Finally, One That Feels Real

Rating: 10/10 (12 January 2014)

This one had so much coming against it. It had probably one of the least interesting trailer of the year. In addition, to vastly overrated films had soured the anticipation of seeing anything with a related topic. "Lone Survivor" is apparently defying expectations, and it earns every little bit of praise, as it is a movie that combines action, suspense, drama, some very moving moments, and takes you to the brink of emotional highs. Everyone in the cast is amazing, but Mark Whalberg, just like Tom Hanks is able to connect both with both his co-stars, the camera, and us.
The film follows a group of soldiers who are stranded in the middle of a mission, in very hostile territory. Watching as each of them falls is heartbreaking, with some breathtaking camera work and stunts, we see, hear, and feel every bullet zoom by, every burst of fire, and every bone shatter. Yet, it is not at all a matter of technical wizardry because nothing would work if the camera just rolled and gave some of what has previously been noted as "realism". This one gets close enough to see physical and emotional wounds, doesn't shy away from the pain, frustration, fear, and horrors of war. We "feel" each loss, feel the loss of humanity, the madness that takes over and destroys us.
At our screening, we had an audience of men, women, and children who were glued to the screen, forgot their movie treats, the anxiety caused by a movie that promises but bores. At the end, some stood and applauded because we finally got true account that touched us.