Review of The Hurt Locker (2008) by Branden M — 06 Jan 2013

The war in Iraq has taken many lives; because, as youâ(TM)d expect, itâ(TM)s very dangerous. Yet nothing is quite as dangerous as working in a bomb disposal unit. For a bomb disposal unit, there are all sorts of safety precautions; however renegade Sergeant William James, a reckless man who frequently risks the lives of his unit, disregards almost every precaution, as he descends further into addiction: an addiction to war.

The Iraq War was bloody, brutal and took no prisoners. Director Kathryn Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal portray the war stunningly accurately, with high-octane gunfights and nerve-shredding scenes that deliver the intensity of bomb disposing in heart-pounding fashion.

When you watch The Hurt Locker, a powerful war epic that follows a highly trained bomb disposal unit lead by Sergeant William James, you will find yourself enthralled and immersed in Bigelowâ(TM)s web of swearing, bombs, cigarettes and a bloody and high-octane war. Because from the nerve-wracking opening bomb disposal failure, to the emotional final ten minutes, Bigelow will have you perched on the edge of your seat, thirsty for more action.

Another huge positive that Kathryn Bigelow can boast about are the marvellous performances demonstrated by the cast. Anthony Mackie must get a mention thanks to his passionate portrayal of Sergeant J.T Sanborn and as does Brian Geraghty who shines brightly throughout the film, especially in a raging rant aimed at James, as Specialist Owen Eldridge, a man who is a tad emotionally unstable. However Jeremy Renner completely steals the show, portraying Sergeant William James, as he channels grit, sorrow and anger into one Academy Award (R) nominated performance.

On the other hand I felt that there wasnâ(TM)t a clear storyline other than Sergeant William Jamesâ(TM)s character development which while itâ(TM)s interesting to watch, you will find yourself thinking that this isnâ(TM)t a war epic but a bloody and action-packed account of his life. Yet, the storyline problem can be forgotten, because when the battles are the so immersive and action-packed, though not quite up to the high standards of sheer brutality shown in Saving Private Ryan, the battles alone make this film a hit.

Taking everything into account, The Hurt Locker boasts a gritty, heart-pounding and intense portrayal of the Iraq War that whilst it doesnâ(TM)t have a sufficient storyline or climax, is made up for with some rather sweet and satisfactory action and three enchanting performances.