American Sniper Review

American Sniper

Rating: 15

Genre: Biopic

Director: Clint Eastwood

Writers: Jason Hall, Chris Kyle (book)

Stars: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner

***SPOILERS***

Summary: From director Clint Eastwood comes “American Sniper,” starring Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. But there was much more to this true American hero than his skill with a rifle. U.S. Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission: to protect his brothers-in-arms. His pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and, as stories of his courageous exploits spread, he earns the nickname “Legend.” However, his reputation is also growing behind enemy lines, putting a price on his head and making him a prime target of insurgents. Despite the danger, as well as the toll on his family at home, Chris serves through four harrowing tours of duty in Iraq, becoming emblematic of the SEAL creed to “leave no man behind.” But upon returning home, Chris finds that it is the war he can’t leave behind

I wasn’t convinced about Bradley Cooper playing a S.E.A.L but he was brilliant as Chris Kyle. He had obviously buffed up for this role and taken the character development seriously.

The scenes in Iraq were the hardest hitting, Coopers expression and body language flawlessly portrayed the tension and stress the snipers were under. Clint Eastwood was once again on top form as the director and managed to bring action and sorrow together as only he can.

The scenes where Kyle is home on leave show the solitude and pain, Coopers use of his body language and expressions showed the toll war has taken not only on Kyle himself but also his family and friends.

I hadn’t read Chris Kyle’s memoir before watching this movie so the ending hit me hard. It’s heart rendering that a soldier could survive 4 tours in Iraq and PTSD only to be killed by a veteran he is trying to help. This movie really left me down but in the good food for thought way.

Cooper and Eastwood deserve to be recognised for an outstanding movie.

NoisyGeek Rating: 5 out of 5