Review of Essential Killing (2010) by Chris D — 22 May 2012

It's hard to imagine this particular premise to contain absolutely zero political vestment. The writer and director really understand how to craft an extremely human tale of survival without trying to become an obvious parable.

While the lack of detail and backstory might be irritating at times, you have appreciate the focus that the filmmakers had and not turn this film into a political speech about war in the Middle East. The interesting thing about this film is that you wonder what happened to this guy and what he exactly did to get targeted by the US.

However, towards the ladder half of the film you start to forget about that question and maybe that's the point of the movie. So, at the end of the day, Essential Killing achieves what Valhalla Rising failed to do.

Let the actions speak for itself and keep the ordeal human.