Comment

Oct 18, 2017
I saw this film on blu-ray (which the Ottawa library sadly does not have), and it brings out the best qualities in cinematography and sound. The story is certainly an old one (e.g. the true one filmed by Eastwood), but, as always with Lee, the treatment is just about perfect. What the film lacks is a point of view. The two opposing sides on American involvement in the war are presented early on by the Billy's family (even more in a deleted scene). From then on we are given alternating scenes (perfectly edited, by the way) of the horrors of war and uplifting patriotism. The film is at its best when lightly mocking football ownership and showmanship. But whatever views you have about the Western involvement in Iraq, you can be sure they will not be shaken by the end of the film.