STOP-LOSSStarring:Ryan PhillippeChanning TatumJoseph Gordon- LevittAbbie Cornish
Rated: R
Directed by:Kimberly Pierce
Tagline: The bravest place to stand is by each other's side.
Erin's rating: 3 stars out of 4
Richard Roeper's rating:2½ stars out of 4
rottentomatoes:64 percent fresh
*Review contains spoilers
Freedom and brotherhood are the key ingredients to "Stop-Loss," the newest film to focus on the much visited subject of the Iraq war.
"Stop-Loss," directed by Kimberly Pierce, is a realistic and heart-felt story of how one soldier and squad leader returns home after serving in Iraq for five years, only to find out on his release date that he has been issued a stop-loss.
For those who may not know what a stop-loss is, let me fill you in.
A stop-loss is a policy for current active-duty soldiers, which allows the Army to send back those soldiers who are done with their tour if they feel there is a shortage of soldiers to replenish the troops.
Ryan Phillippe plays Brandon King, a soldier eagerly waiting for his release from the Army.
When he is finally sent home, he manages to earn a purple heart and a bronze star to commemorate his courage and commitment.
He had a lot to look forward to, but the Army had different plans in store for him and his future.
While getting his leave papers signed, he is informed that he has 30 days before he is going to be shipped back to Iraq.
He already feels guilty for the deaths of his fallen comrades and, to make matters worse, he is ordered to return to the very place where those nightmares now conquer his thoughts and memories.
Determined to relive his past, Phillippe goes on a mission to get what is rightfully his; freedom from the war.
Phillippe shares the screen with Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon- Levitt, who play fellow friends and soldiers.
The chemistry between these leading men truly makes this film. Together, they show the importance of brotherhood and friendship.
The film radiates emotion, and the audience gets a clear understanding of the struggles faced by soldiers trying to readapt to "normal life."
There are very few movies that have left me in tears, which I mean in a positive manner.
Phillippe does an amazing job portraying his character, and the difference between right and wrong.
"Stop-Loss" shows that sometimes commitment and honesty are not always honored towards the men and women who devote their lives to keeping America safe.
According to IMDB.com, since September 11, 2001, more that 100 films have been made about the war in Iraq.
Although "Stop-Loss" may seem like just another war movie, it gave me a new appreciation for soldiers everywhere. t&c;
