What’s it about?
The US Army’s bomb squad has to defuse bombs in Iraq where the guys have become addicted to the adrenaline rush of dangerous situations. How do they defuse their nerves?
Who will enjoy it?
People who devour war movies for breakfast. This nailbiting, edge-of-your-seat flick is the best war film since Platoon. It neither condemns nor condones war; it’s a brutally honest look at the fearless men who defuse bombs – and love their job. They whisper to the bomb as they feel about in its innards. And when they’re bored they beat one another to a pulp to let off steam.
There hasn’t in years been such a devastating, tough-as-nails look at men under pressure, addicted to testosterone and the thrill of walking in the footsteps of death. Brilliant. This movie absolutely deserves its nine Oscar nominations – it makes you feel as if you’re in the middle of a war.
Wait for DVD?
No. You must see it on the big screen to feel the oppressive heat, smell the sweat and experience the murderous aggression. This is not about cheery but mismatched buddies dropping witty one-liners as they coolly defuse bombs; these are truly tough guys who make love to the insides of bombs as if they’re women’s bodies. They both admire and hate the brains behind the bombs, playing a deadly battle of nerves with them as if it’s a game of chess.
Suspenseful, utterly cool and controlled. The best film of the year – but not for sissies.
Similar films
Platoon, Apocalypse Now, Blown Away.
Popcorn facts
- Bigelow shot more than 200 hours of footage of which two hours were used.
- It was so hot on location in Jordan some crew members suffered sunstroke and heat exhaustion.
Rating: 5/5
With JEREMY RENNER, ANTHONY MACKIE and GUY PEARCE. Director: Kathryn Bigelow. 16LV. Opens 19 March.