I saw Lone Survivor last night, and it is, in my opinion, a great film and an incredible tribute to the men who died that day.
While I won’t get into spoilers, suffice it to say that it is a heart-wrenching movie from start to finish, driven home at the end by a montage of family pictures and video of the fallen. The brutal reality that this. . .was real.
In speaking of reality, it is important to note that Lone Survivor is not a documentary but a dramatization of the events of that day–and anyone who has read Luttrell’s book(upon which the film was based) will quickly recognize the deviations. Having seen it, however, I don’t feel that the artistic license taken detracts from the bravery and sincerity of the portrayal. Director Peter Berg and his cast truly did a tremendous job of bringing this story to the screen.
I do highly recommend reading the true story of Operation Red Wings before you go–it will deepen your appreciation for what you see and fill in gaps left by the film’s narrative.
It is important, in conclusion, not to view this film as entertainment. This isn’t another action movie, but a tribute to men who lived–and died–as brothers.
And as Lone Survivor opens across the country today, my thoughts and prayers go out to the families and comrades of the fallen as they contend with the memories this film brings once again to the fore. May God bless you all for what you have sacrificed.
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