Film Appreciation

Rating: Null/10 (9 February 2014)

Providing an intense and gritty glimpse into the lives of a team three American soldiers that specialize in the art of defusing and removing roadside bombs and other IED's, "The Hurt Locker" (Bigelow, 2008) is action filled adrenaline rush that will keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what waits around the next corner. Starring Jeremy Renner as Sergeant First Class William Jacks, Anthony Mackie as Sergeant JT Sanborn, and Brian Geraghty as Specialist Owen Eldridge, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) is assigned to secure the streets of post 9/11 Iraq in a perfect mixture of action and drama that illustrates a humanistic side of war. With Jacks, Sanborn, and Eldridge having their own opinions of war and the job they must do, we are also given a look into the bond and brotherhood that is developed and necessary for survival in a place where they are considered the enemy by many.
Giving a graphic and powerful look into the always tested psyche of an American soldier, an emotional yet realistic portrayal of one's ability to keep it together or fall apart creates a deep connection with audiences of all backgrounds. Keeping viewers entertained with its deep and meaningful emotions to match the level of chaos surrounding First Sergeant Jacks and company, incorporating similar experiences that writer Mark Boal had witnessed firsthand during his time spent with an actual bomb squad in Iraq, provides a strong sense of reality. Utilizing the indirect-subjective point of view through most of the movie, the director places the audience in the middle of an intense action sequence during a bomb defusing or identifying with Eldridge and his internal struggle of accepting death and its probability of happening. Emotions run high and have the ability to blow at any moment, as well.
Earning its spot next to other great war/drama movies like "Apocalypse Now" (Coppola, 1979), "Full Metal Jacket" (Kubrick, 1987), and "Black Hawk Down" (Scott, 2001), with their gift to heightened one's sense of awareness and anticipation while viewing, "The Hurt Locker" (Bigelow, 2008) is soon to be an iconic pop-culture classic. Creating a respect and understanding of why some people do what they do, why they do it, and who they do it for, many under lying themes and perspectives are discovered depending how one absorbs and processes information. Providing a peek into a world that exist to civilians only through the media, social networking, and movies (of course), "The Hurt Locker" (Bigelow, 2008) successfully delivers an eye opening and emotional message about the cost of freedom and those men and women willing to take on that debt.
References Bigelow, K. (Director). (2008). The Hurt Locker, Motion Picture. Coppola, F. F. (Director). (1979). Apocalypes Now, Motion Picture. Kubrick, S. (Director). (1987). Full Metal Jacket, Motion Picture. Scott, R. (Director). (2001). Black Hawk Down, Motion Picture.