Review of Restrepo (2010) by Brock B — 02 Jul 2011
Restrepo is a shocking film, chronicling an American platoonâ(TM)s fifteen month tour in the Korengal Valley. The Korengal region is one of the most dangerous in Afghanistan, on par with Kandahar and the Pashtun regions. Two documentary filmmakers imbedded in the unit film dangerous operations and mundane daily activities. The mood set is what The Hurt Locker aspired to, except this is real and without clumsy Hollywood clichà (C)s.
The film is shocking and violent. It is closer to Black Hawk Down than any other mainstream film, whether filmed on the River Kwai or in the desert between Aqaba and Damascus. American troop explain how nothing can compare to the rush of taking fire; watching soldiers break down into tears when they learn that a comrade has been killed in action seems more real than anything conceived by screenwriters. Many of those interviewed on camera speak of the difficulty readjusting to their lives back home. Seeing the skirmishes as they happen, the viewer easily understands their emotions.
Nevertheless, it remains problematic to assess the filmmaking. Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger mostly film what they see using hand-held camera (what they see as they are running for cover) and there is not much editing. Yet the two record a critically important without bias with much more intensity than WikiLeaks.
This review of Restrepo (2010) was written by Brock B on 02 Jul 2011.
Restrepo has generally received very positive reviews.
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