Starring: Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford
Directed by: Robert Redford
(15), 92 mins, 2007, USA
9 November, 2007
What's the story?
Two stories are told on either side of the USA, one about politics and power and the other about sacrifice and responsibility, both connected by two soldiers on the front line of the war in Afghanistan.
What's to like?
The main actors all pull significant weight here, and it's great watching Tom Cruise as Presidential hopeful Senator Jasper Irving being interviewed by the resolute journalist Janine Roth (Streep). Robert Redford's wise Professor Malley is also a treat to watch although I can never remember any of my teachers being quite so chummy.
What's not to like?
The two foot soldiers on the frontline of the war, who act as the glue between stories, become a bit sickening towards the end with their ‘band of brothers' mentality.
Verdict
If you fancy watching an in-your-face political exposé on the mucky side of American politics à la Michael Moore then steer clear. If, on the other hand, you like balanced and well thought out arguments from both sides and a subtle conclusion then definitely worth a gander.
4/5
