The Hurt Locker - A conflict of men and self

Rating: 9/10 (2 July 2016)

The Hurt Locker is an engrossing tour de force that manages to keep your eyes glued to the screen for its 131 minute run time. The pacing and story, in particular, are fantastic (as supported by the several academy awards it amassed including best picture and best film editing). I would have to consider it up there with cinematic, war-based giants like Apocalypse Now, Saving Private Ryan and Full Metal Jacket.
This in-depth look into the lives of members of a bomb-disposal unit in Baghdad is a viscerally exciting and enthralling experience. Unlike many movies nowadays that succumb to the 'repetitive formula' of grand explosions and special effects that many of us have come to expect, The Hurt Locker almost feels more like individual character studies than a war film. The soldiers and their emotions are the central focus amid each battle sequence, with the action used to develop further their characterization rather than trivialize it.
To keep it short, director Kathryn Bigelow effectively immerses the audience with masterful work from cinematographer Barry Ackroyd. Together, they manage to create an atmospheric concoction of perpetual suspense, fear and exhilaration. Masterful performances delivered by Mackie, Renner and Geraghty (as well as some awesome, albeit short-lived performances from Ralph Fiennes and Guy Pearce). A definite must-see film, one that transcends the norm of the action-driven genre. Absolutely deserved of Best Picture Winner at the 82 Academy Awards (even though, funnily enough, it was actually made in 2008, two years before winning best picture in 2010).