I’ve recently been watching a lot of military films. Got this girly-mate who is in the Navy and what she tells me every day just makes me jealous. The life she leads there doesn’t sound exciting, but it is interesting. Given my day job working at an office where I input data all fucking day, believe me, her world is a magical Narnia kingdom that I’ll never get to see. This film slipped my radar, which is unfortunate, considering it is Alan Rickman’s last film. This is a very political movie, showing that war is more than just combat. What I like is that while it asks hard questions, and there is a clear side that the film is on in the ethics of it all, it at least didn’t shy away from the hard questions. It does let you come to your own decision. Let’s talk about it.
We have Helen Mirren as Col. Katherine Powell, working on a joint task force with British and American military to capture known terrorists before they can be involved in a plot. However, when they travel beyond where they can realistically capture them, and their only option is to eliminate them, it becomes a political mess. Especially when a civilian becomes involved.
This film had a lot of great performances all around. Helen Mirren REALLY stole the show for me. This woman is a powerhouse actress, and nowhere was that more on display than here. Her dedication to her task, needing to see the mission done, and how she quickly grew tired of the politics was just great. Next up, we have the late Alan Rickman as the General in charge of the mission on the military side. He is similarly tired of the politics, but is dedicated to his duty in the utmost, so he will not act without his orders. The various members of the British government are all pretty great as well.
Finally, we have Aaron Paul as the US Air Forces drone pilot, and the woman he was paired up with. It is such a shame that Paul’s talent in movies is wasted on a lot of crap, because we see stuff like this and it’s clear that he can put in a great performance. It isn’t stupendously amazing, but he makes you feel for this character. I can sympathize with how ugly a situation it is. To be stuck between his morals and his duty. The scene where he stands tall to Mirren’s character is just phenomenal. The tension in that scene is bananas!
But what really sets this film apart is how it takes an uncompromising look at the politics of war without sounding especially preachy. You actually do understand where people are coming from. There is the woman who is part of British political side who doesn’t want the blood of a child thrown at the feet of Britain. You have the others who all seem toothless and refuse to act without someone above them covering their ass. There is also a great bit where you have a contrast between American and British military and political ideologies. The depth they go into here is pretty good stuff.
As I said, the film definitely does have a side that they chose, but it isn’t rubbing your nose in it. They leave on it, but have the story end in such a way that you as the audience have to make your own choice. As for me, I’m with Mirren and Rickman’s characters. The loss of an innocent child is horrible. I totally understand. But when you see all of the terrorism, especially in the UK and EU, the idea of not taking action is even worse. I felt myself getting worked up with the characters as they demanded the right to take action, but seeing the aftermath reminded me why it’s never easy. And it shouldn’t be easy. If it ever comes to that, we’re doomed as species.
Military stuff fascinates me on a lot of levels. It’s a whole other world that I can never be a part of because of my head injury. If WWIII ever comes to pass, I can’t be drafted. That reality, that world and all of the rules, regulations, and intrigue that come with it is beyond me. That genuinely bums me out. Not just me. Got a girly-mate who always wanted to be a fighter jockey, but she lost her ability to speak, so that means she is out as well.
All things considered, this is a really good movie. Not a great movie, but really, really good. If you like a movie about the politics of war that doesn’t just suck the military’s cock, I would recommend checking it out.
Final Verdict
8 out of 10
Peace out,
Maverick
