MOVIE REVIEW: STOP-LOSS

03/27/08

SYNOPSIS: Decorated Iraq war hero Sgt. Brandon King makes a celebrated return to his small Texas hometown following his tour of duty. Brandon tries to resume the life he left behind with the help and support of his family and his best friend, Steve Shriver, who served with him in Iraq. Alongside their war-time buddies, Brandon and Steve try to make peace with civilian life. Then, against Brandon’s will, the Army orders him back to duty in Iraq. This upends Brandon’s entire world. The conflict into which he is thrown tests everything he believes in: the bond of family, the loyalty of friendship, the limits of love, and the value of honor.

REVIEW:
Military Clerk: Brandon Leonard King?
Brandon King: Yes.
Military Clerk: You have orders to report to the First Brigade.
Brandon King: Not me, I'm gettin' out today.
Military Clerk: You leave on the 22nd, shipping back to Iraq. You've been Stop-Lossed.

Can you imagine after having served honorably in the war and completing your tour of duty full of violence and death, barely surviving, to come back to the States expecting to be able to stay home but instead receive orders to go back to Iraq? That is what a stop loss is and that is what Brandon King (Ryan Phillippe) is facing. Talk about a predicament. Brandon decides to fight it and goes AWOL all the while struggling with his decision, and what a tough decision to make. While you and I are deciding what to wear the next day or what to have for lunch, some brave souls are deciding to fight for our country with honor risking their very lives. This movie takes us on this challenging journey along with Brandon. It is as powerful as it is emotional. It is as real as it is thought-provoking. It is as well acted as it is well cast. Many of you might think “Oh no, not another movie about the war in Iraq”. I will tell you that out of the collection of recent war related movies to come out, this one is at the top or at least very near it. The film focuses more on the soldiers and their many issues than the war itself. This is a plus as it makes it less controversial. Amongst the recent movies, it can probably be best compared to In the Valley of Elah. The stories are quite different but there are a lot of similarities.

War is hell. I believe the vast majority of us would agree on that. However and unfortunately, many times in the history of mankind, war is a necessary evil. The controversy lies in who decides when it is necessary, for what reason, and for how long. War changes a person. It is a state of constant vigilance and constant violence. Unfortunately for many, you can take the soldier away from the violence, but you can’t take the violence away from the soldier. Even if you bring them back home, back to their “regular” lives, they will never be the same. This movie does an incredible job of showing us all of these aspects of war through its storyline and its characters. Its success also lies in the praise worthy writing and directing done by Kimberly Peirce, and the eye-opening performances delivered by the cast. Ryan gives one of the best performances of his career, strong and passionate. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is on a streak with some of the demanding roles he has come across lately. Both Channing Tatum and Abbie Cornish give career-defining performances. Considering that it is a mostly young cast, they carried the movie well.

The cinematography helped with the overall effect of the movie. You are taken through the streets of Iraq, the streets of Texas, and the streets across these United States. From the homes to the bars to the motel parking lots, everything looked believable. Writer/Director Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don’t Cry) has successfully reinforced her talent with this moving piece. I could hear the sniffles in the audience. One of the messages I got from Kimberly through this production is at what point does a soldier say “enough is enough”? If you saw In the Valley of Elah and liked it, or if you can stomach another war movie, this one is worth the watch (my new catch phrase instead of saying worth watching).

Review By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com

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People Movie Review Stop-Loss

Jessica	80
This movie was extremely invasive in a much needed way. I thought the acting was at times sub par but the story was flawless. I hope this movie opens up the eyes of those who pretend the war is just boys playing in a sandbox across the world. I have a new found respect for the veterans of the Iraq war.

talk2bill

The premise is based on a lie. EVERYONE that joins the Army knows full well they join for 8 years. Some active some inactive. They are also told the Army can keep you if they need you for the full 8 years. It tells another lie as well. He gets sent back too soon. Kimberly Peirce (not the one i dated) knows too little about the military to tell this story.

Not to mention the lead is a criminal in more ways than one. If you want to tell an anti-war story AT LEAST get some fact correct.

Amanda	80
I thought the movie was very good. Great story, great actors. I didn't like the ending, looks like a compromise to me: obviously the corporations ruling the US would never accept anything that encourages desertion. Which, BTW, is exactly what every American soldier who isn't a war criminal should consider... But then again, the US isn't exactly a "free" country.

Lisa	80
I really liked the movie and it told a great story. I think many people don't realize that joining the service will change you forever-no matter wher you are living or what you are doing. However, I found the end somewhat unbelievable. He went through so much grief to try and fight the re-enlistment just to decide to go back. I thought it was very much a "propaganda" ending.

Wes

100

I can say that movie is by far the best movie ive seen because that is what happened to me. I had so much things that has happened to me and I went AWOL as well now i didnt get Stop Lossed but i did go AWOL. For a situation that dont need to be discussed but that is what happens and it really makes you think because I missed so very much and i forgot what was Important. And for me its Serving. IM back in now and love it.

Shane	none
It was an excelent movie ! It opens peoples eyes. On other review pages they complained that about how the draft was talked about, I feel we need men to step up and take the places of other men either voluntary or not.

MSB-KLW

I cannot believe anyone who claims to be a supporter of our country’s fighting men and women would have anything good to say about this film. I can’t believe how they make a movie about someone that is going AWOL and running away from the obligation that he has to his counry. The thing that really sickens me about this movie is that it makes him out to be some sort of hero. Just because a movie is about the military, doesn’t necessarily mean that it sends a good message, and this film is a direct insult to every man and woman serving in the armed forces.

Ray

The movie is good story-telling and totally credible, considering the outcome. One canot accuse it therefore of having a political agenda, since it plays out on both sides of the war issue. The boys are beleaguered by political and social forces that are enormous and beyond their control and comprehension. They are pawns in a corrupt chess game. To speak of 'duty to country' is such a scenario is preposterous.

Karen

100

My 20-year old son is currently serving in Iraq and that's why I hesitated going to see this movie. But it was one of the best movies I've ever seen. My son is in the Air Force and don't know if he can be "stop-lossed" or not. I'm just hoping he'll be home in time for his 21st birthday in June. So I hope all the prayers that are being prayed for him right now will help with that. I suggest you go see this movie - - everyone needs to see this version of the "war is hell" truth in action.

Lynn	90
I thought this movie was a very accurate way of describing what young men are going though in Iraq right now. Channing and Ryan were amazing in the movie and i think that this movie will affect many lives because of the truth in the movie. Everybody should see Stop loss it will change your mind about what is going on in Iraq.