Recently I went to the cinema to see Lone Survivor starring Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch and Ben Foster. Usually before going to see a film I research it or at least watch the trailer, with this film on the other hand, I did not, so going into the theatre I had no clue what I was going to see. To say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement, as Lone Survivor is now in my top ten favourite films of all time, which is a very prestigious list let me tell you.
(Taylor Kitsch, Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster and Emile Hirsch)
The main reason as to why I have such a great love for this film is the realness you feel whilst watching it, the gut wrenching pain and anger you feel on behalf of the Navy Seals. This film isn't like most war films with mindless gun shooting and explosions, although there is lots of it, Lone Survivor shows you the grittier detail, just how much troops have to endure to survive and the conditions they battle through in the name of their country. You hear of soldiers dying every day but they're just nameless strangers, forgotten about as soon as the next piece of news comes on. This film makes you sit up and realise that these are real people with families and lives who leave behind broken hearted mothers and wives.
(Marcus Luttrell and his "brothers")
What made this film even more emotional and effective is the fact that it's based on a true story, that men as young as 17/18 are going through situations like this day in and day out to protect innocent people against the Taliban. The men who died in Operation Red Wings were brave and valiant and every single one of them are my heroes. 19 soliders died in the operation and one survived, Marcus Luttrell, who is played by Mark Wahlberg. Reading up on the details of the mission and the cold hard facts really blows my mind, these men went through hell and back. Though it is not mentioned in the movie Luttrell was personally awarded the Navy Cross by President George W. Bush.
Another important message the film gives is that not all the citizens of Afghanistan are part of the Taliban. Mohammad Gulab who helps Luttrell and gives him refuge is an honourable man and one of the many struggling against the violent Taliban in their hometowns. Without Gulab, Marcus Luttrell would have probably died in the woods or have been found by the Taliban and killed.
I highly recommend this film to anyone, no matter what genre is your favourite or if you've hated war movies in the past, this is a film you need to watch, these men deserve some recognition for the outstanding service to their country.
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