The Messenger

The movie is about two soldiers who inform families that their relatives have died in Iraq. That's literally it. Wikipedia says that.the film earned.$1.5 million.for a budget of $6.5 million. I believe the grade 1.5/6.5 = 0.23 is appropriate on behalf of viewers who are not.film critics.

I keep wishing this movie would end. The story is a little too hum drum for my liking. This movie is only about relationships. The plot is limited. The main character is not very likable.

Imagine this: You're an Iraq war veteran whose day job is to inform family members of the death of their loved ones. Fortunately, you don't have to think too hard about this one. Instead, Oren Moverman's emotional masterpiece The Messenger offers a fictional portrayal of men in uniform whose job is to heal other people's emotional wounds after dealing with the death of a loved one, despite the fact these do-gooders have yet to figure out how to heal their own demons. This Academy Award-nominated film features noteworthy names such as Woody Harrelson and Steve Buscemi, among other rising stars you won't want to miss. It's a breath of fresh air to see Woody Harrelson in a role such as this one.

I am a huge fan of both Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster in just about anything they do, but they really touched me in this film. They both had stunning, eerie performances and the subtle tension and chemistry between the two of them is stunning. And Samantha Morton is fascinating to watch (I have only just recently started seeing her films and am becoming more and more of a fan). The story is so relevant to the world today. Over 4000 Americans have had to deal with the subject that this film tackles. It is a riveting film, but so very difficult to watch at the same time. (Especially if you have or have had family in the military). Ben Foster's character shows spectacular examples of humanity when you don't expect him to. These performances stick with you well after you leave the theater the feelings you have while watching this film continue to haunt you. A sobering, touching film very deserving of every award it has received.

I had great expectations as I appreciate Harrelson and Morton, but I didn't get how the connection/attraction started between the widow and the sergeant. I'm not a fan of macho behaviour and the speeding scene...urrgh! Using the nature of their journey to excuse jumping red light was a poor excuse as it would only have added on seconds. It was a promising abd difficult subject to explore, but it sounds inaccurate. I find it hard to believe that this would be a sole, daily remit for a soldier.

This is an outstanding movie. Harrelson gives, if not his best, certainly one of his most sensitive performances. He deserved his Globe, and he would have gotten my nod for the Oscar as well. Ben Foster is great in this too, and I hope to see more of his talent in the future. Samantha Morton is an off-beat, yet very believable, love interest. The ending of this film really caught me by surprise. Mainly, because it is a Harrelson film, and I was expecting something a little psychotic. All and all, this is a hard hitting film with a heart, and that is hard to pull off. Cudos to Moverman and company. I was pleasantly surprised by this movie.