The Hurt Locker

Rating: 10/10 (17 September 2009)

The Hurt Locker is set in Iraq during the war and is about the team of soldiers who are sent out to find and deactivate hidden bombs. For me at least, war movies can be a really hit or miss thing, particularly depending on the individual film in question. I feel that a lot of them use the same kind of formula and style in their story and direction, so sometimes it feels like if you have seen one then you have seen them all. What I am talking about in particular is movies with strong leading characters who are portrayed as heroes and end up saving the day, or becoming a hero, whether they end up living, or dying in said film. With this statement I am not saying that I am for, or against war or have anything for, or against soldiers, but when you have so many different films in that genre that follow the same cookie cutter outline, it does get tiresome. At the same time there are some really great war films that break out of that mold and present us with many not a totally historically accurate piece of work, but at least an original way of looking at it and different with it's overall presentation. I had heard a lot of great things about The Hurt Locker and going by these reviews and some impressive trailers, I decided that it really was the type of film that I would like to go see at the theatre. I must say that it was an absolute privilege to see a film this good on the big screen and with an audience. Like the kind of war films I was praising above, The Hurt Locker does deal with a real war and real situations (no, it is not based on a true story) , but it is told with such power and filmed with a gritty realism and a scriptwriter with a knack for getting into the minds of these characters, that makes The Hurt Locker a compelling, tense and fascinating watch. The film does not have a political agenda for the viewers watching it. It does not support the war, or say that it is totally against it. A trait of the film that I admired. It does show soldiers who are completely dedicated to their mission and are willing to die for their principles, but at the same time we see that this war and the tremendous stress and pressure that they are under on a daily basis is obviously really starting to get to them and that it may take years, if not their whole life to get over it. The two main soldiers in the film are brilliantly played by Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie who both deliver award worthy performances as men who are brave on the outside and inside, but also have a realistic perspective on the war and the situation they are in and realize that they may not make it out alive and if they do they might not be the same people as they were when and if they make it back home. There are also parts of the film that show us the tender sides of these characters as well such as when Jeremy Renner's character befriends a young Iraqi boy and Anthony Mackie's character who is intent and determined to get himself and his team out of harm's way. I do really enjoy war films with a more human element and perspective to it because even though I have never been to war I can understand and hear on the news the tremendous fear and doubt that must go through these soldiers and this film showcases that as well as their bravery and also what they are like when they are in their quarters and just having a good time with fellow soldiers and friends (another powerful scene in the film). For it's gritty and realistic direction, character driven and fascinating script along with top notch performances, The Hurt Locker is one of the best films of the year, if not the best film I have seen so far this year. Forget all the other films I have given great reviews to, so far this year (yes, I know there are a lot), but forget those and do yourself a favour and see The Hurt Locker if it is playing near you, or when it comes out to rent. It is an unforgettable and brilliant piece of cinema that I was lucky and privileged to see on the big screen. A great achievement in film.