Lone Survivor

Following Gravity and All Is Lost (and, to some extent, Captain Phillips), Lone Survivor is another high-contact fight for survival, placing vicarious experience over a complicated plot. Instead of examining the film’s content, it suffices to read the title. With the exception of the introductory panoramas of the picturesque Afghan landscape (which can be understood as part of an effort to not demonise the whole country, but only the Taliban…though the film was shot in New Mexico), Berg relies predominantly on point-of-view shots and close-ups. The camera’s close proximity to the characters occasionally results in a lack of clarity, though it also adds an unpleasant veracity. The impression of rawness is aided by the film’s R rating, thanks to which we can “enjoy” every shot-off finger and every bone-breaking impact on a rock. The film’s long, superbly intensified action core with minimum pathos is unfortunately put in a context that is not very sophisticated. After a broad introduction, the members of the team blend together, the Taliban are evil because they cut off heads, and any indication of the current American military’s inadequacies is quickly suppressed (the unpleasant hazing of a new recruit rapidly transmutes into an inspiring rhyme). In contrast to what we have witnessed (a fatally botched mission) and what in places had a refreshing tinge of ambivalence (the argument about what to do with a captured enemy combatant), the film ends with the cheap pre-credits glorification of the soldiers involved. – SPOILER: With most of them, it’s impossible to avoid the not-insignificant feeling that we are supposed to consider them heroes simply because they didn’t die. END SPOILER – After All is Lost, where I was bothered by the lack of value added, I wouldn’t have expected that I would write this, but this time I would have preferred a pure survival flick without any information aimed at bringing depth to the story. 65% (08/01/2014)

I suspect an agitational order from the Department of Defense selling one of its "based on a true story" films. I do not deny the power of the plot, nor the willingness to bow before the fallen and salute the bereaved. From the middle onwards, I was just terribly annoyed by Berg's direction, which pushes pathos out of the screen (in slow-mo so long that it borders on parody), gradually losing contact with the protagonists, who become nothing more than bodies falling from rocks, covered in bloody welts. The first contact, without music and with a "predator" camera, is flawless, but I simply don't think the constant subjective close-ups of faces create the right action military drama. In the final act, I felt ashamed for the creators. It’s only functional as an acted intermezzo for "Medal of Honor." (01/11/2014)

Berg serves us with cool action in another bungled Navy Seals raid in Afghanistan. Because it’s based on real events makes the movie that more powerful. Especially the number of hits the heroes take before they really expire. The fairly realistic treatment then slips into Bay-isms, but that doesn’t bother me so much, it’s just that Lone Survivor doesn’t turn out so naturalistic. The cast is excellent, especially Kitsch and Foster are outstanding. (15/01/2014)

An absolutely captivating war movie about how a group of four Terminators disguised as SEALs go on a high-altitude trek through Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and how the awfully evil Taliban (hereafter AET) really don’t like it, so they try to persuade the awfully nice Americans (hereafter ANA) to go to the happy hunting ground using their ample arsenal. The film opens with scenes of a peaceful life at the American military base where the Marines are planning weddings, making a shopping list for IKEA, and conferring with their fellow soldiers about interior design. This friendly scene is soon followed by the aforementioned trekking, which, after an action-packed encounter with a herd of goats, turns into the AET's repeated attempts to take out all four Terminators. They survive insane falls, being hit by projectiles from various firearms (mainly AK 47s and RPGs), and, since the AET don't have Linda Hamilton or Michael Biehn in their ranks, they take an awfully long time. Plus, they get betrayed by the residents of a nearby village, so their plan turns to dust. When the helicopters arrived, I wished I were an American so I could proudly stand at attention and shed tears with my hand on my heart. (20/12/2016)

From 40 minutes on, the film is action packed with nonstop brutal war scenes! The tension builds as fast as the clearing of enemy heads. The excellent direction and cinematography ensure a painful trip that will make you squirm like the four main protagonists. Each of them plays their role very convincingly. Mark Wahlberg is sharp as ever, Emile Hirsch is strong and sensitive, Taylor Kitsch decently handles the difficult decisions as the leader, and Ben Foster is terrifyingly cold but compassionate. I must highlight the breathtaking camera shots of the four soldiers falling off the cliff, they were gritty and raw and gave the film a great edge. Peter Berg did a good job with the premise and the execution. After the second screening I enjoyed the film much more, so I raise to 5*. 90%. (05/01/2014)