OK, but not great

Rating: 6/10 (24 February 2014)

(Spoilers)
OK, but not great, modern war story. The band of brothers aspect was good but a touch overdone, and is nothing new. Plus, the first few scenes of the movie seem full of empty sentimentality.
The first half of the movie, is on the surface, about heroism and camaraderie. However, more than this, it is about military incompetence. The overly complex mission, so complex any small detail, eg loss of communications, can derail it. The failure to terminate a major threat to the mission. The hung-ho, uncoordinated rescue attempt.
The first half was actually somewhat irritating, as it seemed to value heroism over good planning and prudent decision-making.
This is redeemed somewhat by the second half. Here it is a movie about survival, grace, generosity and kindness.
Powerful ending.
Decent performances all round, though nobody stands out.