A powerful film, but must be seen with an open mind

Rating: 8/10 (14 February 2015)

Let me start by saying I read Chis Kyle's autobiography before seeing the movie, and I'm really glad I did. It's a great read, and there's so much more to his story than even the movie can tell. While I don't write a ton of reviews on this site, I've felt the need to defend this movie from the hoards of people who feel compelled to bash both it and Chris Kyle.
First off, to the people who may be worried this film is mere propaganda, I can't stress enough that it is NOT. Unfortunately, some people will automatically dismiss something that's even slightly pro-American as propaganda (I guess it's no longer politically correct to show America in a positive light). But don't be fooled, this is not pro-war. It is, however, very pro-veteran. The movie is meant to show one thing: that war is hell, and that it takes a toll not just on the soldiers, but their loved ones as well. Yes, it's true that it shows some Iraqis as bad guys, but that's because many of them were. However, the movie also makes it clear that there were many innocent Iraqis who just wanted to live their lives in peace. To play devil's advocate, I can see how some people MIGHT see this as propaganda, but they're forgetting one thing: this film is Chris Kyle's story, and it's told from his perspective, which brings me to my next point.
A LOT of reviewers on this site are condemning Chris Kyle; calling him things like a "psychopath", a "heartless killer" and even a "coward". It's very sad. A psychopath is someone who totally lacks empathy and will go out of their way to harm others. Chris Kyle was none of those. Yes, he killed people, but that was because he had to. He was a soldier. His duty was to protect his comrades, and that was the reason he took those lives. War doesn't give you time to ponder right and wrong. Hesitation might make the difference between life and death. The haters also love to bring up the fact that he shot a woman, as if this makes him an evil person. I guess they would have preferred it if he had let her throw that grenade and kill American soldiers... (I say woMAN by the way, because he only shot one woman during his time in Iraq, as his biography states). Also, while it's true that Chris Kyle shot people from "afar", he was also in front-line duty a lot as well. I know this because I read the damn book and saw the movie. I'm convinced many of the people who are leaving 1-star reviews haven't actually seen it, because I see them get facts wrong left and right.
So, to all the people judging Chris Kyle, grow up. You haven't been through what he went through. It doesn't take any guts to bash someone from behind a computer screen, especially one who's dead. This man saved a lot of American lives, and that was all he cared about (not his kill numbers). The only people fit to criticize Kyle's tactics are people who've actually been through war themselves, and the only one fit to judge him is God. Not some random schmo on the internet.
As far as my thoughts on the film itself: as I already said, there's a lot to Chris Kyle's story, and a movie can only fit so much. However, I think Clint Eastwood did a great job of showing the important parts, especially the moments that changed Kyle's life. The main focus of the story is his struggle with serving both his country and his family, and the toll it takes on his mind. The film does a beautiful job of capturing his struggle and the mental scars that follow him long after he returns home. Bradley Cooper does an outstanding job, and the man is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors in Hollywood. One important thing I will say, however: Chris Kyle never engaged "Mustafa" in combat. I suppose they included this to add a central "bad guy", but honestly, I think it was unnecessary. Kyle's story is interesting enough without Hollywood embellishment, but it didn't ruin the story for me.
In summary, my suggestion is go see this movie if you're on the fence! More so, thank a veteran for what they do. They put themselves through hell to serve their country, for better or worse. If you can't leave your biases at the door, however, then this film is not for you.
Thank you, veterans. R.I.P. Chris Kyle.