Superb Tale of the Horrors of War and One Man's Experience

Rating: 10/10 (28 January 2015)

It is very rare for me to experience feelings of such emotion and thought over a film as I have over 2015's "American Sniper". You probably already know it's about the story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. history. And you also probably know that the likes of Michael Moore and Seth Rogen have denounced the film as being propaganda and a pro-war piece. Well ladies and gentlemen, nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, it is true that the film takes place during the Iraq war, and it is also true that the late Chris Kyle believed very much that the Iraq war was justified. But folks, this is not a pro-war film; this is a film that makes a valid attempt to show the full realities of war while staying true to Chris Kyle as much as possible. Before I go on, let me just say that I was not a supporter of the Bush Administration's decision to invade the present day country of Iraq (and ancient land of Mesopotamia). It didn't make sense to me then and it especially doesn't make sense to me now with all the tragedy going on in Iraq at the time of this writing. Be that as it may, I still believe we should honor the sacrifices of all those who served in that war and "American Sniper" achieves this.
The movie begins in the desert land of Iraq with Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper in a tour de force role) on a rooftop scouting for a column of Marines on patrol when he is forced to make a decision of whether to take out a young boy walking towards the column with a grenade or stand down? Then the film all of sudden gives us a peek into the Kyle's past, from his time as a boy to his experience at BUD/S to the meeting of his wife, Taya (the stunning Sienna Miller). From there the film provides as accurate as possible look at Kyle's four tours in Iraq and the subsequent affect they have on him and his family. Bradley Cooper, the lead man in the wolf-pack from the "Hang Over" films, gives what may be his best performance so far. With his Texas accent and swag, bulked up appearance, and dogged dedication to the role, he doesn't just play Chris Kyle; he BECOMES him. Indeed, when I first saw Bradley Cooper in the previews, I didn't even put two and two together that this was the same man who played the lead role in "The Hang Over". His performance is that good! The same can be said for Sienna Miller in her role as Chris' dedicated wife Taya. With her dark hair, Texas charm and looks, she looked every bit like the late Chris Kyle's real life wife.
Directed by the great Clint Eastwood, the film doesn't pull any punches when it comes to the ugly realities of war. When Chris Kyle kills someone, the camera doesn't pull away. We see people die from his point of view, and believe me it's not pretty. Eastwood should be congratulated for having the guts to make the film in the first place and do so without trying to sugarcoat for the audience. As one can imagine, seeing this death on a daily basis begins having an effect on Kyle's mind and family life and after his last tour of duty, decides to take the step of getting help. He does so by finding solace in helping other veterans who've seen the horrors of war by taking them out to the gun range, a decision that helps many but would sadly cost the life of Mr. Kyle. In short ladies and gentleman, "American Sniper" is a film that anyone, regardless of their political beliefs, can appreciate if they go in with an objective mind, not one already made up. By showing Chris Kyle's experiences, the film shows the experiences of all men who go to war the subsequent challenges of reintegrating into society. A word of warning, though, the film leads up to an emotional ending in which it took every ounce of strength in me to hold back the tears. Whether you supported the war in Iraq or not, whether you are a pacifist or hawk, one thing is for sure: "American Sniper" is one of the most powerful films of this year and is a must see for everyone who appreciates our military and their sacrifices. God bless all those who have served and may Chris Kyle rest in peace.