Review of Zero Dark Thirty (2012) by Mike H — 28 Sep 2013
First we have to be thankful that it was not Michael Bay who made the hunt for Bin Laden. Fortunately this is no triumphant yahoo. I'm usually averse to anything over 96 minutes but this had me hooked for the duration. Especially impressive when you do wonder whether its going to be 157 minutes of water boarding at one stage.
There are definite parallels to Homeland s01, and its very good at getting your buy-in. The 9/11 phone call at the beginning is incredibly moving, and you will flinch when the 7/7 bomb goes off. The torture scenes are harrowing but give you time to contemplate your own opinions. Indeed agonies are inflicted on both sides, and Maya is fleshed out as a character after one atrocity.
The conclusion is stunning. When the camera pulls away to first reveal the compound you feel like you've stumbled across the Bates Motel. The operation is incredibly tense, but handled in exactly the right way. A grown-up excellent film.
This review of Zero Dark Thirty (2012) was written by Mike H on 28 Sep 2013.
Zero Dark Thirty has generally received very positive reviews.
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