We Could Be Heroes, Just For One Day.

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.

Life Is But A Dream.

I've just finished watching Béyonce's latest documentary, Life Is But A Dream. I have so much respect for this woman and her outlook and opinions on life, I admire her as not just an incredible artist with a God given talent but also a human. Watching this has just strengthened my respect and admiration.

It's very touching to see her stripped back, talking about her emotions and thoughts quietly, as if she was talking to herself. I think we should be very grateful to her for allowing us to witness this. I've learnt a few things from Béyonce whilst watching this, I've learnt that even the most wealthiest people in the world go through day to day struggles in life, as she did with her Dad. I've learnt that life really is just about happiness and about being true and honest to yourself. I've also learnt to value the people in my life and that girl power really does exist. Below are some of my favourite bits of the documentary.

And in the last 10 minutes, we are introduced to Blue Ivy. The love Béyonce has for her daughter is fierce and it really shows. I think that this was an amazing piece of film and that everyone should watch it, even if you aren't draw to Béyonce musically, you'll definitely admire the person that she is.

Les Misérables.

Last night, I went to see Les Misérables with most of the cast of West Side Story. I've never really looked into it before, so I didn't know the plot, just that it was set in Revolutionary France. I didn't have any expectations for it, as I had never seen the stage version and had nothing to compare it to, but even if I could of had expectations, they all would have been surpassed. Saying this film was amazing is an understatement, a diservice almost.

I love musicals, but this wasn't just a musical like Grease or Annie, this was a piece of art. Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway in Act One were just breathtaking, not only did they sing, and sing beautifully, they acted while doing it, putting all of their raw emotion into the film. It was quite moving really. I'm not going to get into the story too much just in case anyone reading this hasn't seen it yet, and if you haven't, you must, you really must.

The picture above has the lyrics of one of my favourite songs from the score, although, truth be told I loved every single one of them. I don't think I've ever been so moved watching a film, not even watching Forrest Gump. So many moments in the film broke my heart and a tip when going to see this would be to not wear much or any eye make up, it will be halfway down your face at the end I guarantee it. The end scene was just beautiful and that's all I have to say really, it was the first film I've seen in 2013 but I'm sure it'll be one of the best by far.