The Hurt Locker

5 Stars

Rating: 18A
Stars: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie

Best Picture winner, not your run-of-the-mill war film.

What’s the story?
Written by journalist Mark Boal, who in 2004 was entrenched with a US bomb squad in Iraq, The Hurt Locker follows the dangerous missions of “Camp Victory,” a U.S. Army Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit. After tragedy strikes the leader of the unit, Sergeant William James (Renner) takes over and leads his team into a war zone. Some consider James an elite bomb technician, but when he begins to single-handedly disarms explosives and approaches missions like a wild man, concern from his team, especially Sergeant JT Sanborn (Mackie), begins to grow about whether he is the right person for the job.

Why see it?
The Hurt Locker is one of those movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Award-winning director Katheryn Bigelow creates one of the most realistic war films of our generation. It simply is flawless in every aspect. It has the action and intensity you expect from a war film, with a small touch of satire whilst delivering an emotional tone that will touch your heart and mind, making it deserving of its Best Picture win at this year’s Academy Awards.

Who Should Skip It?
Those who do not like loud artillery fire, and some less than reputable coarse language should skip this film.

All In all:
A powerful, yet dark picture worthy of all its kudos.