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"If I'm guilty of this (Random thoughts in no particular order) Spoilers

posted 9 years ago by Hillius
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then I'm guilty of everything I've done in combat over the last 30 years"- Childers to Hodges. And this I believe is true. Childers by all rights and regs should have been relieved of command after he executed an unarmed POW in Vietnam.

Citizen and soldier lives in disadvantaged countries only measure a fraction of the value of an American. Many Americans have little to no respect for other culture's beliefs and values.

Captain Lee could have refused Childer's orders.

Ben Kingsley not only plays righteous characters well but also cowardly corrupt liars.

Jackson's expression after the massacre seemed to shift from quiet satisfaction to almost unbearable sadness.

The one legged girl. The saddest thing ever.

Hodges visit to Yemen. The city is at peace? Unlikely. Risk of snipers and Hodges & Hustings do not disguise themselves? The obvious westerner in the chant circle? Could not have been long after the massacre. City would have ripped Hodges and Hustings to pieces more likely.

Comparison somewhat to the Kent State shootings. Never right to fire on unarmed protesters.

Hodges weak opening self depreciating statement was a nice bluff to hide just how good an attorney he actually is.

This is supposed to have happened in 2000? Seems light to me to enter a potentially hostile zone with a probable evac plan and only send one single Huey and two Chinooks, and why two if only sending one single platoon? That's a lot of empty space.

I saw no weapons among the crowd initially, but did Greenwood's character see different? Why did the snipers flee during the massacre when they weren't even taking fire?

Just what was the court clerk holding to her face during the doctors examination?

Isn't threatening an elected official a serious crime?

The Childers / Cow salute at the end of was ridiculous. If an enemy had executed my unarmed RTO I'd never have any respect for that person ever.

Guy Pearce- I like the guy generally but his accent was just horrible in this. Perhaps it was suggested to make him seem tougher, but it just didn't work for me. Good role as an attorney, but I felt like he was channeling Kevin Bacon from A Few Good Men.

Bruce Greenwood- Why is this guy in just about every film I seem to enjoy. The man is everywhere and always plays a very solid part.

I'd rank this along the same lines as Lone Survivor or Body of Lies. Propaganda to justify the "war on terror"? Perhaps. I much preferred Jackson's military role in Basic opposite Travolta.

[–] janos-schumacher 9 years ago

You bring up excellent points. Here are my own disconnected thoughts regarding your thoughts:

War isn't easy. A lot of people do a lot of unpleasant things in combat. I've known many people that, until this day, have trouble living with themselves but were not ever charged with any crimes. War sucks and I hope that I never have to experience it.

In the original cut, the whole mess is unclear. Apparently, they added the proof of Samuel L. Jackson's decision as an afterthought due to test audiences advise.

Ben Kingsley is really good at playing people that are neither good nor bad, just conflicted.

Jackson is clearly pinned down under withering fire and yells an order. He doesn't want to kill anyone, it's clearly both a tactical, and emotional, decision. I think he played it spot on. He's completely pinned and is terrified. You can't blame someone for decisions made while afraid. For example, if you try to pet a scared dog and it bites you, whose fault is it? Fight or flight takes away controls. I understand that a commander is supposed to be able to over-rule it, but the endocrine system controls all.

Yemeni people are not a mono-culture. Some have light skin, some dark.

Don't remember the scene, but the clerk probably holding a transcription microphone. They look kindof like a gas mask.

Threatening an elected official is the same as threatening the lowest of the low. They just get more attention.

The salute made for a good ending. Obviously, it can't be compared to combat, but I've respected and recommended some of my worst enemies in the business world. Even though, at the time, I hated them.

Guy Pearce's accent sucked. Full Stop.

Bruce Greenwood rocks.

No real "war on terror". It was made before the escalation. Just a solid movie about tough decisions that have to be made in combat. Often neither right nor wrong. Better would be to sit down, enjoy a cup of tea and discuss the mutual concerns.

[–] jmrex 7 years ago

I don't consider enemy combatants to be POW until there is at least a relocation to non-hostile grounds.