Review of Lions for Lambs (2007) by Paul S — 29 Oct 2009

The interwoven stories effect has been used many a time before, but here I felt it a cohesive commentary, each segment casting a significant light on the thoughts and actions of the other segments.

While the core arguements may seem pat, the telling in real life terms of cause and effect keep the film fresh and relevent.

Crisp dialog delivered by three very accomplished actors, who feel natural and immersed in their roles, truly make this film shine. A perfect casting for Tom Cruise, who uses his disarming smile and lets you see the hint of gamemanship behind it, as the young Republican Senator and West Point grad who is playing politics, but at the same time, truly believes in our role in Afghanistan.

Streep, as a battle weary and wary journalist plays off Cruise like a paso doble, bantering and challenging, and yet never letting Cruise see the dislike for what he has to say.

Redford is simply at ease and charming as the poli-sci professor who tries to motivate a gifted student into doing "something".

All this against the backdrop of a botched marine landing that dooms two friends and former Redford students - both who had so much more to offer mankind - and yet, the film manages to not convey an anti-war sentiment; it's far to complex, as are the issues themselves. The message here is to see and learn, and then make your own choices, remembering that by doing nothing at all you give tacit agreement to the status quo.