Hurt Locker Review

Rating: 9/10 (16 April 2019)

Starting without credits or a title, we are instead provided with a quote by C. Hedges stating war can be a drug and "the rush of battle is often a potent and lethal addiction". The main character, Staff Sgt. William James is a clear-cut embodiment of this mantra. James incessant need to throw himself into a dangerous situation creates well developed rifts between himself and his team. With only 38 days remaining in their rotation, Bravo Company must overcome their differences to survive. Kathryn Bigelow's use of the constant jittering camera portrays a soldier's "on-edge" perspective very well. Any sudden movements or sounds their weapons are poised prepared for immediate action. As an action movie it does well to keep the viewer entertained with occassional explosions and the kill or be killed mentality in the streets of Iraq. James blatant disregard for safety and rules has you enthralled hoping for the best even as he saunters towards IEDs removing his protective gear. The movie is not perfect. With a few slips in dialogue and the overbearing force of testosterone fuelled thinking and how there is no question in the ethics of what they're doing. However, it leaves you with a feeling of intrigue as James leaves his family again, and returns for another tour to do the only thing he truly loves.