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8

DawdlingPoetNov 22, 2021

This film reminded me a little of a TV film called 'Resting Place', which I very much liked. It focusses primarily on the perhaps somewhat stereotyped(?) macho masculine persona of the American army/military, in the form of Captain TonyThis film reminded me a little of a TV film called 'Resting Place', which I very much liked. It focusses primarily on the perhaps somewhat stereotyped(?) macho masculine persona of the American army/military, in the form of Captain Tony Stone (played by Woody Harrelson. Harrelson is an actor I am generally quite keen on - his presence made me more curious to see it) having to supervise and train staff sergeant Will Montgomery (played by Ben Foster) in relaying the tragic loss of a loved one to their next of kin, in a very specific, no-frills, procedural way. Steve Buscemi is also in the cast, playing a relative of alot fighter called Dale Martin and Samantha Morton gives a solid performance as Olivia Pitterson. I also like films with a moral/ethical aspect to it, which this does have. I found some of the plot details frustrating, certainly not in terms of believability, sadly, more so in terms of what it's shining a light on. It's an understandably sobering watch, not a war based action thriller but in terms of the themes and realities depicted. I won't go into any additional level of detail, for obvious spoiler reasons.

The acting is good and its certainly a thought provoking watch, so I'd recommend it on that basis.… Expand

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8

FilipeNetoAug 23, 2021

This is one of those movies that makes us think. Not only does it address an indigestible topic – as hard to swallow as what these soldiers do – but it also makes us wonder if there really is a purpose, a reason for the sacrifice of so manyThis is one of those movies that makes us think. Not only does it address an indigestible topic – as hard to swallow as what these soldiers do – but it also makes us wonder if there really is a purpose, a reason for the sacrifice of so many young people who die in war. In fact, war is abominable, only those who have never been there are able to like it. I have never been, but my father fought in the wars that Portugal had in Africa, protecting the lives of civilians who had nothing to do with the political situation lived then. It wasn't a pretty war, but there are no pretty wars. What happened until very recently in Afghanistan and Iraq was also ugly and should have been avoided. Even so, the availability, courage and sense of duty of the young people who, when their country blows the horn, present themselves to serve their flag, is praiseworthy. But let's go to the movie.

The film revolves around a soldier who, after having fought for the country, returns home to complete the last three months of military service in peace. He is then appointed to support an older officer in the difficult task of going to the homes of relatives of other military personnel to break the news of their death. There is a manual and rules to respect, such as talking only to the next of kin and never touching or feeling emotional, but it's a difficult thing to do on a mission that is so thankless: they are insulted, sometimes assaulted, and they see, firsthand, the pain of the loss of those men. When things turn out to be more difficult and exhausting than one might think, the two men try to decompress, so they don't break: they drink, listen to music too loud, pound walls, engage in ephemeral relationships...

The cast has two excellent actors, who share the lead and collaborate very well together: Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson. The two actors were excellent, and it's hard to even say if one of them was better, because they both worked in a totally symbiotic way. The truth, however, is that this movie has managed to be, for me, Harrelson's best work so far (at least of all those I've seen). Another excellent actor who appears and shines in this film is Steve Buscemi, playing the father of a deceased soldier. He brings us to one of the most poignant and tense scenes in the film. I didn't like Samantha Morton very much. The actress is good, but the character is uninteresting as ephemeral.

Directed by Oren Moverman, the film does not give us a definite script, but it does reveal a lot about the domestic human consequences of US wars abroad. Even if war is far away, it always affects whoever fights it, and the director was very adept at exploiting the public's sensitivity to such an issue. Technically, the film has good cinematography, good color and light, and is extremely realistic in the way it was shot and edited. It even looks like a documentary, in a sense, and that was certainly something the director wanted. Good use of backgrounds and credible costumes help to build this pleasing realism. With no annoying or raucous visuals and sound effects, the film leaves the stage free for what we're going to see, and even the soundtrack is not intrusive.… Expand

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8

SpangleJul 18, 2014

A very emotional film, The Messenger is certainly a must watch as it really manages to touch you in many ways and feels entirely heartfelt. On top of that, it sports a fantastic performance from Ben Foster, as well as Woody Harrelson. Both ofA very emotional film, The Messenger is certainly a must watch as it really manages to touch you in many ways and feels entirely heartfelt. On top of that, it sports a fantastic performance from Ben Foster, as well as Woody Harrelson. Both of them really steal the show and sweep you off you feet as you entirely believe they are both heavily damaged men dealing with their own demons. On the surface, The Messenger is a film about an injured war veteran (Foster) being assigned to casualty notification duty with a hard as nails Captain (Harrelson). However, it is truly about their relationship and themselves as individuals as they learn more about one another and the other sees what troubles them. It is a very well done character study that is entirely moving in its subject matter and the way it handles this subject matter. The Messenger feels like a small film at times, but at others, it feels entirely grand and is very well done. Now, it is not a great film, but it is undeniably a damn good one and makes for a tough watch.… Expand

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7

worleyjamersFeb 24, 2013

An emotional powerhouse drama. Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster are stunning, and Samantha Morton and Jena Malone give solid supporting performances. Check it out!

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8

lasttimeisawMar 22, 2012

Even securing Hollywood veteran Woody Harrelson his second Oscar nomination, the film has eluded me until now, and a long overdue viewing proves it is an overlooked gem on the recent war-trauma film list. The breakthrough effort of the filmEven securing Hollywood veteran Woody Harrelson his second Oscar nomination, the film has eluded me until now, and a long overdue viewing proves it is an overlooked gem on the recent war-trauma film list. The breakthrough effort of the film is its one-of-a-kind perspective, with zero scenes from the violent frontline (including the usual gambit of fly-on-the-wall clips), the modus operandi aims at the ominous casualty notification soldiers and one theatrical oomph originates from the various poignant reactions from the next-of-kins of dead soldiers in Iraq when they are being notified, a faintly tricky scheme to gain the empathy towards both the film and its main characters, which is a laudable feat and very operative due to a splendid cast and unostentatious script (the formality of notification is swell written).

Budding as one of the versatile young actors in Hollywood, Ben Foster excels in his not-so-frequent leading role as an ostensible war-hero plagued by a hidden secret, typifies ideally a post-war anguish-tortured individual. Foster generates a magnificent screen chemistry both with his tutor-cum-friend Woody Harrelson (a well-developed supporting role as Fosterâ… Expand

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1

NazguleroMar 19, 2011

The movie started out pretty good, but about 15 minutes into it, descended straight into Absurdia. I am not a military man, but it is hard for me to imagine that notification officers would act like that. In addition, what is the appeal ofThe movie started out pretty good, but about 15 minutes into it, descended straight into Absurdia. I am not a military man, but it is hard for me to imagine that notification officers would act like that. In addition, what is the appeal of yet another movie showing two guys who basically cannot handle life, and opt for the bottle ? It's old, it's boring, and nature itself selects these individuals for extinction, because no woman in her right mind would stay with them. The movie got that part right. I am in no way saying that war is not horrible, and that soldiers get traumatized, But as soon as you pop that beer, you are just one of the countless losers...… Expand

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7

nutterjrNov 14, 2010

Without firing a single bullet or be shown horrific scenes of the battlefield, The Messenger shows the pain that comes with war through the eyes of those that stay behind... Credit to the cast that deliver a subtle but yet emotionally richWithout firing a single bullet or be shown horrific scenes of the battlefield, The Messenger shows the pain that comes with war through the eyes of those that stay behind... Credit to the cast that deliver a subtle but yet emotionally rich performances.… Expand

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8

DiezmartinezOct 10, 2010

La opera prima del guionista convertido en cineasta Moverman es un sÃ³lido melodrama viril en el que un hÃ©roe de guerra de Iraq, el sargento Will Montgomery (Ben Foster) es comisionado, en sus ÃºltimosLa opera prima del guionista convertido en cineasta Moverman es un sÃ³lido melodrama viril en el que un hÃ©roe de guerra de Iraq, el sargento Will Montgomery (Ben Foster) es comisionado, en sus Ãºltimos tres meses de servicio, a fungir como pareja del veterano capitÃ¡n Stone (Woody Harrelson, justicieramente nominado al Oscar), quien tiene la responsabilidad de tocar la puerta de los familiares de los caÃdos en combate para avisarles que su ser amado ha muerto. En su debut, Moverman demuestra que sabe a la perfecciÃ³n como manejar la cÃ¡mara.… Expand

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9

JUIKERAug 28, 2010

A superb war film with not a glimpse of actual warfare in it. The performances are all utterly compelling but what makes this movie great is the way director Oren Moverman slowly builds to big dramatic payoffs. In the small pantheon of modernA superb war film with not a glimpse of actual warfare in it. The performances are all utterly compelling but what makes this movie great is the way director Oren Moverman slowly builds to big dramatic payoffs. In the small pantheon of modern warfare movies this stands tall.… Expand

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9

thelordoffilmAug 13, 2010

The Messenger is the second best Iraqi war movie of 2009, it's not as good as The Hurt Locker but still proves it's self among other war movies by being better. The best war movies I have seen that are worth to watch again and again areThe Messenger is the second best Iraqi war movie of 2009, it's not as good as The Hurt Locker but still proves it's self among other war movies by being better. The best war movies I have seen that are worth to watch again and again are Black Hawk Down, Saving Private Ryan and Platoon.. They were able to capture the essence and pathos of soldiers. There are many more that I would like to see. However there are not much Iraq war movies out there, until Kathryn Bigelow directed and release The Hurt Locker which won Best Picture and Best Director. Then came along another film that people ignore and it's worth a watch. The Messenger talks about grief, loneliness, pain and the transition to coexist in the real world. Our men in uniform call home the real world while the combat zone is hell. I personally experience my cousin who's like a brother to me went to Iraq and came back injured and the terrible time our family went through. He's all right now and finish with the Army. I love movies that deeply respect soldiers and doesn't succumb them into melodramatic plots and clich?ar stories or bloody violence. I'm talking to you Pearl Harbor and Windtalkers. Ben Foster who I compare to Anthony Mackie from The Hurt Locker who should have been nominated plays Staff Sgt. Will Montgomery. He just came back from Iraq after serious injuries. He's already despising the fact of everybody calling him a hero. He already has bad luck when his girlfriend leaves him for another guy. He has three months left on his enlistment and his commanding officer orders him to join the Army's Casualty Notification service. He's reluctant but is forced to join. Here he meets Capt. Tony Stone who is he's partner and training officer. The movie is power full when they go and notify the families of the fallen soldiers. There are gut wrenching scenes which are not to be taken lightly especially if you are family who has lost loved one in Iraq. There is a scene with the great actor Steve Buscemi that completely steals the scene and one of my favorite scenes of the movie. Then they notify Kelly played very well by Jena Malone who is now a single mother because of her husband dying. Strangely Will is attracted and intrigue by her. He helps her with things around the house and visits her and eats dinner with her and her son. This is something that he can't do and angers Tony, Will who feels everybody in the world doesn't understand him Kelly is a safe haven for him. She's needy and he's needy in his own way. The movie works as well because of the chemistry Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster has. They start off not liking each other but gradually getting along. Tony feels the up most respect towards Will because of his combat experience and at the same time jealousy because of his lack of combat. Will teaches Tony that the families are human then just names on a piece of paper. I feel the flaw of the film is that it loses its focus when the romance starts with Will and Kelly. There are good scenes between them, don't get me wrong but I feel the movie loses track and doesn't head into the right direction but it does pick it self up and finish very satisfying. The movie is thought full and very respectful towards its subject. The movie has no war violence whatsoever but Will's brutal description of the events will make you shudder. A very good movie and must be seen.

Note: It's funny on my senior year I was going to join the Army and I was to be sent to Fort Knox, Kentucky and my MOS was going to be Calvary Scout. I was ready to go April 23, 2005, my mom got hit by a car and I couldn't go. My pregnant wife and mom begged me not go back again. I think to myself if I would have still join where would be now? Could I be somewhere around the world, or would my wife get that two neatly dressed service men on the door? This movie made me think that way. My prayers go to all our woman and men in uniform.… Expand

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4

KPJun 13, 2010

As boring as a war movie could possibly be...I turned it off half way through and won't watch the rest. If you like soap operas you'll love this. Part of me kept hoping that Woody and partner would bust out the 50 cal and at least As boring as a war movie could possibly be...I turned it off half way through and won't watch the rest. If you like soap operas you'll love this. Part of me kept hoping that Woody and partner would bust out the 50 cal and at least make it a little interesting. … Expand

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9

JimHJun 3, 2010

A marvelous little movie that combines fine story telling with a complete cast acting their hearts out. With the Hurt Locker it's one of two great movies about the War in Iraq. In some respects it's better and more realistic than A marvelous little movie that combines fine story telling with a complete cast acting their hearts out. With the Hurt Locker it's one of two great movies about the War in Iraq. In some respects it's better and more realistic than that other movie.… Expand

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8

TimothyV.Jun 2, 2010

Most "real" movie I have watched in a really long while. Completely worth your time.

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8

BillyS.Feb 7, 2010

If it weren't Christolph Waltz's year, Woody Harrelson would be the one called to the podium on Oscar night, Atleast he will be named when they read the nominees for Best Supporting Actor, and deservedly so. Unfortunately, I If it weren't Christolph Waltz's year, Woody Harrelson would be the one called to the podium on Oscar night, Atleast he will be named when they read the nominees for Best Supporting Actor, and deservedly so. Unfortunately, I didn't hear any complaints when they didn't name Ben Foster or Samantha Morton, which they should have, deservedly so! The Messenger is a powerful movie with a heartbreaking script and three superb, harrowing performances. Bravo Oren Moverman, a director worth keeping an eye on.… Expand

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8

DWillyJan 30, 2010

Think about it. Is there a more compelling and suspenseful occupation you could portray than the guys who go around telling people that there young loved ones have been killed? With long two-shots of first class acting (Samantha Morton is Think about it. Is there a more compelling and suspenseful occupation you could portray than the guys who go around telling people that there young loved ones have been killed? With long two-shots of first class acting (Samantha Morton is absolutely top-flight), and with dialog that is unfrilly, yet really crackles at times, this is a movie that is aspires to something. Too bad the public doesn't want to have to actually contemplate the war(s) we nevertheless have no problem funding, so a snarky, shiny piece of pretense like "Up In The Air" ends up getting all the attention when it comes to a film about alienation. For a while I thought this picture was going to sail into the highest ranks, but it takes a bit a dip in the third act, and, although they're solid as hell, neither Woody Harrelson nor Ben Foster quite has the chops to muscle it over the top.… Expand

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10

AndrewW.Dec 27, 2009

A must see.

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7

justins.Dec 4, 2009

Good movie, but ultimately a disappointment. it felt like someone was trying to tack on a love story in order to pad the running time and it just didn't work. the romance (really just about everything except the casualty notificationGood movie, but ultimately a disappointment. it felt like someone was trying to tack on a love story in order to pad the running time and it just didn't work. the romance (really just about everything except the casualty notification stuff) was pretty weak. so why do I give this a good rating? because the aforementioned scenes where the two soldiers have to do their jobs were OUTSTANDING. just very well done and the acting by the grief-stricken family members was amazing, especially by Steve Buscemi and the father who discovers that not only did his daughter get married behind his back, but she's suddenly a war widow. if the director had stuck to that, this would have been hands down one of the best films of the year, if not the decade. I challenge you to watch those scenes and not be devastated. unless you're undead, it can't be done.… Expand

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9

RichR.Nov 29, 2009

Well, it did start to drift a bit, especially when Samantha Morton got involved, but for the most part it was a great film. (I think just about every film Ed Harris is in is gonna be great, and I'm starting to think the same thing about Well, it did start to drift a bit, especially when Samantha Morton got involved, but for the most part it was a great film. (I think just about every film Ed Harris is in is gonna be great, and I'm starting to think the same thing about Woody Harrelson).… Expand

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