American Sniper
Chris Kyle is an American war hero and the film about his life with the Navy SEALs, "American Sniper" makes no mistake in letting the audience know that.
It is a truly great film and has already been recognized as such within the entertainment industry.
But, I leave the film with a different feeling than being "entertained." It's not a movie I'd watch over and over again, but I'm glad I saw it.
I don't think this is a war movie. It's a biopic about a soldier. Very similar to "The Hurt Locker", "American Sniper" delves into the psyche of a unique human: one that is a natural soldier. Kyle is the man you'd want by your side in battle, but struggles to be the man you'd want by your side at home. Since this movie is about his life, there is no neatly-wrapped plot line ending with a nice bow (although the film centers around his hunt for a rival Syrian sniper). Because of this, we are left navigating the pathos of a torn soldier.
I can't help but look at myself during and after seeing a film like this. Could I do something like that? Would I be brave enough to storm into that building? Could I make it through even an hour of SEAL training?
Under the same circumstances, probably not. That makes me very grateful for soldiers and leaders like Chris Kyle. But, I also feel it is a sacrifice not all of us are required to make. While he dedicated much of his life to serving the United States, he had to sacrifice many aspects of his relationship with his wife and children.
It makes me ponder the amount of time I dedicate to my work, family, hobbies, goals, etc... Am I too lost in the "battle" that I'm missing out on a quiet moment with my wife or a game of tag with my daughters? Am I so focused on helping out a stranger that I'm causing a burden to my loved ones?
There is little chance anything I do will affect the lives of so many people, but the story of the greatest American sniper in US history certainly moves me to be a better person in the now. We never know what tomorrow may bring. Let's try harder to sacrifice all that is superfluous in order to focus on what really matters.
Stay safe. Love each other. Hug your kids, friends, and loved ones. And, thank a veteran.
It is a truly great film and has already been recognized as such within the entertainment industry.
But, I leave the film with a different feeling than being "entertained." It's not a movie I'd watch over and over again, but I'm glad I saw it.
I don't think this is a war movie. It's a biopic about a soldier. Very similar to "The Hurt Locker", "American Sniper" delves into the psyche of a unique human: one that is a natural soldier. Kyle is the man you'd want by your side in battle, but struggles to be the man you'd want by your side at home. Since this movie is about his life, there is no neatly-wrapped plot line ending with a nice bow (although the film centers around his hunt for a rival Syrian sniper). Because of this, we are left navigating the pathos of a torn soldier.
I can't help but look at myself during and after seeing a film like this. Could I do something like that? Would I be brave enough to storm into that building? Could I make it through even an hour of SEAL training?
Under the same circumstances, probably not. That makes me very grateful for soldiers and leaders like Chris Kyle. But, I also feel it is a sacrifice not all of us are required to make. While he dedicated much of his life to serving the United States, he had to sacrifice many aspects of his relationship with his wife and children.
It makes me ponder the amount of time I dedicate to my work, family, hobbies, goals, etc... Am I too lost in the "battle" that I'm missing out on a quiet moment with my wife or a game of tag with my daughters? Am I so focused on helping out a stranger that I'm causing a burden to my loved ones?
There is little chance anything I do will affect the lives of so many people, but the story of the greatest American sniper in US history certainly moves me to be a better person in the now. We never know what tomorrow may bring. Let's try harder to sacrifice all that is superfluous in order to focus on what really matters.
Stay safe. Love each other. Hug your kids, friends, and loved ones. And, thank a veteran.
Beautiful commentary. The movie had the same effect on me.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was very moving for sure. The moment of silence during the end credits was a very nice touch.
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