Review of In the Valley of Elah (2007) by Tony U — 23 Nov 2008
This is a very difficult movie to watch on many levels. The first two times I tried to watch it, I fell asleep at about an hour into the movie. As a result, I watched it over two days.
It's difficult because it is filmed in a very downcast energy. It's also about a very difficult subject based on real events of a soldier who was killed by fellow infantry mates upon returning back to the USA from Iraq.
Tommy Lee Jones acting as the slain son's father is brilliant. You can feel the pain of a father who has lost his son and who is dilligently looking for the truth.
The ending, when the truth is actually revealed is difficult and sad. The movie really looks at the concept of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disease).
This is a sad movie, but remarkably beautiful to watch. I appreciate the character development as well as the geographical development of the manners and characters of people in the part of New Mexico where it is filmed.
This review of In the Valley of Elah (2007) was written by Tony U on 23 Nov 2008.
In the Valley of Elah has generally received positive reviews.
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