This is an excellent video that introduced me to the military term "Stop-Loss." It was a reminder to me as a former military officer of the stress associated with being in combat but also that of returning home and trying to re-establish some sense of normalcy. The actors are all well-known and superb in depicting their individual roles. I viewed it with a sense of gratitude for what our troops endure to protect the USA.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The beginning is very life like. If you've seen Gunner Palace, or been to this war, you'll recognize it. It starts in a format of home movies made by soldiers who serve in Iraq. It was apparently based on the films and photographs shot by actual soldiers. Some of this footage was included into these opening sequences, much was recreated by the actors. So it is ultra realistic. The only way to tell them apart is to look for Ryan Philippe, who is good in his role but stands out due to being easily recognizable. The film quickly moves into a war sequence, demonstrating the horrors of war. Do not expect to see the Charge of the Light Brigade. It is not a massive battle, but you will see the bullets flying, and more importantly killing. If you were put off by the violence in Saving Private Ryan, you may want to close your eyes for a few minutes at this point. Past the gun battle we are back in the States. So the Iraq part is only about 20 minutes. The real story kicks in when Ryan Philippe with his war buddies returns home a decorated war hero looking forward to put the past behind him only to find out that his contract was extended by the Stop Loss policy and he is to go back to Iraq. The film does not become boring or preachy. And through the main character's journey both we and he realize that he has very few options: go to jail, abandon (physically) the country and everything he is and has, or go back to war. What choice can he make? So what was my point about the "becoming a man" story? Well, the way I see it, the main character's final decision, is not just forced on him. It springs not from fear or just inevitability, but from his sense of responsibility towards his parents and friends – I'm not going to say 'country', this has nothing to do with flag waving patriotism. His accepting to go back, is an act of an adult. He accepts all the horror, the risk, the BS, the unfairness. He does it through a conscious decision. The decision is to take care of those who depend on him. That sounds pretty grown up to me. Thanks go out to Kimberly Peirce, who wrote and directed this film. And directly in front of whom I was sitting quietly last night while she was presenting her movie. You also may want to check out Harsh Times, Gunner Palace and The Execution of Private Slovik.Read full review
Decorated Iraq war hero Sgt. Brandon King makes a celebrated return to his small Texas hometown following his tour of duty. He tries to resume the life he left behind. Then, against Brandon's will, the Army orders him back to duty in Iraq, which upends his world. The conflict tests everything he believes in: the bond of family, the loyalty of friendship, the limits of love and the value of honor. The acting was extraordinary from the three main soldiers, most notably Ryan Philippe who is so gritty and real in his performance that he seems like he actually is a marine. Channing Tatum gives a genuine performance, but Joseph Gordon-Levitt's is the most haunting of the trio as a soldier who fights his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with excessive amounts of booze and slowly slips into a deep hole of despair. This is such emotionally powerful, deeply moving movie.Read full review
I bought this movie because it's one I want to share with my friends. It's an independent film so was not widely shown or promoted. It's the story of a good man who volunteered for the Army and was forced by the Army to go back to Irac because the US is short on soldiers. This happened to my cousin, so I personally know about it. This is a process that should be stopped and more people need to know about it. The story also shows some of the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and ways fighting in a war can psychology hurt the survivors. It isn't a deeply morose film, but it gives a hint of understanding to those who have loved ones suffering from PTSD. I recommend it to everyone because I think it may help people to be more compassionate.
This DVD was a great representation of what military personnel go through in a combat tour of duty. It included what happens to families left to wait.Young people need to see what great price Freedom cost.This DVD,Stop Loss, was an easy tool to help teach my sons what is important and it had a profound influence on their deciding the military is one way to serve our country.Thanks for the find on E Bay.
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