It's a worry!

Rating: 2/10 (21 March 2010)

Yet another one-sided, simple-minded, righteous, and racist American's definition of "war". The locals are portrayed as uncommunicative, ignorant, cunning, cowardice, pitiful, barbaric, and slightly scary if you find yourself alone in their community. Other times just keep pointing the guns and shouting then maybe they'll suddenly get English.
Undeniably the topic (the job) is interesting, but I fail to find the viewpoint and focus. There are very classic moments - like the first time we see our hero on duty, and like the desert scene. But there are also extremely dull and forced moments. The tension becomes a boring routine and by the last quarter of the film whoever dies will not surprise me at all. All characters are stereotypical - you see them in almost every war film. Even the little unnaturally conducted relationship with the local boy is stereotypical. The few confrontations and the last soul-to-soul chat make everyone uncomfortable, including the camera.
If this was not the film that just won the best motion picture, I probably would've been kinder. But a best film should possess better quality in script, in character development, in story, in acting, AND in continuity (it's a shocker!). Unfortunately this is a long film about 3 not-so-interesting people.
I wouldn't call this a war film. The only war is a guy fighting against his own passion for work. This film is not trying to say (and criticize) that this guy is just a piece of war machine not unlike the suicide bombers. No. It's saying that if that's the only thing you love (your own son included), then go for it and be a hero. And this film won so many awards, it's real a worry.
Finally, what's with the taxi driver?