Posted on 01/25/2015 6:33:57 AM PST by paterfamilias
We saw "American Sniper" last night. My wife and I went with a group of about a dozen other military parents (Navy, Marine Corps, Army).
This is not a typical "war movie" in that it explores one man's journey from civilian life into the military community into war (four tours in Iraq) and then explores his difficult re-entry into civilian life. So, in a way, the movie is about the family and community of the as much as it is about Chris Kyle.
There are aspects of the movie that some will dismiss as trite or jingoistic: Kyle's father instructing his sons that in a world populated by sheep and wolves, they are to be the sheep dogs protecting the sheep; Kyle's motivation for what he does - "... it's God, Family, Country..."; Chris and Taya watching the World Trade Center collapse on a 9/11/01 television news station. The reality of the matter that many who choose to serve have had similar life experiences and motivation contributing to their decision: one father wrote to his son on the day before entering the Navy, "Not everybody understands that the greatness of this nation resides not in its physical proportions, not in its economy, not in its might: it resides in the very idea of its conception and in the goodness and industry of its people. You and your shipmates, when you take the solemn oath to '...support and defend the Constitution...' will embody this greatness." The scores of young men and women who joined the military after 9/11 attest to that event's importance in their desire to serve. And far from displaying "war fatigue" the service academies are experiencing record high application numbers now more than a decade into war.
Turning to the effect of having an active duty military family member, this film again hits the mark. It is no secret that our popular culture has widely diverged from the ethos of self-discipline, self-reliance, and service that is inculcated into our military members. And if you live in an area of the country where military service is the exception rather than the rule, you frequently hear comments like, "He's a Marine? Why did he do that? He's really smart, isn't he?" Indeed, those who don't have a loved one in harm's way have no idea of the families' dread of a news report detailing a downed helicopter or a sailor lost at sea, a middle of the night phone call, or a government car pulling into your driveway with two military officers inside. Taya Kyle's struggles to keep her husband tied to his family and to keep things together at home while Chris is in danger beautifully illustrate this.
Eastwood masterfully illustrates the opposing forces acting on Kyle's sensibilities: his love of family and decency on the one hand and his deep commitment to protecting his comrades on the other. The intensity of military training, especially Special Ops training, creates bonds that we civilians may find hard to understand; and as the military and civilian cultures continue to diverge, the resulting cultural gap becomes more and more difficult for the individual soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine to bridge. We have heard frequently that members of the Greatest Generation rarely spoke about their experiences except to other soldiers. This has not changed. Imagine my surprise when my own son mentioned that sometimes he feels more comfortable hanging out with veterans two or three times his age than with civilians!
In summary, this is a good film, an important film, a well-crafted film, and a masterfully-acted film.
It is an excellent illustration of the Honor, Courage, and Commitment of combatant, family, and community alike.
ping
Imagine my surprise when my own son mentioned that sometimes he feels more comfortable hanging out with veterans two or three times his age than with civilians!
Yes, and does God want that? I doubt it, it is not healthy.
A good and honest Review.
I read it the same way, this is not really a war film.
I thought “The Railway Man” dealt with the same issues and did it better, but this is a good film.
It would be best if you gave your brain a chance to catch up with your fingers before posting such claptrap.
Now, try again and this time make sense.
“Yes, and does God want that? I doubt it, it is not healthy.”
Shared experiences in a world many never know, there is a common bond, a brotherhood that exists. . .you are among peers and friends. Age is irrelevant.
Not healthy? Guess again, one of the greatest destructive factors in our society is segregating people by age. One of the greatest criticisms of home schooling is that children don’t learn to “socialize”. . .what a bunch of hooey. Children who learn discipline and good manners from adults can socialize with anyone, anytime, anywhere. Rejection of older, wiser people is unhealthy and is promoted constantly.
Great review, I concur. My family saw the movie last night as well. Eastwood does a fantastic job.
Imagine my surprise when my own son mentioned that sometimes he feels more comfortable hanging out with veterans two or three times his age than with civilians!
Good for him, and you to be raising a son who keeps common sense values at the forefront, and appreciates what the past can bring in understanding where the future can/may head.
Well done Dad
Happens all of the time and has been happening since there have been warriors.
What in Heaven’s name are you talking about?
When I was a kid, I was graced to have as friends veterans of Guadalcanal, the battle of Samar, and combat in Korea - and an Uncle who was a fighter pilot in WWII. Good, solid Americans. Then, when I became of age, I served my country as a Marine in combat in Vietnam. My veteran friends are always around me and my children, as it should be.
Are you from some other country or something?
Eastwood should have been nominated, but speaking at a Republican convention has its price. This is a masterpiece.
Pray America is waking
Its a damn sight healthier than what popular culture has to offer these days. What your son sees in these vets is wisdom, knowledge, honor and understanding. I wish more young folks would be interested to spend time with those that stood guard over our country. Perhaps it would do some good.
CC
Its not healthy? Please tell us why.
Its probably easy for some of us to understand a young Veteran’s lack of comradery with his generation whom most are self-consumed metrosexuals at best or rapper wannabes.
Indeed.
sheep much?
The weekend numbers haven’t come out yet, but as of Friday, the movie’s gross ($180m) is triple its production budget ($60m). As an important side note, the movie’s estimates have been consistently below its “actuals”, which means it is following a slower downward curve from opening than is typical for a popular big budget picture.
Many have taken issue with my comment thinking I was referring to spending time with other ages. It is not the multiple age part I was referring to. It was the alienation between the family and the vets. I have talked to some vets and they have concurred that I am on the right track. The path to healing and coping with war experiences is through the natural family they had before military duty.
If anyone here thought it was healthy when Chris Kyle pointed a gun at his wife and joked “OK let’s drop them panties”, then you are effed up.
Kyles wife was so effed up she thought that was normal.
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