Ex Machina movies - Excellent, thought-provoking, fascinating

Given the large amount of television and film dedicated to A.I. I was surprised to find another film that could bring something new to the table. What we have here is a fascinating film which explores the complicated issue of artificial intelligence, and the morals and ethics attached to the idea. Expect the problems presented in this film to occupy current affairs over the next decade.

Ex Machina is a touching story, carried excellently by its two male lead characters and their robot, played with childlike wonder and tingling sexuality by Alicia Vikander.

Yes, there are plenty of other films out there which try to explore the concept of artificial intelligence, but don't be put off. This is no retread of Star Trek's Data or Arnold's Terminator from T2.
Just see it for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

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An excellent and thought provoking film.

Review :

The film moves at a good pace throughout getting to the main storyline early on. The most noticeable aspects of the film early on are the location, sets and special affects.

Though the main character, Ava, has an attractive human face it is quite clear from the rest of her body that she is indeed a machine. This is central to the role and storyline, I shall say no more as to why.

Domhnall Gleeson plays 'Caleb' and takes us through the film, leading us along the way to a conclusion that is eventually twisted at the end. Though he is very good in the role he is over shadowed by Oscar Isaac (Nathan) who created Ava, superbly played by Alicia Vikander, who over shadows them both.

I have seen that there are some exciting films being released this year but they will have to go a very long way to better this one. 

As Above so Below (2014) Very cool movie

 

I think people are hating on this movie way more than they should. Yes it is a horror film and no i was not terrified crying in the corner of the theater, but to say this movie didn't scare you it just seems like you think you're this super macho man who isn't scared of anything because you beat slender-man at 2 am in your parents basement. The hand-held camera work is still a very cool concept in my opinion and the filmmakers did an amazing job with this, primarily because they're actually in the catacombs of Paris! Let alone i thought the actors did a great job, and it was very believable and it the hand-held camera work made you feel like one of the characters experiencing the whole thing. No it was not the scariest movie of all time, no it doesn't have some deep meaning, but for the 9$ i spent to go see it, i absolutely loved it. Very cool movie in concept and it was done very well. People who hate on this movie really just don't appreciate it

Rob the Mob (2014) Extraordinary love story of two ordinary young people, with uncommon solution to common problems.

Troubled young man (Michael Pitt) with nothing going for him except love from his phenomenally loyal girlfriend (Nina Arianda), decides to do something insane,steal from the mob and be some kind of modern Robin Hood. The problem is that he does this for his and his girls well-being. For the money and long stored grudge against the mob.

I liked this movie because of loyalty and uncommon love between not so perfect people, for reminding the people of weight that the phrase "for better or worse" brings with itself. P.S. Both main actors is maybe the thing that made this movie so great for me.

Maybe my standards are low but this movie made my night exceptional.

 

The Imitation Game (2014) Ticks all the boxes

 

www.movieshared.net - I'll make my review short. Go see this. It has all the elements of a great movie from the acting to the score by Alexandre Desplat. Excellent script and delivery. It was well received at TIFF 14 where it was named People's Choice. The cast members really gelled on screen. It was well edited because the pace of the movie did not lag at any time. When watching this you will quickly realize that these actors (Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Mark Strong, Allen Leech) will be around for a long time entertaining us. If you like A Beautiful Mind or even Good Will Hunting, you will enjoy this. It comes out in November 2014. Don't miss it. This one is Oscar worthy.
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Story: During World War II, mathematician Alan Turing tries to crack the enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians.
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Whiplash (2014) Wow just wow. Easily one of the greatest films of the year

www.movieshared.net - There is so many excellent great things to say about this film. To start off I will say it may be slow and to different for some to enjoy and so that I warn you. Now I will say that I can not express the idea enough of how surprising this film is. Jk Simmons does an outstanding performance as the highly unpredictable hair trigger tempered teacher Fletcher, Miles Teller an actor who I've only seen in mediocre comedies also shines in a breakthrough performance as the ambitious drummer Andrew. The performance are outstanding and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

My favorite thing about this film is how it has created it's own one of a kind spot in the music genre of film, it's atmosphere is unlike any other as well. The idea that this film is one of a kind can't be stressed enough, I guarantee you cannot find another film out there like this. This film expresses a shockingly high intensity for a music film. I believe that Jk Simmons acting is what fueled a lot of the intensity. When you watch this film even though it's pace will seem slow to most it's intensity is impossible to miss.

I can see how a lot of certain people may find this film hard to enjoy but for me this film as slow as it is couldn't have been more intense. The mere fact that a music film shows some strong intensity like this one did is mind blowing to me. I don't know how many of you had this same experience or something similar then you already know what I'm talking about. I have a good feeling and I'm hopeful this film rakes in some acting Oscars because this film deserves at least one. I haven't read anything on this films page and I'm sure others have expressed similar opinions and all I can say is listen and trust me. I'm praying you enjoy this film and experience it's one of a kind intensity just as I did. Thanks for reading my review and enjoy.
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Premiere - Le Walking Dead: Saison 5, Episode 9 - Qu'est-il arrivé et Que se passe

www.movieshared.net - Voici cinq choses que vous devez savoir avant de regarder la première. Et si vous n'êtes pas rattrapé, arrêtez de lire maintenant!

1. Beth a disparu, mais pas oubliés
Nous avons passé une grande partie de la première moitié de la saison se demandant pourquoi Maggie semblait oublier que sa sœur avait disparu. Après disparition prématurée et malheureux de Beth pendant le commerce d'otages qui a mal tourné, on arrive à voir à quel point tout le monde est profondément effectuée par sa mort. Maggie pleure et le reste de la bande travailler ensemble pour essayer de terminer le voyage de retour de Noé, parce que ce est ce que Beth aurait voulu.

2. Ne jamais trop à l'aise avec le statu quo
Comme The Walking Dead nous a montré au cours de la mi-saison finale, ce ne est pas peur de tuer un personnage bien-aimé. L'ouverture de la saison se poursuit dans la même veine, révèle que, dans l'apocalypse zombie, personne ne est jamais complètement sûr.

3. Préparez-vous à voir des visages familiers
Sans rien gâcher, disons juste que vous devriez être prêt à voir des personnages que vous ne pensiez jamais revoir.

4. Les viscères et gore à gogo
Il sera donc pas surprenant qu'un épisode Nicotero-dirigé est plein d'effets spéciaux étonnants, mais celui-ci contient notamment plusieurs moments qui laissera votre coeur dans votre bouche et votre dîner potentiellement sur le sol. Look out pour une séquence au ralenti qui montre la chorégraphie complexe de toutes ces scènes de zombies combattre.

5. Où allons-nous partir d'ici?
La remorque pour ces huit épisodes impliquait que nos personnages se élanceront pour une nouvelle destination. La première ne nous mènera pas là, mais il ne indique que nos héros savent quel chemin ils ont besoin pour voyager.

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015) Vaughn is Let Loose

People will have interesting reactions to this film. All of Matthew Vaughn's movies have been good, and he was able to push it further with this one. I would call it an action comedy, but there is more of an emphasis on the action than the genre usually has.
There are cool POV shots, and it gets you right into the thick of it. It mixes it up with some short moments where it doesn't cut so quickly, as well as a few long takes that are particular nice. The violence and comedy has a guttural component, which a person like me really enjoys, but it will throw some off.

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The film is a throwback to old spy flicks, while at the same time being a sort of parody. It is humorous throughout. Samuel L. Jackson plays an odd megalomaniac who makes you laugh more than shiver, which goes with the tone of the movie. It is nice to see Samuel L. in the role of a bad guy. I have no doubt that many will enjoy the henchwoman, who has a different element to her. Colin Firth fits in with the particularly suave spying; and, the newcomer playing the protagonist, Taron Egerton, handles both the action and comedy well. Mark Strong is always a good actor for movies with dark humor. It is fun, however those who are sensitive may have trouble enjoying it. It is not a film for everyone, but that makes it better for others. I personally think it is Vaughn's best work.

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Cinderella (2015) the most passive, unlikable fairy-tale protagonist

The story of "Cinderella" follows the fortunes of young Ella whose merchant father remarries following the tragic death of her mother. Keen to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother Lady Tremaine and her daughters Anastasia and Drizella into the family home. But when Ella's father suddenly and unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella since she used to work in the cinders, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother's dying words and to "have courage and be kind." She will not give in to despair nor despise those who abuse her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an employee at the palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears as if her ...

 

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015) Movie review

www.movieshared.net - If cartoon series SpongeBob SquarePants maybe one among the foremost winning children's programs from the last decades. The series was in 1999 (!) Was launched and has already vie 10 seasons on the favored children's channel record player. The yellow sponge with the foremost annoying laugh from the tv history is therefore still staggeringly standard among youngsters. However, the transmitter closely that youngsters age and gain new interests. For the life preservation of the program it's additionally vital to once during a whereas to draw in a replacement generation of kids on board. A second motion-picture show once eleven years therefore offers a wonderful chance.

Judging by the poster and promotional feels like the acquainted cartoon character has undergone a significant transformation, however really, the bulk of the film remains within the same acquainted drawing form of the program. SpongeBob should be outlined as glorious burger bakeshop for man. Krabs, and organism competition concocts a series tricks to steal the key Krabby Patty direction. once the direction is suddenly gone, chaos breaks come in swimming costume Bottom and draw SpongeBob and organism resolute realize the key formula. Why nobody (restaurant owner man. Krabs including) that formula doesn't grasp his head could be a mystery.

The film raises still additional why-questions. Why the moving-picture show in 3D is discharged whereas half a two-dimensional cartoon-style animated example. Or maybe even additional pressing: what the hell to Antonio Banderas touched to should populate the live-action scenes? Since the film is aimed toward a young audience, falls square measure quite laughable performance will still be forgiven, however you marvel why associate actor of his caliber don't like a tougher role would love to venture.

Anyway, Banderas plays Captain Burger Beard. A fierce pirate United Nations agency encompasses a wizardly book that he by writing will have an effect on all events in swimming costume Bottom. This wins him the key Krabby Patty formula for his mobile eating place and it's up to the illustrious sea-faring friends to regain the direction once more. Spongebob and his mates therefore simply return onto land for a final confrontation with the villain. you'd like some viewers could feel robbed, were it not for the trendy animated scenes onto land as toe-curling and bland that you simply longs on to the cartoon.

Outside the unsuccessful trip onto land contains SpongeBob moving-picture show specifically still quite some amusing moments. rather like within the cartoon series the film doesn't take itself terribly seriously. The story jumps unendingly from one issue to a different, and each currently then there square measure a couple of amazingly fun (meta) jokes over. however once you 0.5 hours later utterly overwhelmed down by hysterical screams and banging music runs out once more, you understand that there's certainly a reason why the cartoon however twenty minutes per episode lasts. Parents, be warned.

The Wedding Ringer (2015) The best comedy in many years

 

www.movieshared.net - I enter to the movie to accompany a very depressed friend; my expectation were low and I was pleasantly surprised and will see it again with my wife because I believe it is really worth seen it at least twice. There are two kinds of comedies; the ones that make you laugh and that's it (simple escapism) and the ones that make you think. TWR belongs to this last group. Of the many comedies I saw in previous years; 50% at least were really bad; another 40% mediocre and just a few really worth remembering ; TWR belongs to this group. The main subject is so absurd that could only be real. Hart's character Jimmy is a "BEST FRIEND FOR HIRE" (some scenes show him doing speeches in different places making people laugh, smile or cry). Gad's Doug is a lonely hard working but uninteresting person ; incapable of convince any of his acquaintances to attend the wedding. The problem is that there are only two weeks left and he already created an imaginary profile of his non-existent friends. Doug finds about Jim and ask him to provide services as BF plus get another 6 more friends. The task is far from simple; but Jim take it as a challenge (and for a substantial amount of money) but explain Doug that this is a business relation; there is no real friendship here and everything is just a lie. Most of the gags are visual but still there is a lot of swearing and some gross jokes just on the lower limit of bad taste. Many funny situations occur; none of them forced. There are no scenes of Hart alone doing some silly routine just to fill time (as in many other comedies). In fact; the moments he is alone; is on serious situations and his acting is superb. There are some jokes so unexpected and savages that you will keep laughing even out of the cinema. In general; the pace is quite balanced and the ending predictable but not 100%. In any case it is the logical ending. If you think about the idea of BF for hire; is quite realistic. Children in USA schools are separated from their friends every year since PRE-K to HIGH SHOOL (apparently to avoid gangs). How could it be possible to have a "BEST FRIEND" when your only opportunity is in college or perhaps in your neighborhood (which is not always likely). So; if you do not have something that really cares for you; how do you expect somebody to take care of the pretty absurd wedding protocols like dinner rehearsals, speech preparation (or even videos), tuxedos rentals, decorations and food (even sauce) testings plus the bachelor party. This movie was written and directed by the writers (one of them) of "THE BREAK UP"; a comedy I laughed a lot but had a lot between the lines. Well this one will make you laugh even more; but the main themes are tough.

What is really a wedding ? A celebration of love or just a big farewell party for people who do not want to be alone anymore without really love involved. Why we dedicate our lives to material things and success and loss our youth years ?. In brief; this is best comedy I saw in many years; but talks about a lot of serious issues. Do not loss time and see it.

Paddington (2014) Great Fun for the Whole Family

www.movieshared.net - "Paddington" is about a young bear from Darkest Peru who goes to London looking for a new home after an earthquake destroys his old home. There he meets the Brown family who takes him in and his adventure begins.

From the trailers, I had low expectations for this movie. I only went to see it because of the positive reviews and I am glad I did. This was a really fun movie with some great performances from the likes of Hugh Bonneville (Mr. Brown), Ben Whishlaw (Paddington) and Julie Walters (Mrs. Bird) to name a few. The movie had a good and enjoyable mix of slapstick and subtle comedy. Although I found the story very predictable, I can't really fault it for that as it was still enjoyable and worked for this movie.

 

This movie is fun for both kids and adults. It's funny, heart-warming, well written and acted and I walked out entertained.

The Song (2014) Best film with a musical soul of the decade

www.movieshared.net - Raw, real, & romantic. A must see. Best film with a musical soul of the decade. Cineamatography is beautifully executed. Acting is well done. Masterful storytellung. A movie that promises to be a benchmark and set a new standard for faith based films. This one will disturb the co fortsble and comfort the disturbed. The music was like a character in the film. The musical performances were well polished and professional. Grapples real temptations of life on the road while giving an example of redemption and hope. 

 

The film is the sexy, sleek, and unsanitized. Many chrisitans may bash the film while secular audiences may likely flock to support the film. The secual chemistry between the lead actors is palatable enough to strike terror in legalistic church goers while peaking interest in the souls that have strayed from the faith. It's siren call may just be a lighthouse on the shore for those looking for a lifeline for love.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) Full HD 720p

www.movieshared.net - "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" is young Macaulay Culkin's second greatest hour in the series as Kevin McCallister, who has to learn to be a man again on the mean streets of the Big Apple after being separated from his family once more. He checks into a swank Manhattan hotel (where Donald Trump is apparently staying at too). He's pursued again by comic bad guys Harry and Marv (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), and director Chris Columbus and screenwriter John Hughes keep the action and laughs coming. Tim Curry also appears as a concierge who has to prove that Kevin is on his own, and Brenda Fricker is the pigeon lady who watches over Kevin's little shoulder. There is another tricks & traps showdown at the end, which keeps the slapstick and comic violence at an all-time high.

Blended (2014) A touching comedy

 

www.movieshared.net - The lower ratings on this film are too harsh. This is actually a sweet comedy where two individuals who initially repel each other grow to like each other. The added touches are the children in this film, who are not only hilarious but also bring out the parental qualities in Drew and Sandler's characters.

The holiday setting in this movie is also fantastic and adds a bit more quality to the film. The backing singers who appeared every now and then made me chuckle. The various activities that you find on a 5 star holiday are all here, which really makes you want to visit this resort.

Overall it was really enjoyable to watch, I would highly recommend it

Gandhi (1982) Great Man, Great Story, Great Film!

 

www.movieshared.net -  This is one that absolutely must go on everyone's "must see" list. One of the truly greatest movies ever made. For those who found it "boring" or "too long," you folks need to just stick to stuff like "Star Wars," "Terminator," "Spiderman," or perhaps reality TV would be more your cup of tea.

For those who like to actually see real human history come to life on the screen, "Gandhi" is a true masterpiece for all times. A excellent summary of one of the greatest and most interesting lives of the 20th. century!

I find it odd that aside from a fine performance in "Shindler's List," that Ben Kingsley has really been a major disappointment as an actor following his role as "Gandhi." Perhaps like George C. Scott in "Patton," he was destined to play just one truly great role as an actor. And this was it!

For those who keep mentioning that Kingsley is "English," well, yes he is, but he is also "Anglo-Indian." His father is from India. In fact his father was born in the same small sea-coast town as Mahatma Gandhi! While filming the movie in the small towns of rural India, there were those older people who actually remembered seeing the original Gandhi who collapsed in shock when they saw Kingsley in his makeup. Hundreds became convinced that he actually was the Mahatma, returned! Also interesting is that Kingsley was born just after the asassination of Gandhi. I mean that's just a tad spooky, no....?

Shooter (2007) Recipe for a fantastic, intelligent action film

 

www.movieshared.net - I came into this film with loads of skepticism, but I came out feeling completely the opposite. Shooter takes you into the life of retired Marine Scout Sniper Bob Lee Swagger, who retired after a mission went completely wrong. He is called back to give information as to how someone would be able to kill the president from over a mile away. He ends up being framed for the attempted murder of the president, and the murder of an archbishop of Ethopia, and must prove his innocence, at any cost.

Mark Wahlberg does a perfect job of portraying a detached veteran who has no respect for the government, and really brings the character to you. He is backed up by an outstanding Michael Pena and Danny Glover who add to the film like no one else could. The only real complaint is that Kate Mara's character, the widowed wife of Swagger's best friend seems to only play two emotions, distressed, or hysterical, and it does get annoying, though she plays the part well. Elias Kosteas did a good job playing Jack Payne, a borderline psychotic government agent, though at times his part seems over the top.

All in all this film blew me away and I couldn't have loved it more. Anyone who is into action movies of any kind definitely needs to see this movie.

American Hustle (2013) Hustle in to see...

 

www.movieshared.net -  American Hustle A amazingly entertaining and engaging experience. A successful (in my opinion) juxtaposition of art and entertainment. A wonderfully acted and directed film.

Full disclosure: I loved both 'The Fighter' and 'Silver Linings Play', plus the cast are some of my favourite actors working in motion pictures today. So, I went in with a bias and a high level of anticipation for this film. This can sometimes work against you as a viewer as your expectations are too higher and you are disappointed with the results.

I can say that I was not disappointed and absolutely loved the film. People take different experiences and sensibilities with them when they see movies, and mine led me to be engaged and empathetic towards the characters. Their story interested me and I came out of the cinema thoroughly enjoying myself.

My only criticism is that it felt it lacked a little something with story. After seeing the film I did read that a lot of the film was improvised and Christian Bale commented to David O'Russell that this would change the story. His response was that he cared about the characters more than the story (paraphrasing). On reflection this is evident as the characters and acting are first class.

I by no means acclaim this to be a perfect movie or the best movie ever made, but it worked for me. I loved it!

Vampire Academy (2014) Everyone's a Critic

www.movieshared.net -  I have read the books. I love Richelle Mead's books-and when I say this, I mean it. I have read every one of her books (I STILL can't believe Georgina Kincaid doesn't have her own show yet!). However, placing my love for her as an author aside, I went to see the movie with the notion that it would be terrible and cheesy (you saw the main trailer right?!). It was nothing like what was in the trailer. It was snarky, spunky and over all a good film.

HOWEVER- I'm sure you've read otherwise. I've seen the critic's reviews. I've read about how terrible (very few) people thought it was. Let me explain it a little. They have NO idea what they're talking about! (okay, that's my opinion and I don't mean to invalidate any one else's but c'mon, it's awesome!) As far as visual affects go, it's about as bad as any lower budget film. Seriously does anyone REMEMBER the first Harry Potter? Look at the last one-total difference. Budgeting can change a film completely. Which is Exactly what we will see happen when this series really takes off. If you haven't read the books, I strongly recommend talking to someone who has, they can explain things you may have missed or don't quite understand. I don't think that is a flaw in the movie either. We see films that aren't adaptations from novels and miss things, or don't have any clue what really happened until we watch it again (maybe twice?). Who hasn't watch a film again and said 'OH! I get it now'. To wrap this up I'd like to say that this movie is done really well.NO it does not EXACTLY follow every sentence in the book, but they've summarized and portrayed elements that were probably really difficult to write/act/direct. I also take comfort in the fact that the next books just get better! And I imagine that over time, the movies will get larger and larger budgets, and will get new writers and more production staff (in addition to the current ones, not replacing) in order to create the world in it's entirety for the movie audiences. It was a great film- don't knock it till you try it, at least that's what momma says ;)

Philomena (2013) Oscars just aren't good enough

 

www.movieshared.net - The most remarkable thing about Stephen Frears' remarkable film "Philomena" is just how unsentimental and just how funny it actually is. Human Interest stories, the phrase Martin Sixsmith, (played superbly here by Steve Coogan), uses to describe exactly what it is he is doing in taking on the case of Philomena Lee, usually leave me cold for the very reasons Sixsmith describes in the film. But this is no ordinary 'human interest' story but a study of goodness triumphing over evil in a very real sense for surely Philomena Lee, as portrayed here, is a truly good person and the system she found herself fighting, though hardly by choice, namely the Catholic Church in Ireland, is in this instance anyway, evil. It's a heart-wrenching story but told with a good deal of natural humour and a distinct lack of lachrymation, (though you would need to have a heart of stone or no heart at all not to be moved to tears). The director is Stephen Frears who almost takes a back seat and lets the tale tell itself. The script is by Coogan and Jeff Pope and it beautifully encapsulates the book that Sixsmith wrote about Philomena Lee's search for the son who was taken away from her by Irish nuns and sold to an American couple simply because she had given birth out of wedlock at a time when such 'sins' were considered almost unforgivable. But Philomena never displays bitterness nor does she feel hatred. It simply isn't in her nature and in the end it is she who forgives rather than feel the need to ask for forgiveness. All the performances are first-rate and in the title role Judi Dench is simply phenomenal. This could so easily have become a display of actorly histrionics but Dench underplays almost to the point of invisibility. We certainly never see Dench up there on the screen but the incredible woman she is playing. Her performance is heart-breaking but then so is the whole film. Oscars are just not good enough.

We Were Soldiers (2002) Among the best war films in recent memory

 

www.movieshared.net - `Saving Private Ryan' redefined the war genre and opened the floodgates to a new generation of war movies. It pushed the boundaries of acceptability by frankly showing war in all its grisly glory. As such it gave us a better understanding of how terrible and frightening war is. `Black Hawk Down' took the graphic violence to a new level, with an intensity that matched the beach landing of SPR, but of a duration that was almost unbearable.

`We Were Soldiers' is the latest big budget war offering from Hollywood. In many ways, I consider this to be the most complete of the three. Writer/Director Randall Wallace (who wrote "Braveheart", "Pearl Harbor" and the screenplay for this film), takes the understanding of war to the next level, by offering more than one perspective to the events. Of the three films, this film has the best workup, the best character development, and the most nuanced look at the battle. He brings all the sustained intensity of BHD in the action sequences, but introduces the NVA perspective, the wives' perspective and a far more charismatic and heroic central figure in Lt. Col. Hal Moore.

Based on real events, this film shows war as being horrendous and heartless to both sides. It expands outside the combat zone to visit the ramifications on the families as well. The scenes with the wives getting the telegrams are poignant reminders of how war reaches beyond the battlefield. Wallace's treatment grabs us on an emotional level and shocks the senses. Unlike BHD, which presented the characters in a very anonymous way, we come to know these characters and their families and identify with them.

Of course, the film lacks the hard edge that would make it starkly believable. It is after all a Hollywood production and not a documentary. However, Wallace pours enough realism into the depictions to assure that this doesn't turn into another sappy melodrama like `Pearl Harbor', which was really nothing more than a romance with a long battle scene in the middle. Wallace finds the optimal balance between engaging storytelling and the brutality of combat.

The acting is excellent. Mel Gibson offers the right combination of hard nosed officer and father figure (both to his children and his men). Gibson is steadfast and courageous without being harsh. His portrayal of Moore is so well played, so charismatic and heroic, that it is impossible to believe that such a person could actually exist.

Sam Elliot follows an outstanding performance in `The Contender' with this gem as Sergeant Major Plumley, the tough as nails warhorse who serves as Moore's non commissioned adjutant. Elliot plays the intransigent career soldier to the hilt, where nothing including life itself is more important than honor and discipline. Barry Pepper also turns in a fine performance as Joe Galloway, the photo journalist who hops on a helicopter to take pictures in the center of the battle and finds himself with a rifle in his hands fighting for his life.

This is among the best war films in recent memory and probably the best film on the Vietnam War film since `Full Metal Jacket'. I rated it a 10/10. This film is not for everyone. It contains graphic violence and disturbingly realistic battle scenes. It is a gripping and distressing film that should be required viewing for statesmen and generals alike.