Posted on 01/24/2015 7:22:34 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
(VIDEO-AT-LINK)
Since the film opened earlier this month, "American Sniper" has stirred up passionate responses from critics and supporters alike. What began as a surprise box-office hit, raking in $105 million its opening weekend, is now a flashpoint for conservative and liberal views of the Iraq war.
The movie follows the life of Chris Kyle – one of the deadliest snipers and a US Navy SEAL – and his deployment on four tours to Iraq. During this time, he was credited with 160 kills before he was honorably discharged in 2009 after 10 years of service. His 2012 memoir, also titled "American Sniper," bluntly illustrates the realities of war and the trauma experienced by many vets.
Why has the movie sparked so much debate?
Critics say the movie unashamedly glorifies war while also showing the deep disconnect between civilians and the military. Matt Taibbi of Rolling Stone described the antagonist as a “killing machine with a heart of gold,” and questioned the accuracy of the simplified depiction of the Iraq war....
I saw it the other night, and I didn’t think it was glorifiying war at all. I understand how liberals would look at it that way, because that is they way they see those things.
In the scene where he sees his brother getting on the plane...his brother says “F””k this place.” That is glorifying war? I think that had to be as far away from glorification as one could get.
Amazing. Liberals say they support the troops, but they cannot understand the stress a military life places on any family, not just those families of Special Forces men. They think showing that in a movie is glorifying war?
These people leave me speechless.
We saw it tonight too...
I totally agree with you...spot on!
I thought that was a vey powerful statement of his character, his state of mind, and the toll that the stress of war must take on a person. When he spoke to the therapist, and said that what bothered him the most was not the people he killed, it was the men he couldn’t save.
He was, in his own estimation, ready, willing, and able, but he wasn’t over there saving men as he should be.
It made me think back to the discussion in his childhood of the three types of people, Sheep, Predators, and Sheepdogs.
Chris Kyle was a sheepdog through and through, and it ate at him when he wasn’t doing what he knew he could do.
Liberals think THAT is glorifying war.
Excellent points and well said.
No, liberals do not understand and are unable to grasp such things.
Excellent argument on your part.
At the IMAX near Fort Bragg last Sunday evening there was Dead Silence at the end of the movie. Most of the audience was what I would call military - movie was well received. None of us were hyped up beyond seeing reality both during and after military life as a result of performing the mission in service of this “once” great nation.
Perhaps someone who actually WANTS to understand. That would exclude most of those on the left these days.
Audience clapped in appreciation when I saw it.
To be fair, while RS published this hit piece by recently-returned political writer Matt Taibbi, RS's long-time film critic Peter Travers gave the film a very respectable 3.5 out of 4 stars.
Hey there, Big guy. Been a while since I saw you around. Hope all is well with you.
I think the silence of the people as they leave - that many have mentioned - suggests that many normal people DO want to understand, and I hope that lets all you guys know you are respected and appreciated. It’s about time the rest of the world knows the heavy burden you bear as the price for our freedom. The fact that you’ve silently borne that burden while being hounded by the left and left unprotected by this supposed Commander-in-Chief is a testament to your character and trustworthiness.
Thank you for being who you are. America doesn’t deserve you but we desperately need you, and as the true nature of the enemy becomes more obvious I hope and pray that you will finally be given the respect you deserve.
Vulcan mind melds would help so many but without the capability of empathy even that would produce the wrong response in some receivers. Many hugs and tears for you and your brothers.
All is well with me my friend and I hope with you as well. Don't hang around here much these days (hardly at all in fact) since Jim has allowed the religious bigots to take over the place but I do pop in once in a while to see if I see a name like yours still around.
Very fond memories of the way it once was here!
Thank you for being who you are. America doesn’t deserve you but we desperately need you, and as the true nature of the enemy becomes more obvious I hope and pray that you will finally be given the respect you deserve.
I think you are right about the NORMAL people but, as you so rightly point out, we don't hear much from them in the media these days.
Thank you so much for the kind words! They mean more to me than you can possibly imagine! YOU are a great American!
Thank you VERY much! Your words have uplifted me this morning! YOU are a great American as well!
Just a former Marine mom. Only been a month out but inner love, joy, and peace for y’all is a burden I carry.
My buddy who is a former SEAL sent me this, which I very much appreciated - and pray with all my heart. I’m not sure if I’m a religious bigot or not, but if you’re not Christian I hope you will be able to accept the thoughts expressed in the spirit of appreciation in which they are given:
Dear FATHER IN HEAVEN,
If I may respectfully say so sometimes you are a strange God. Though you love all mankind, It seems you have a special predilection too.
You seem to love those men who can stand up alone who face impossible odds, Who challenge every bully and every tyrant ~ Those men who know the heat and loneliness of a Calvary. Possibly you cherish men of this stamp because you recognize the mark of your only son in them.
Since this unique group of men known as the SEALs know Calvary and suffering, teach them now the mystery of the resurrection ~ that they are indestructible, that they will live forever because of their deep faith in you.
And when they do come to heaven, may I respectfully warn you, Dear Father, they also know how to celebrate. So please be ready for them when they insert under your pearly gates.
Bless them, their devoted Families and their Country on this glorious occasion.
We ask this through the merits of your Son, Christ Jesus the Lord, Amen.”
By Reverend E.J. McMalhon S.J. LCDR, CHC, USN
Awards Ceremony SEAL Team One
1975 At NAB, Coronado
Thank you VERY much mam! From an old Vietnam soldier who, I strongly suspect, is much older than yourself!
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