American Sniper

[SysError]

I'd read a pretty scathing critique earlier today about how disingenuous the film was. No mention of Saddam, or WMDs, or any of the ACTUAL reasons the US gave for going into Iraq. Kyle is presented as a one-man army and the rest of the troops were utterly helpless and aimless without him playing Captain America to lead the way. The film acted as if there was no such thing as civilians, and everyone in Iraq was either a US soldier or an Al Qaida militant, and there was nothing in-between.

I have not seen the film yet but I did hear something very similar to your comments.  I'll wait for it to show up on Netflix.

[Rich46yo]

If anyone thinks a widow with kids is going to give away millions and live on nothing then I have a bridge to sell you.

Nor do I believe kill counts, or believe in the strategy behind them. Look at what their doing now, gloating over all these thousands of ISIS they somehow figured we kilt to try and convince the stupidest among us we actually have a strategy to win a war with airplanes and drones.

Ive known "legends" myself. Their kill counts seems to change from person to person they talk to. There is always an element of hyperbole in most of these stories. Its human nature that by the third time the story is told it has become %50 BS.

The stick up story is easy to prove or disprove. Even were he Jesus there would have been a case report made and a investigation to either justify it or not. Nobody gets to "just walk" after a killing and getting copies of reports is easy.

All this is why I neither tell, nor want to hear, war stories. I had my co-workers calling me "Legend" once after an incident and thought it pretty dumb. Ive never once told anyone that story, we all do what we have to do to survive.

I never knew Kyle, Im sure he was an outstanding troop. But his widow is going to have to learn it only takes one Lie to call into question her husbands legacy. I honestly think spec ops troops should have to sign non-disclosures which legally prevent them from speaking about their combat experiences afterwards. Doing so may give an edge to the enemy.

[Grayeagle]

Saw American Sniper the other day ..dragged Kathy out to see it even

Gotta wonder about people goin off about a 'based on a true story' movie.
The movie was actually better than I thought it would be.
I had never heard of Kyle ..then again, I haven't heard of more than 99% of the people that have been there or are there now.

I do know that nicknames are picked by the people around you IRL and most are delivered with sarcasm ..and the best response is to own it.
ie: I was called 'Wild Willy' when I was in Southeast Asia .. my friends called me that because I was a bit 'ate up'
.. rules and procedure oriented and did not get all crazy downtown
.. much
-evil grin-
..heck I was even a member of the R/C flying club.
We spent most weekends we could building an flyin our planes
..instead of workin on a downtown 'body count' like the 'slut puppies' did.

So the fact that he was called 'Legend' by his friends tells a lot about the man.
Short for Legend in his own mind perhaps. -shrug-
Doesn't matter, he was there doin the deed.
Like many others.

It's a good story anyway, and like others have mentioned, it was quiet walking out when the movie was over.
A damn shame how it ended ..the guy deserved better.

-GE aka Frank (just sayin -tm Pasha)

[bj229r]

Wow, this movie has outgrossed the last 18 anti-war/soldier/US movies combined (there were a bunch from '04-'09, all of which had a common thread)

[SPKmes]

Personally I feel it was a story to highlight personal mental hardships and what the guys need to do/think when they are in situations like this...granted it only lightly skimmed the surface of this but it was there enough to make you feel it.... From the sniping itself to the guys who are covered by them...they all have a feeling toward it when they are there and what makes them feel a little safer...and no matter who you are, killing has to pay a toll at some stage.... The fact that he is not here anymore is possibly why they use Kyle (and the already published works by the guy) as it can be shown without causing too much of a rukus... I did think it could be seen as a little propagandist but any nation making a movie about their own is like this... The fact that his life was taken by someone who he knew to be in a similar removed/lost state, that he had fought to get back from is a telling tale also.... as I say... it only skims the surface of the mental hardships but does cover a few from a guy who is for god and country, those who feel safer knowing someone is watching their back...(even if there isn't) the thought is there, to those who are sent and don't want to be there...  Possibly not the best movie of this type but I felt ...other than a few jumps which because of the subtlety made it lose momentum ... it allowed the watcher to garner their own thoughts and reflections on things.... unlike For example Fury (another new one..different time but similar get a feel style) It was fully shoved in your face how to feel... loved that movie though.


This was my take on it.... I have seen a few reviews and wonder if they even actually watched it...I think some are so far distanced from how life is sometimes. 

[Brooke]

I'd read a pretty scathing critique earlier today about how disingenuous the film was. No mention of Saddam, or WMDs, or any of the ACTUAL reasons the US gave for going into Iraq. Kyle is presented as a one-man army and the rest of the troops were utterly helpless and aimless without him playing Captain America to lead the way. The film acted as if there was no such thing as civilians, and everyone in Iraq was either a US soldier or an Al Qaida militant, and there was nothing in-between.

I suspect that critique is written by someone with an agenda.

This is a movie, not a documentary, so they are going (like all movies do) adjust things to make it work (in the opinion of the film makers) better as a movie.  Talking about Saddam, etc., is not what this movie is about.  There's one scene of the main character watching the 9/11 terrorist attacks that are portrayed as mattering to him.  It's a brief establishing scene.  It's not a movie about US government motivations and doesn't invest its time in that area.  He's not a one-man army in the film (as the final war scene makes clear).  The film isn't about Iraqi civilians and is focused instead on activities on war missions, although, it does have people in between (namely, the poor family members who have terrible things happening to them because of the war).  If a person watches this film and does not feel for those people, it is, I think, a willful oversight.  It also doesn't have in it:  lots of MASH-like operating scenes, life outside the war zone, evacuation of war zones, West Wing-like focus on the politics, information about logistics and supply (although critical to warfare), etc.  It's not a move about those elements.

The reviewer might as well complain that Das Boot doesn't cover enough civilian life, doesn't focus on the families of seamen killed by u boats, doesn't thoroughly cover the reasons why Germany was at war, portrays the u boat captain as more important than he was, etc. -- basically, a bunch of nonsense considering what that film was about.

[Brooke]

By the way, I'd love to see a movie made about Simo Häyhä.

[Ack-Ack]

By the way, I'd love to see a movie made about Simo Häyhä.

There was a screenplay being shopped around about his exploits during the Winter War and a movie (Finnish) was supposed to be in development but that was back in 2006. 

[guncrasher]

movie was alright, it wasnt saving pvt ryan or anything like that.  I fell asleep for about 1/2 an hr. then walked out when the credits started, I did hear a couple of people saying the movie was disappointing.


semp

[Dichotomy]

I'm reading the book right now.. about 3/4 of the way through.  It's not exactly well written in my opinion but comes across as someones honest thoughts and memories. 

[helbent]

I dont care if it happened or not. Only a low life would sue a mother and child who just lost a husband and father over a supposed slight in a book saying he lost a fist fight. Has the world gone mad? What kind of jury or judge would even punish this girl and kid like that? Over this? In the end it all comes down to the money doesnt it?

I hope the Military family expels Ventura from it. For sure I bet he'll never show his face at a Navy bar again. Honestly I think all those 'roids he took back in his wrestling days made him kinda whacko.

BINGO

[Zoney]

.

[MickDono]

Britains dont like to make things up and American film producers make films to please the American public.

It is quite appalling that you view these films as a historical representation of historical events.

By the way WWII started in 1939 not 1941.

Has North Korea invaded yet and has Lincoln killed any vampires recently?.


A colonial did admit to me that the film was a bit like a propaganda film WWII, i wont name him just incase the pitchforks come out and a witch trails occurs

Pearl Habour was a very good film especially the romance scenes, and so was Redtails

haha 

I thought this film was plop.

[guncrasher]

I suppose that the idiot who wrote the review failed to notice that the film was based upon a man's personal story.

Some people are so stupid that if breathing wasn't a reflex, they'd immediately suffocate....

"based" on a man's personal story is the same as part of it is true but some or perhaps most was either enhanced or is misleading in order to make the movie more appealing and thus make more money.  as an example it's common knowledge that the book's profits was given to charity.  on the other hand it's been said in court that it isnt actually accurate.

saving pvt ryan is loosely based on a true story.  it doesnt make it real.  is american sniper loosely based on a true story? I dont know I never read the book and then again the book is mostly based on a true story.

not to take anything from kyle's true story, but books and movies are made and changed to make it more appealing and thus sell more.  same as lone survivor, it's being criticized as not actually being true to the story, then again, who's to tell what the actually story is?

as for Ventura's story, well it's been proven that it didnt happen.  had it happen it would have shown on ventura as he takes blood thinners, and he bruises easily.  and it was proven that at the time he didnt have any bruises, dont know about you but if I get hit by a guy of kyle's size, I would for sure show a bruise or two, blood thinners or not.  I am always skeptical of witnesses that come in after the fact.

having said that, I admire kyle for his service as well as for his willingness to help others. but to be honest I never heard of him 'till he died.  on the other hand we have a vet that is suffering from ptsd now facing murder chargers and execution.  I feel for all 3 of them.  none of them should have been there.

semp

[JunkyII]

Britains dont like to make things up and American film producers make films to please the American public.

It is quite appalling that you view these films as a historical representation of historical events.

Have you ever served in Afghanistan or Iraq? NO? then you have no idea if it is historically accurate, many of my Marine buds who served at that time say it does a damn good job at representing.

I'll take their word as to how historically accurate the film was.