Iffy for 16+
Violent, complex Iraq war drama is rough, tough, thrilling.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although this war drama/thriller is full of very realistic, graphic violence and danger -- shootings, death by explosion, images of dead bodies -- the consequences of these acts are never taken lightly, and they're never depicted as mere "action." Ultimately, it's an intellectually and philosophically stimulating movie that offers parents and older teens the chance to talk about everything from current events to the overall human condition. That said, you can also expect lots of strong language (including many uses of "f--k"), some smoking and drinking, and some crude jokes/sex references.
- Families can talk about the movie's violence. How does what's shown here compare to the explosions and shoot-'em-up scenes of more mainstream Hollywood blockbusters? Which has more impact?
- How does the movie portray the United States' invasion of Iraq? Is it different from the way it's been presented in other movies and TV shows? How so?
- Is Sgt. James a hero or a fool? Does he take unnecessary risks or necessary ones? Does his attachment to a local Iraqi boy improve either of their lives?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie isn't afraid to tackle tough questions without easy answers. If war is, in fact, hell, then why is it so exciting? If the United States' liberation of Iraq was so welcome, why do insurgents fill the streets with explosive devices? Why do the men of the Army's Explosive Ordinance Demolitions group choose to do this work? Are there abstract -- or real -- political goals worth giving one's life for?
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Role models: The movie offers a complex portrait of the high-stakes work of volunteer Army and soldiers in Iraq -- and the characters consequently have many shades of gray. Are the men who do this work lunatics orheroes? Is there any "safe" way to defuse bombs in a war zone? Is thereckless work of Sgt. James the bravery of a championor the recklessness of a fool?
What to watch for
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Violence: Extensive realistic war violence, including (but not limited to) explosions, shootings, fighting, and more. Characters are killed on-screen by bombs and wounded by bullets, dead bodies are seen (including one of a young boy that's intended to contain a bomb -- like a grisly Trojan Horse), and there's lots of blood.
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Sex: Some crude jokes and references to sexual activity; mild cleavage.
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Language: Strong language throughout, including "f--k" (and its variations), "s--t," "dick," "hell," "damn," "goddamn," "oh God," and more -- it's a realistic interpretation of the the vulgar, salty talk of soldiers in a combat zone.
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Consumerism: Scenes set in grocery stores include some visible brands.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters smoke and also drink to excess in one scene.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
THE HURT LOCKER - explosively on target! Rating: 90 out of 100. (Based on advance press preview) by MOVIES REVIEWER
A few weeks ago, I attended the advance press preview of this TERRIFIC movie - and it has stuck in my mind all along despite my busy schedule and everything else going on.
I keep thinking that I would not be able to give this compelling movie a accurate review had I just rushed it - so, after much reflection - here it is.
The Hurt Locker was shot documentary-style and the EXCELLENT cast gave a WONDERFUL performance in this well-executed humanizing in-depth story of a bomb-squad in Iraq.
This movie has got to be one of the FINEST war-based movie in recent history due to its realistic approach and stark brutally honest presentation of what our American soldiers/servicemen(and women) are experiencing in a war-torn desperate country.
I applaud director Kathryn Bigelow's valiant effort and superbly-engaging work with this chair-gripping suspenseful tensed tightly-told and shot movie.
VERDICT:
A MUST-SEE!!!
R-rated for blatant violence.
Actual GRADE: Solid A
5
The Hurt Locker by Johannag01
This is a fantastic movie. I was leery of seeing a war movie even though I am a military officer. It is more a story of teamwork and the human experience but set in Iraq in 2004. The makers do not politicize the war, it is militarily accurate and there is a refreshing absence of stereotypes as well as an absence of gratuitous violence. In fact, if gore difficult for you, you can still see this. They do a wonderful job of illustrating a scene while showing respect for the humans in the film.
Americans should see this movie so that no matter your opinion of what is happening overseas, you get a good look at what it is like for your fellow citizens who are there.
I hope this film receives the awards it deserves.
5
Great action horrible accuracy by K21bombtek
Let me start off by saying that the film was extremely entertaining and very easy to watch. The acting is great, the set is great and the effects were spectacular. If you want to be entertained then this is definitely a must see.
The flip side is that this movie is horribly inaccurate and doesn't do justice to the military EOD technician. Please watch this movie with the understanding that this is not how EOD techs operate. This is simply entertainment and not a documentary. If you want a documentary on EOD then look up "Danger: UXB". It's a very accurate and professional documentary on how EOD operates and evolves in a wartime environment. I know because I am an EOD tech.
5
Must See by ccg5f
This is not a movie about the war in Iraq. It is a movie about the psychological stress of war. It is one of the best movies I've ever seen--and I've seen a lot of movies of all types. As a woman, a parent, a sister and a US citizen it gave me much to think about... long after leaving the theater. Serious action, suspense and thought-provoking drama -- this is a film you should NOT miss.
I also LOVED that there was an absence of big names in the forefront of this film. It has gotten distracting to watch "movie stars" in films these days. Stars are so over exposed I cannot lose myself to the character--I am very aware that Farrel/Roberts/Pitt/Clooney/Cruise/Hanks are up there strutting their stuff. The actors in this movie do better jobs than many big names these days (they will be "stars" soon enough) and allow you to believe that they are normal guys and you are following them on an amazing journey.
5
Five Word Review by redyeah
Brilliant performance by Jeremy Renner
5
The Hurt Locker by orechtman
Great movie. If you truly want to know what it means to be a soldier for the US army - protecting not your homeland but building a safer place for other countries from insurgents - go see this movie.
As an Israeli soldier - fighting for my country on my land - I believe that these soldiers are the bravest, most courageous and deserve all the support we can give them here at home upon their return. This movie has no other agenda - not political not historical and not personal - it's engaging and keeping you tense all the way home.
GO
5
A great movie! by ScarletDeceiver
Not for the faint of heart, but well-made. The three principal actors are wonderful, and Jeremy Renner should be considered Oscar-worthy for his performance. There are also some wonderful small parts that are surprisngly good.
The director does not take sides or get too preachy, which has been a problem with other movies made about the Iraq war. Easily one of the best movies of the year.
3
Not bad not good by Cal95634
If you've never been in a combat zone or never been in the military, you'll probobly like this movie. But if you have don't bother; the fieldcraft mistakes will drive you crazy. This movie really needed a military consultant. The action was ok, just hard to believe more like what a hollywood civilian might think it was like, but didn't they at least know non-coms don't salute non-coms?.
By the way... You're not adjusting morter fire guys... so if you can't hit a target with a Barret that's the siza of a basketball first time out and every time there after at 1000 yds, you got no business playn' with one... Cheers
4
Well, it all depends on YOU! by GSCEagle
The story line was incredible, the acting good, but the camera work? Several people in the theatre has to leave numerous times due to, get this, motion sickness! I myself felt ill like at an IMAX and had to sit with my eyes closed. I thoroughly enjoyed what I saw and heard. Bring a barf bag just in case.
5
Awesome by cuervo3469
One of the more reallistic depictions of the current affairs in the middle east. Not political at all really gets into what it is to be a soldier.