So many reviews dismiss this film as whimsical propaganda. I long for the day when our American friends across the pond start to understand the real sense of irony here (irony is not like steely but with a bit of iron in it by the way).
What do these people think that the American and British Government have been feeding us over the last 20 years - you've guessed it, propaganda. And lots of it. In Britain we have spin doctors for this very purpose - in America, you have a President.
This film is fiction but the basis of the movie is true. There were no weapons of mass destruction and therefore the war was unjust. Now I don't know why the powers that be sought to invade Iraq. Maybe it was to rid the world of a known megalomaniac. Or just payback time for 9/11. Or maybe even by dismantling the country and then wading in with billion dollar contracts to rebuild it. Or a "crude" attempt to corner the oil market (pardon the pun). The truth is, we will never know.
The film itself is flawed in many areas but the overall message is powerful. Matt Damon doesn't disappoint although on many occasions the motives of his character appear ludicrous. And of course Paul Greengrass's renowned shaky camera style does at times make the film difficult to watch. The film also predictably plays a familiar card - that different elements of the US Government (CIA vs Army) are singing from completely different hymn sheets. This card has been played many times before.
But the plot doesn't let up, the action scenes are well done and there is a certain aspect of relief that Hollywood, even in a limited way, is prepared to question the morals of a Government who are clearly not being truthful with their own electorate. And for this reason alone, the filmmakers should be applauded.
The storyline come conspiracy theory may be propaganda but the moral message is indisputably true. And that much greater propaganda formed a coalition which waged war on a country under completely false pretences. This gives this film merit, even if it is not a classic by any standard.
I look forward to the raft of Afghan war films to be made over the next 20 years with an underlying message that it is war that can never be won. Watch this space - its going to happen.
What do these people think that the American and British Government have been feeding us over the last 20 years - you've guessed it, propaganda. And lots of it. In Britain we have spin doctors for this very purpose - in America, you have a President.
This film is fiction but the basis of the movie is true. There were no weapons of mass destruction and therefore the war was unjust. Now I don't know why the powers that be sought to invade Iraq. Maybe it was to rid the world of a known megalomaniac. Or just payback time for 9/11. Or maybe even by dismantling the country and then wading in with billion dollar contracts to rebuild it. Or a "crude" attempt to corner the oil market (pardon the pun). The truth is, we will never know.
The film itself is flawed in many areas but the overall message is powerful. Matt Damon doesn't disappoint although on many occasions the motives of his character appear ludicrous. And of course Paul Greengrass's renowned shaky camera style does at times make the film difficult to watch. The film also predictably plays a familiar card - that different elements of the US Government (CIA vs Army) are singing from completely different hymn sheets. This card has been played many times before.
But the plot doesn't let up, the action scenes are well done and there is a certain aspect of relief that Hollywood, even in a limited way, is prepared to question the morals of a Government who are clearly not being truthful with their own electorate. And for this reason alone, the filmmakers should be applauded.
The storyline come conspiracy theory may be propaganda but the moral message is indisputably true. And that much greater propaganda formed a coalition which waged war on a country under completely false pretences. This gives this film merit, even if it is not a classic by any standard.
I look forward to the raft of Afghan war films to be made over the next 20 years with an underlying message that it is war that can never be won. Watch this space - its going to happen.