First things first...Go see this movie. It is just as good as everyone is saying it is. It is intense, unsettling, tense, and ultimately awe-inspiring. Adapted from the book by Marcus Luttrell, Lone Survivor reminds us in shocking, up-close fashion, that the military have extremely difficult jobs and deserve our respect and gratitude.
From a directorial standpoint, Peter Berg, does a marvelous job. This is, by far, his best film to date. Many former SEALS, including Marcus Luttrell, have attested to the films gritty authenticity. Having never served in the military, I will have to take their word on this. In fact, Luttrell said the only thing missing was the smell of the blood. Interestingly, Lone Survivor focuses purely on the fated mission and the way these brave men respond under extreme duress. Unlike the acclaimed Black Hawk Down, there are no political undertones here. We are forced to exist in the moment with these men, rather than debate over the decisions and circumstances that put them there. Coupled with his 2007 film The Kingdom, Berg seems to have stumbled into his wheelhouse.
Relentless in nature, Lone Survivor, from its opening scene, grabs you by the throat and stands on your chest. The middle 45 minutes of the film have been compared to Saving Private Ryan in raw emotion and frenzied intensity. I'll let you be the judge of that.
From a casting standpoint, Lone Survivor is top-notch. Mark Wahlberg even lived with Marcus Luttrell for a period of time in order to learn more about the heroic soldier he was portraying onscreen. Ben Foster is Ben Foster, and by that I mean great. He doesn't get enough work in my opinion. He's fantastic, and this is no exception.
Ultimately, it is difficult to say I enjoyed this film. Instead, after the dust settled, I walked away feeling like I had been a part of an unflinching memorial to these brave soldiers and many like them who put their lives on the line daily for the preservation of our nation.
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