Review: Lone Survivor

by Joe Moss
★★★

Explosive. Emotional. Unnerving. Even though the war efforts in the Middle East and Afghanistan have now been stretching upwards of 13 years, most people cannot turn away from a great action movie based in reality. Peter Berg's latest film, "Lone Survivor", is a harrowing snapshot of a three day mission gone awry. This mission centers around one Navy SEAL team sent to extract a Taliban leader, Shah, from the depths of the mountains in Northern Afghanistan.

Marcus Lutrell (Mark Walhberg) is part of an elite Navy SEAL team that is based out of Bagram Air Base. His 'band of brothers' includes Micheal Murphy (Taylor Kitsch), Danny Dietz (Emile Hirsch) and Matt "Axe" Axelson (Ben Foster)--all lead by the dynamic Commander Kristensen (Eric Bana).The playful camaraderie from this group is evident from the onset of the film as Danny and Mike wake early to have a race through the Air Base simply for bragging rights...and to see who's head will be shaved.

The team is activated for Operation Redwing earlier than expected, when Commander Kristensen receives intel pointing toward a desired Taliban leader in the region--one who is responsible for the recent death of 20 Marines. The guys are pre-oped in the early morning hours, and dropped in a remote location 4 hours from "Schlitz Malt Liquor"--aka the reconnaissance point nearest the insurgent. Once the team arrives at the final waypoint, communications with the command post are lost due to the rough terrain. As the SEALs lay low waiting for night to fall, a heard of goats and their herders stumbles across the team, and the quiet "grab op" turns into the proverbial 'Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.'

Based on the best-selling book of the same name by the 'lone survivor' himself, Marcus Luttrell, the screenplay is a perfect adaptation of the book. Luttrell worked with Peter Berg (who wrote the screenplay as well as directed the film) to ensure that the film was as accurate as possible to honor the memory of his fallen brothers--to whom the film is dedicated. The screenplay is filled with such a wide range of emotions that is it impossible for the audience not to feel every bullet, every detonation, and every ounce of blood lost. Even though everyone knows what is to happen (the the title alludes), you will easily finding yourself rooting for the underdogs in the battle.

Mark Wahlberg does not disappoint as the lead character of the film. His cool demeanor and level-headedness play off of the brashness of Ben Foster's portrayal of Axe. It is obvious that Mike and Marcus have a deep connection and understanding of how the other thinks during times of high stress operations, and Mark Wahlberg and Taylor Kitsch have the same on-screen chemistry. They maintain and follow the military code of conduct expected of all domestic militia. As they film progresses, each of the team members strengths are shown; as well, each of their memories are honored.

The cinematography by Tobias Schliessler ("Battleship", "Dreamgirls") is absolutely fantastic. Even through the numerous battle sequences, the audience is able to appreciate the beauty of the local countryside--a nice reminder of WHY the war on terror continues. A reminder WHY these brave soldiers continue to risk their lives. Democracy and conservation of the freedoms that we take for granted. As well, the sound technicians and the sound mixing departments we phenomenal. This allowed the editing of the film by Colby Parker ("Battleship", "The Kingdom") to perform his job flawlessly.

A great film that reminds all of us to thank our Military for the hard work they perform for often low compensation. Go see "Lone Survivor" if you wish to be transported to the same frame of mind as was seen in other outstanding Hollywood productions of late--"The Hurt Locker", "Zero Dark Thirty" and "Jarhead."