Review of The Messenger (2009) by Daniel P — 06 Sep 2011

Heavy, heavy stuff. Loved it. A couple of scenes go on a bit long, but overall this is a film with a lot to it. The characters are real, the plot is tight and comes together perfectly, the acting is impressive, and the gritty realist style brings to light just what the Iraq War has meant to so many families, in the service or not.

I think in 20 years we'll look at this film like we did Born on the Fourth of July: a touch sentimental, but one that's unafraid to wear its politics on its sleeve. I also think that this one will age better, due to its reluctant partner device and the gallows humour that accompanies it, which allows us to focus our attention on the two shattered lives charged with shattering countless more, daily, with news of a loved one's death in combat.

Definitely see this movie: it's like a modern Tim O'Brien story, on screen.