American Sniper Review
I'd like to think that you have all heard about the latest war film to have hit the cinemas - American Sniper.
There have been numerous reviews that I have read over the past few weeks, leading up to it's release, some saying that it was not worth the ticket price and others suggesting that it is the 'Film of the Year'.
Therfore, I have written this review to give my honest opinion for others to think about.
Title - American Sniper
Length - 132 mins approx
Description - "Chris Kyle, the 'American Sniper', who became the most lethal sniper in United States military history during his service in Iraq, with 160 confirmed kills. Over the course of four tours, during which Kyle claimed that the Iraqi insurgents named him the 'Devil of Ramadi', he received many medals for valour including two Silver Stars, and was wounded twice. While he had 160 confirmed kills, he claimed to have made over 250."
As I have previously mentioned, I have read mixed reviews from various sources on the internet. Based on it's story, I was surprised to hear that there were negative reviews due to the fact that Kyle was an American hero, however, as with all films that are based on a true story, it is always down to the directors, producers and actors to actually make it what it is!
I decided to put these reviews to one side and headed out to my local cinema.
The starting scene is that of the trailer, where the mother and child can be seen through Kyle's scope. This was a pretty chilling scene to have as an opener, however, it set the tone for the rest of the film. Without going into detail (I would really hate to ruin this film for you), it was certainly a heavy watch. By 'Heavy Watch', I mean it hits the emotional buttons at several points throughout.
I think that it may be one of the first films that I have seen to effectively show the 'Joys of War' and the horrors of how it affects those who have been there.
There are several action scenes to keep you occupied, with some pretty intense firefights. There are also slower scenes that build up the story of Kyle from his journey through training up until his last days alive.
I was particularly impressed that the film was able to get across the fact that even the hardest and strongest warriors can still suffer from their experiences just like the rest of us.
During some scenes, there are a few questionable moments, for example weapon handling and a very strange looking baby...... However, overall the film was excellent.
Whilst sitting in my luxury seat, I couldn't help but notice the lady sat next to me, who had clearly never seen such a brutal film that depicts the reality of war. It did so in such a way that she remained shocked throughout the entire feature!
In my opinion, American Sniper lives up to the claims of 'Film of the Year' and it is a MUST watch for any war film fanatic!
So get out to your local cinema and watch this brilliant story of the hero - Chris Kyle!
