Green Zone
Universal Pictures | Release Date: March 12, 2010
6.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 253 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
135
Mixed:
80
Negative:
38
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
6
grandpajoe6191Sep 25, 2011
The movie is realistically constructed compared to those war movies that spent millions of dollars with famed stars labeled in it. But problem with "Green Zone" is, they take things too seriously.
5 of 5 users found this helpful50
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4
rocketpackpandaAug 7, 2013
What happened to the smart intelligent adaptation of Imperial Life in the Emerald City, which we were promised? Not here I can tell you that. Instead of a critical examination of the role of civilian leadership in the reconstruction ofWhat happened to the smart intelligent adaptation of Imperial Life in the Emerald City, which we were promised? Not here I can tell you that. Instead of a critical examination of the role of civilian leadership in the reconstruction of Baghdad, we get a rah-rah-rah, there is no WMD in Iraq and we've all been duped! No look at Matt Damon act passionate and champion a cause after it is already mainstream. This isn't analysis of the political leanings of the film or cast, rather this is an outline of the plot structure. Formulaic and so overtly black and white that it is cringe worthy. Their is no moral grey, the bad guys are simply bad guys and the good guys have no moral flaw, beyond "they're too just!". The characters are so cookie cutter that you can't root for the good guys and the bad guys are so generic that you don't care if they get away with it or are killed. The resolution of the film is empty, because it so blatantly puts an oversimplified message ahead of a good story and characterization. That is the biggest problem in the film, by taking a political non-fiction book and turning it into a fictional military 'thriller' that is heavy handed in its message it loses all meaning and turns you away from caring. Where a subtle hand was needed, we got a megaphone wielding wacko screaming from the roofs.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
SeriosityDec 18, 2012
Green Zone is essentially what you find in the Bourne films with an underwhelming and heavy-handed script. The action and direction is solid, but political agenda is misplaced.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
JoeSMar 15, 2010
This Matt Damon's worst movie ever for me I think when people go to see it they may be disapointed, I was, I went in there thinking it was going to be a whole different genre and had come out of it thinking that's not what I was This Matt Damon's worst movie ever for me I think when people go to see it they may be disapointed, I was, I went in there thinking it was going to be a whole different genre and had come out of it thinking that's not what I was expecting at all .… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful
6
RingoSMar 14, 2010
It's like Greengrass is trying to shoot this movie from a kayak. Enough with the wobbly camera, Paul! This technique has had its day. It's understandable in the 'Cops' TV show, but let's get back to trying to explain It's like Greengrass is trying to shoot this movie from a kayak. Enough with the wobbly camera, Paul! This technique has had its day. It's understandable in the 'Cops' TV show, but let's get back to trying to explain stuff happening on the screen instead of going for the 'you are there' effect. Greengrass's Bourne movies, while great, were hurt by this silly camera ploy. It's film-student-esque. Anyway, the rest of the movie is good--plot, acting and action. I still recommend it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
DavidP.Mar 22, 2010
Live Review! Alright, the opening scenes were pretty well done...great use of sparse visuals to convey the chaos of the beginning of the war. Script not so much...very heavy handed. Ok, this is getting pretty silly. Action is well done, and Live Review! Alright, the opening scenes were pretty well done...great use of sparse visuals to convey the chaos of the beginning of the war. Script not so much...very heavy handed. Ok, this is getting pretty silly. Action is well done, and the direction continues to impress. Very reminiscent of director's other work. However, the script is soooo weak. It seems like it's trying to boil all the problems about the war down to a few archetypal characters: the cynical old expert that no one listens to anymore, the close minded younger administrator that refuses to see the big picture, the crusading grunt that follows the good no matter where it leads...none of these people are developed as...people. Everyone does a pretty good job with what they have to work with, however. I think we are sliding further and further out of reality. This film is certainly no "Hurt Locker." It is more fun, to be sure. The "truth about WMD" is the apparent heart of the story, which everyone watching this film already knows, and this might be the weakest link in the film, from a strictly 'thriller' standpoint. 1:11:00 into the film and Bush is declaring victory. It's these moments that pull you out of the fantasy of the 'thriller' aspect of the film and remind you that what it's using for fodder is a war that cost thousands of American and allied and hundreds of thousands of Iraqi lives, and to accomplish a completely imaginary goal . Not a plus for getting lost in the story, which continues to be heavy handed and rushed. Good scene between Damon and Iraqi General character. However, the narrative which has been slowly shifting from WMD to the beginning of the insurgency is unfortunately lacking in lots of elements, attempting to blame the coming violence on debathification and the disbanding of the military alone. This is a gross oversimplification, and if you are trying to inject a message into your action film, you are going to have to be judged by the message as much as the action. Ok, the film's over, and here's my verdict. The direction was great, and the actors all put in good performances. The story was very spotty. The weighty message of the film seemed to be "America wanted the war and duped it's own military into fighting it for spurious reasons." This story has been told much better and much more honestly by filmmakers and media alike. I suppose if you enjoy your talking points with explosions and chase scenes, then this film is definitely your cup of tea, assuming you agree with said talking points. I enjoy a good thriller and I enjoy a good exposé but mixing the two very rarely succeeds, and this film is no exception.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
RobertPMar 26, 2010
So-so movie. So many guns & ammo & explosions that you'd think Tarentino directed,. Didn't expect much & wasn't disappointed. So wait for the DVD.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JohnRMar 13, 2010
Action packed, but plot was predictable to the point of near boredom. See it at a theater, at least that makes a night of it. Not sure who the bad guys were/are.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
DJRMar 14, 2010
The action and drama mixed with Damon's "Bourne" experience saved this film. The overpowering liberal agenda was a bit too much to stomach at times. Would have liked to see a little less politics and a little more action. Camera work The action and drama mixed with Damon's "Bourne" experience saved this film. The overpowering liberal agenda was a bit too much to stomach at times. Would have liked to see a little less politics and a little more action. Camera work was a little overdone as well with too much shaking at times to try to draw in that documentary affect, which fell short. Overall this movie was a ploy for a liberal hollywood writer trying to take a stab at the right wing and in doing so fell rather short of making a spectacular film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
BitBurnMay 22, 2010
Here's the thing, as an action/thriller it is brilliant. But I just can't ignore the fact that the suffering of Iraqi civilians, the bullshit war on terror and Bush's inexistent WMP is being turned into a Hollywood movie Here's the thing, as an action/thriller it is brilliant. But I just can't ignore the fact that the suffering of Iraqi civilians, the bullshit war on terror and Bush's inexistent WMP is being turned into a Hollywood movie script for our entertainment.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
halbJun 25, 2010
Overall, a big disappointment. I found myself oddly detached throughout all the herky-jerky action sequences... and there's no one you're really rooting for here, except maybe for the Iraqi translator (Freddy). A highly simplistic Overall, a big disappointment. I found myself oddly detached throughout all the herky-jerky action sequences... and there's no one you're really rooting for here, except maybe for the Iraqi translator (Freddy). A highly simplistic (dumbed down) take on the whole 'where were the WMD?' question... An a hugely naive closing scene.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
NatDurmanAug 14, 2010
Paul Greengrass is a man youâ
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
RazvOct 16, 2010
Matt Damon's performance was very good but the movie, overall, was pretty bad. The plot was slow-paced, boring and the action was unrealistic. I expected much more of this movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
S-WillNov 25, 2010
This movie was disappointing. The anti war message was overused and heavy handed. The combat scenes were boring and inaccurate. This film had a lot of potential and could have been much better.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
rotkuMay 24, 2011
Always going to be compared with the Bourne movies and unfortunately it does not hold up. On its own merits its not a bad movie, plenty of drama, plenty of action but it never quite makes the jump up to the great movie state. Damon isAlways going to be compared with the Bourne movies and unfortunately it does not hold up. On its own merits its not a bad movie, plenty of drama, plenty of action but it never quite makes the jump up to the great movie state. Damon is believable but not outstanding and there's good support from the rest of the cast.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
HalfwelshmanFeb 29, 2012
Green Zone makes for an intermittently entertaining conspiracy-based war film. Like all of Paul Greengrass's work, it looks great, the audience is dragged right into the heart of the action, and the hellish images of war-torn Iraq are quiteGreen Zone makes for an intermittently entertaining conspiracy-based war film. Like all of Paul Greengrass's work, it looks great, the audience is dragged right into the heart of the action, and the hellish images of war-torn Iraq are quite effective. The cast's performances are relatively decent, but by no means exceptional. The only one who really stands out is Khalid Abdalla, who plays "Freddie", an Iraqi ex-soldier and amputee who helps Chief Miller (Damon) to unravel the mystery as to why intelligence on WMD is so unreliable, and why the US went to war in the first place. Abdalla's performance is head-and-shoulders above the rest of the cast - it's complex, emotional and moving. Where Green Zone fails is in its writing, and in the fact that for a political thriller, it has a surprising lack of thrills. While Brian Helgeland's screenplay is perfectly reasonable on face value, it simply isn't brave or clever enough. Instead of having the courage to point the finger of blame for the Iraq War at the real culprits, Helgeland instead chooses to substitute real-world villains with Hollywood creations (Greg Kinnear's morally dubious Pentagon man and Jason Isaacs' brutal handlebar-moustached spec ops commander). While I understand the need for dramatic licence to make a film work as a piece of entertainment (it is not, after all, an informative documentary) I don't understand how Kinnear and Issacs' characters turned out so dull. The real masterminds behind the Iraq war, the politicians that duped us all into thinking there was some sort of justification behind invading Iraq are far more interesting characters than these screen creations, and ultimately far more evil. If only Greengrass and Helgeland had the courage to say something really divisive about the Iraq War, rather than just re-affirming what we already know, that the WMD intelligence was made up, a convenient excuse for toppling an oppressive dictatorship. Even with this unremarkable underlying message, the film could have still stood out if had a decent plot, something to rival the truly great Hollywood conspiracy thrillers. Unfortunately, the story is simple and linear, and you can see the only major twist a mile off. Technically, Green Zone is flawless, and you really feel like you're going into Baghdad with the American soldiers, and living and fighting alongside them - Greengrass is a master of establishing, then maintaining a particular tone in his films. The high-quality cast all do their job, but the only one to really stand out is the excellent Khalid Abdalla, and the filmmakers' characterisation can come across as a little lazy. Greenzone's main problem is that it has not approached its highly controversial subject matter with enough commitment or bravery - nothing new is said, and it doesn't leave you thinking at the end, just non-plussed. Paul Greengrass's latest film is competent but uninspired, diverting but not memorable - in short, nothing special. His Bourne films had far more to say about evil politicians, shady military operations and human rights infringement than Green Zone ever does.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
davenbettridgeSep 25, 2011
The message and central theme to this movie is one that needs to be told but unfortunately Green Zone's execution of its important messages is lacking. Green Zone looks great and is decently acted but is a little dull and predictable. PerhapsThe message and central theme to this movie is one that needs to be told but unfortunately Green Zone's execution of its important messages is lacking. Green Zone looks great and is decently acted but is a little dull and predictable. Perhaps the story lacks the depth and impact to the war in Iraq and how tragic the war really is but in the end the film is ok and worth watching but wont be too memorable.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
TyranianApr 9, 2019
This film is so by the numbers that I couldn't really enjoy it. It doesn't do anything original.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
dev92Aug 24, 2012
An intelligent film which tries to realistically portray the issues around the current war in the Middle East. It's a well thought-out film with a great actor and director who have obvious chemistry, especially when producing these similarAn intelligent film which tries to realistically portray the issues around the current war in the Middle East. It's a well thought-out film with a great actor and director who have obvious chemistry, especially when producing these similar military-based films. Perhaps just a little bit more action was required to make this a truly great film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
Compi24Mar 1, 2020
By far the most dramatically, thematically and narratively spare offering you'll receive from Paul Greengrass, "Green Zone" looks to capitalize on a well-known premise from within a very recent turn of historical events in order to tell aBy far the most dramatically, thematically and narratively spare offering you'll receive from Paul Greengrass, "Green Zone" looks to capitalize on a well-known premise from within a very recent turn of historical events in order to tell a fictionalized story. It's a bold move, but I couldn't quite get behind the concept, especially when the dramatized events clash so plainly with what I know probably didn't happen in real life. Perhaps, I'm just more inclined towards Greengrass's masterful docudramas (i.e. "Bloody Sunday," "United 93," "Captain Phillips"). Either way though, this is a piece with undeniably poor character development. Not one character's motivation is expounded upon beyond the simple assumption that they just have to do their job. Not one revelation feels like it holds the weight that it should or could. Not one performance in this movie rises beyond the pale of someone trying to get something done within a certain scene. No one in this has a discernible end goal. It's really quite disappointing.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
ThegodfathersonFeb 13, 2015
Green Zone works well as a war thriller, caught up with major real life conflicts. But, the pace is slow, the writing is dull, and that makes for a longer experience than usual. Director Paul Greengrass throws everything at it, to makeGreen Zone works well as a war thriller, caught up with major real life conflicts. But, the pace is slow, the writing is dull, and that makes for a longer experience than usual. Director Paul Greengrass throws everything at it, to make viewers grasp its attention, but by that time, it's too late. Greengrass, who brought us the brilliant Captain Philips and the Bourne movies, comes up with a dull, lukewarm thriller about the chemical ramblings in Pakistan. Matt Damon, does well with what he is given. But not much is given. If you expect action, there are a few scenes, that do well to get your attention. But by then, you're already asleep.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
oDjentoJan 1, 2015
A pretty average action movie. Obviously made in Matt Damons stardom of the Bourne Trilogy, but trying to be more blockbuster. It's story is typical and predictable, and sure Matt Damon does a good job as his character but the performances asA pretty average action movie. Obviously made in Matt Damons stardom of the Bourne Trilogy, but trying to be more blockbuster. It's story is typical and predictable, and sure Matt Damon does a good job as his character but the performances as a whole are pretty "meh". The film is simply this: is a typical middle eastern war film that doesn't bring anythinf special other than Matt Damon. A pretty easily missable film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
amheretojudgeSep 22, 2018
pretty much in red zone..

Green Zone Green Zone is a plot driven action thriller about the conspirators who are in privileged positions and are taken down by the soldiers working underneath them. This action-political and war-crime genrepretty much in red zone..

Green Zone

Green Zone is a plot driven action thriller about the conspirators who are in privileged positions and are taken down by the soldiers working underneath them. This action-political and war-crime genre feature is definitely not reliable on the rudimentary process of the cat and chase theme. In fact, if anything it uses the uncertainty of the trajectory that is milked out through all perspective in order to keep the thrill alive. But as much as gripping it is, all its big guns seems to be spent upon directing it towards keeping the audience tangled in its explosive bubble and somehow forgets to make a definite point out of it which takes out the heat from the soul. As mentioned, the narrative is gripping and adaptive but definitely not layered and thought provoking, at best if anything it provides the cheats and tricks with a better execution no matter how predictable. The background score is decent, cinematography and editing is fine with sharp sound effects and quite a busy camera work that unfortunately doesn't allow the viewers to even breathe in. Damon is convincing in his tired and gasping portrayal that is aptly competent with a support from brilliant cast like Kinnear, Ryan and Gleeson. Greengrass aces on executing a nail-biting action thriller and with a sharp even though wafer thin script like such, he factors in effectively and elevates the sequences to his best. The careful step by step structure that it follows is both its pro and con, since it is appreciative but at the end is all moot, ipso facto it aches you to encounter such talent and skills go waste by on something like such narrow vision. Green Zone might be a big "go" for the audience and the commercial aspects of it but as far as the actors and makers are concerned they are pretty much in red zone.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
jonslowDec 8, 2018
Matt Damon's performance was very good but the movie, overall, was pretty bad. The plot was slow-paced, boring and the action was unrealistic. I expected much more of this movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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