Wednesday, December 16, 2009
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Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Best Film Of 2009
By Omar P.L. Moore/PopcornReel.com
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
oneTHE MESSENGER
2009
Oscilloscope Films
Oren Moverman's feature-film directing debut is an unforgettable look at two
U.S. military personnel who have the grim job of reading the words, "we
regretfully inform you" to the American military families who know what's
coming. Woody Harrelson (above), in his best work on the big screen,
chaperones and schools a new recruit (Ben Foster) to this distressing line of
work. There are rules: you do not touch the n.o.k. (next of kin.)
When lines and boundaries are crossed lives are complicated forever. Ben
Foster is excellent in acting that is so smart, compelling and compassionate
that you'll never look at him on screen the same way. "The Messenger" is
honest, mature and doesn't appear to have a manipulative bone in its body.
It also doesn't hurt that Mr. Moverman's direction and dialogue are first-class.
An adult and sensible film about grief, grace and the power to change, "The
Messenger" -- not to be confused with Leeni Linna's same-titled 2009 documentary
-- was not only the best film of 2009 but arguably the year's most important
American film, especially in light of the continuing and mostly unknown
sacrifices of military families across the U.S. and the endless tragedies still
occurring in Iraq and Afghanistan (and last month's despair at Fort Hood in
Texas.)
In Mr. Moverman's film a male environment where testosterone is always the order
of the day collides with what is often thought of as a female capacity for
introspection and catharsis. With a solid performance from Samantha
Morton, "The Messenger" is a film you'll immediately want to see again.
Absolutely riveting.
U.S. Distributor: Oscilloscope Films. Initial release date: November
13. Starring Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson, Samantha Morton, Jena Malone,
Eammon Walker, Yaya DaCosta.
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