This is an EXCELLENT Movie! My Rating = 10+
Can a boy do the work of a man? If so, why should he?
I have supplied two clues herein, can you guess the answer?
If you are a True Patriot, and a True American, then
ACT on my closing paragraph - THEY DESERVE IT!
“In The Valley of Elah”
Movie Review by Tom Hyland
© - 6/24/2008
This excellent movie is done in the form of a Documentary, and portrays some of the basics of a true -life story. In the Special Features section, the parents of the real soldier who was murdered give their highly emotional reactions to what had happened to their own flesh and blood son, Richard. Parts of this film are very graphic, or gory, and are not for the “faint-at-heart.” It is almost beyond comprehension that any human being could be desecrated so heinously and harshly.
The intrigue and constant interplay between the Military and Civilian investigative personnel is quite gripping, to say the least. Jurisdiction, as in most real-life situations, makes one question why there is such outright separation, rather than cooperation to achieve a prompt and accurate solving of any crime.
Tommy Lee Jones, who plays the father of this soldier, believed to have gone AWOL - Absent Without Leave - presents us with one of the most moving roles he has ever played - and he has played Many! Charlize Theron, as the persistent Homicide Detective also performs in an exemplary fashion. Susan Sarandon, as the Mother and Wife of a Military Family is also extremely convincing, and evokes an empathy that you will not soon forget.
The Title itself is really, very creative - as most of us have no clue as to What or Where this Valley is. The method in which this cryptic title is revealed through a “bed-time” story is also very significant.
Rather than spoil your surprise, this fact will not be divulged herein. When you do watch this film - a TEN PLUS - be prepared to be somewhat shocked. Truth IS STRANGER than Fiction!
This film has drawn National attention to a major problem of our Troops, returning home from the Atrocities of War - PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder! THIS - my fellow Americans will not just “go away” - nor will it be “swept under the rug” as has previously been attempted!
Pasted from NETFLIX -
“When exemplary soldier Mike Deerfield (Jonathan Tucker) goes missing after returning from Iraq, his concerned parents, Hank (Tommy Lee Jones, in an Oscar-nominated role) -- a career officer -- and Joan (Susan Sarandon), hire crack police Detective Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron) to investigate.
Director Paul Haggis based the script on actual events reported in Mark Boal's Playboy magazine article.
James Franco, Josh Brolin and Jason Patric co-star.”
“WAR IS HELL” - And its AFTERMATH will HAUNT Tens of Thousands of our Sons and Daughters for many years to come.
You want to SUPPORT OUR TROOPS?
Then - constantly and endlessly, BADGER both our Civilian and Military Leaders, especially The VETERANS Administration, to HELP EACH AND EVERY RETURNING HERO - AND THEIR FAMILIES - with not only Medical Care, but also with the desperately needed Psychological, Emotional, and Financial HELP!
“SEMPER FIDELIS!” THEY ALWAYS WERE !
CAN WE BE ALSO?
A small stone, or rock, can be powerful, especially when wielded by MILLIONS!
© - TKH - 6/24/08
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As for the V.A., having worked there far too long, I can tell you that our leaders today care very little what we think.
And I leave you with this thought: In 1800, there were only about 5 million American citizens, so our leaders listened when we had something to say. Today, we are approaching 305 million! Same number of leaders, far more citizens, so they care little what even several million of us have to say. If we could get about 100 million people to sign petitions, they might sit up and notice - but, alas, it's hard to even get 100,000.