Review of The Messenger (2009) by Ryan B — 07 Jun 2010
"The Messenger" is that bleak, stoic, unforgiving kick-in-the-face without so much as flinching film that makes you re-examine our most basic human truths which we all take for granted: whether American or Iraqi, Christian or Muslim, liberal or conservative, we all bleed the same color, we all breathe the same air, we all struggle to protect what's ours and try in vein to live a peaceful life with as few struggles as possible. What the "Messenger" does so well is not place a face to a name, it shows us that we're not alone, we all suffer together, and heal together.
Yes this film uses the current U.S. military incursions as its focal point in expressing the human condition, but replace the armed services with the NYPD or those stationed on an oil rig and the message is the same; we all want to belong to something, something bigger than ourselves, yet simple enough to know it when we see it.
The acting is first rate (how Ben Foster was not nominated for an oscar is absurd), the silence carries with it more gravitas than many films do when trying to take themselves seriously, and the message couldn't be more apt, or more poignant.
This review of The Messenger (2009) was written by Ryan B on 07 Jun 2010.
The Messenger has generally received positive reviews.
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