AMERICAN
SNIPER 3.8***
Few times does a movie
entertain yet at the same time tell deep truths. American Sniper
manages just that. If one wanted a current definition of an American Patriot
hero it's effectively brought to life by the masterful direction of Clint
Eastwood. This movie will be one of his crowning achievements in a much
celebrated career. Such a feat could not be accomplished with just any story
however. The life of Chris Kyle, and what he did and what he stood for, makes a
perfect match. The film is based upon the true life events of Chris Kyle, a
highly skilled and determined Navy SEAL sniper, and his brothers-in-arms in the
Iraq war. It's a story about a Texas boy who grew up to be a man‘s man
yearning to fulfill one specific duty: To protect men, women and children
from those who seek to do evil and harm. The movie takes us through some of his
early life and training, and then juggles between his 4 tours in Iraq and his
returns to home and family in Texas as he struggles with internal and external
dilemmas including PTSD. It's a moving and dramatic portrayal of the life of
Chris Kyle, who during those 4 tours had 160 confirmed kills that saved
many more American lives.
Bradley Cooper's amazingly real depiction of a "complicated, yet simple Texas cowboy" breathes life into a story surrounded by the darkness of war. It single-handedly makes that phrase "The Greatest Generation" one that didn't end with WWII. Coopers’ performance is remarkable and well deserving of his Oscar nomination for “Best Actor” , the 3rd year in a row that he’s been nominated in that category.
American Sniper is rare in that it shows the brutality of war yet presents it in a watchable way. While folks such as I have led a very normal, SAFE life stateside during the years since 9/11, men just like Chris Kyle have been laying everything on the line for the very freedoms we were so casually enjoying. One can't help but feel humbled by what these men accomplished and sacrificed. War is the worst of humanity without doubt, but within war the best of America and its soldiers often rise above both evil and politics. Chris Kyle was assuredly one of the finest examples of such and American Sniper is a fine testament of which we all can be proud.
Bradley Cooper's amazingly real depiction of a "complicated, yet simple Texas cowboy" breathes life into a story surrounded by the darkness of war. It single-handedly makes that phrase "The Greatest Generation" one that didn't end with WWII. Coopers’ performance is remarkable and well deserving of his Oscar nomination for “Best Actor” , the 3rd year in a row that he’s been nominated in that category.
American Sniper is rare in that it shows the brutality of war yet presents it in a watchable way. While folks such as I have led a very normal, SAFE life stateside during the years since 9/11, men just like Chris Kyle have been laying everything on the line for the very freedoms we were so casually enjoying. One can't help but feel humbled by what these men accomplished and sacrificed. War is the worst of humanity without doubt, but within war the best of America and its soldiers often rise above both evil and politics. Chris Kyle was assuredly one of the finest examples of such and American Sniper is a fine testament of which we all can be proud.
Clark
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