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American Sniper

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Bradley Cooper in American Sniper (AP)
Bradley Cooper in American Sniper (AP)

What's it about:

Chris Kyle is the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. But, there was much more to him than his skill as a sharpshooter.

U.S. Navy SEAL 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 for insurgents. He is also facing a different kind of battle on the home front: striving to be a good husband and father from halfway around the world. Despite the danger, as well as the toll on his family at home, Chris serves through four harrowing tours of duty in Iraq, personifying the SEAL creed to “leave no man behind.”

When he gets back home to his wife and kids, Chris finds that it is the war he can’t leave behind.

What we thought:

Based on the bestselling autobiography of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in US military history, American Sniper tells the story of Kyle’s four tours to Iraq which gained him the nickname “legend”, his family life and life after the military.

The film has created quite the Oscar buzz with six nominations under its belt including a Best Actor nomination for Bradley Cooper and a nomination for Best Picture.

And I know what you’re thinking. This is just another American propaganda film boasting about their achievements in taking down the bad guys. But to be honest, this film is so much more than that. Through the toughness that goes with being in the military, the film is heartbreakingly sad and tells a true story about a man who was basically a workaholic, a man who was just doing his job; a man who made it his duty to protect his fellow marines.

If you haven’t been following the news, you will probably not know the whole story about Chris Kyle, so I won’t spoil it for you. But if you do know the whole story, you will know that this story embodies so many similar stories of families that have had to deal with someone coming back from serving in the military.

Because let’s face it, it’s tough. Killing people, even though it is for your country, will change you as a person. And Bradley Cooper’s performance in this film, of dealing with murdering people and then having to go home and be a normal family guy, is absolutely brilliant.

Even though everyone freaked out about Bradley’s performance in Silver Linings Playbook, I have to admit that I wasn’t that impressed with it. Bradley has however totally upped his game in this film and totally deserves his Oscar nomination.

I would say this film is definitely worth the watch on the big screen. And even if you’re not that into these America military stories, just watch it for Bradley Cooper’s performance.

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