickens showing up in uniform to join the twisted company. How can we continue to accept war, when so many of the victims are children? This sanctioned murder cannot be justified. I have submitted a review as well, and felt this was perhaps the best film I've seen in a very long time.