dbubbs

Constantly unfolding and surprising, and ultimately extremely moving. A character piece, about how the past is what forms us, and lingers, no matter what we build. not as taut and perfect as "A Separation" but ultimately just as beautiful.

A haunting existential tale, gorgeously photographed, and full of slow burning, vivid scenes that hint at characters inner secrets. It's cynical and beautiful, the director Ceylon lets the atmosphere drive the story.

The film is very good, and pretty misunderstood. Seems some people knock either as a pro -american ra ra thing, and it just can't be possible that they've seen the movie if that's the case. The theme of the movie is the dreariness of the whole "terror war" enterprise, from torture to the event of the uninspiring killing of bin laden; when the emotional focus of that closing scene are the crying children in the house and the sort of conflicted response of some of the navy seals.. the lead characters ambiguous response too at the end, with tears of no joy, implies the emptiness and moral ambiguity of her chase. This is a movie about the strong moral ambiguities of US foreign policy, and the US isn't portrayed as particularly inspiring. Maya's determination is respected by Bigelow, but that's the extent of it, just her determination. The film is not perfect, and Chaisten lacks the gravitas for the part i think (imagine Claire Danes character for Homeland as Maya, and the film would have been close to perfect). But I think it's a strong statement about the bleakness of America's terror war, using that "wars" most "exciting" moment to provide its context.