American Sniper’ Review of the new war drama

Boyhood The Imitation Game American Sniper Birdman . . . The Grand Budapest Hotel Movies with the Most Nominations for an Oscar . . (9 Nominations) (8 Nominations) (6 Nominations) (9 Nominations) (9 Nominations) “I loved it. It showed how the troops are affected by war and how emotionally chanllenging it is when they come home.” -junior Aimee Rogers “The quirky perspective and plot made it enticing but it was no ‘Gatsby.’ And Ralph Fiennes was no Leo.” -senior Lexi Churchill “The actors are great and I really like the story. It keeps you captivated and is suspenseful.” -freshman Karolina Rooney “Although it is a little long and slightly boring, the idea behind “Boyhood” is magnificent.” -senior Katie Kentfield The 87th Academy Awards show, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, appears live Feb. 22 on ABC

(Info from http://oscar.go.com/nominees)

“It had a good depiction of an aging actor trying to hold on to his career at all costs. He was willing to put all of his time, talent and treasure in the quest for him to reclaim his relevance and importance to audiences, his friends and ultimately, himself.” - theology teacher Bonnie Haghirian

(Photo courtesy Warner Bros.)

Oscar nominated and American phenomenon, “American Sniper” proves to be a relatable and powerful film.

BY ELLIE STINGLEY CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The most confirmed kills in American military history: 160.

Throughout four tours to Iraq between 2003 and 2009, former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle became the most successful American sniper in history. The largest recorded distance between Kyle and one of his targets: 2,100 yards.

american sniper

However, in an interview with Time magazine, Kyle said he was a better father and husband than sniper, a trait in which he holds pride. His story, shown in the Warner Bros. production of “American Sniper”, tells of his struggle between duty and family.

In the film, Kyle’s story as a sniper, father, husband and a hero is brought to the big screen. Adapted from his own book, “American Sniper”, the movie shows not only the life of a soldier at war, but all that it comes with: effects on mental state, marriage and family.

After 10 minutes of the film, viewers will become engulfed in Kyle’s life and astounded at his passion for protecting his country. Audiences will feel connected to Kyle when he joins a different kind of battle back home while readjusting to civilian life as a husband and father of two.

Portraying this soldier and family man is Bradley Cooper. Having seen other movies featuring the A-list actor, viewers will find it hard to believe that the man on the screen is the same slim and trimmed man in “Silver Linings Playbook.”

In an interview with Men’s Health, Cooper said he had to gain 45 pounds to match Kyle’s physique. Complete with Kyle’s Texas accent, Cooper’s transformation led to a performance worthy of an Oscar.

Alongside Cooper is Sienna Miller who portrays Kyle’s wife, Taya. Miller brings a vulnerability and reality to the film of which few are capable of portraying.

Miller helps to reveal the adversity families face when a loved one is fighting overseas, something that is not often shown in movies. Her performance adds dimension to the film, ensuring that it shows the lives of families such as the Kyles and their own battles, although not on the actual battlefield.

The unimaginable hardship experienced by military members such as Kyle is depicted in “American Sniper” in a new and enlightening way, refusing to glamorize any aspect. It portrays the obvious struggle and bravery involved when service men and women travel overseas to fight.

In addition, the film shows the difficulty military members and their families experience upon returning home.

The struggle comes with knowing war is still happening. With knowing that there is more to do, more people to possibly save.

Unlike movies of its genre, “American Sniper” successfully and respectfully includes the trials that families of military members experience during and after their loved one’s deployment.

The fear of not knowing if their loved ones will come home alive, the desperation experienced while their loved ones fight in battle thousands of miles away is straining on a family. Also, the mutual struggle they feel when their soldiers come home and must adapt to civilian life, like Kyle. It helps audiences to further understand the unimaginable.

After the two-hour production fades to the black screen and the credits begin to scroll, the theater is unmoving, silent.

The audience collectively takes a deep breath for a moment. Some may smooth away tears or feel a strong sense of pride to have been protected by such an honorable man as Kyle.

The movie shows Kyle as the incredible American sniper, an American father and husband and, finally, the American hero he was. 25LE JOURNAL FEBRUARY