Re: Act of Valor
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DMack</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Warning... this may contain some "spoiler" information for those that have not seen it. I just wanted to speak on a few things that set this movie apart for me...
I went to see this movie with a very open mind. I had not read the book yet, but it's on my short list.
There were a few things that stood out to me. First, the scene where they are moving to extract... they are in the back of the truck... two Team Members are dealing with the hostiles behind them, one TM is working on the wounded, and the other TM's are up front, driving, navigating, calling obstacles, etc... the scene where the one TM looks to the rear, sees that his other TM's are on it, dealing the hate... he was free to work on the casualty. This was VERY real to me. Knowing that you are there, in harms way, and your mates have your back. That was not lost on me.
<span style="font-weight: bold">The other part that stood out to me, was the guy that played "Senior Chief"... he delivered choppy lines, most of the movie. Until he got into the interrogation scene with Christo. Then, it flowed. Definitely "real" and his comfort zone. There were so many lines that are second nature to those who live this. "My Shit Filter is FULL"... I laughed. I've heard / said that for years.</span>
Another scene that really stood out to me, was the scene where "Chief" was slugging it out with Abu Shabal. Both are exchanging rounds, in a close quarters engagement, and "Chief" takes a few to the vest... arms... legs... etc. But, he continue to fight. He transitions to his sidearm... and fights... his sidearm locks back the slide, empty... but, he fights through it. Abu Shabal runs his AK dry... takes cover, and "Chief" goes for a mag change. The camera goes dark and light, dark and light... to simulate him almost loosing consciousness. Yet, he didn't give up. He kept trying to get the fresh magazine in the pistol, to re engage. This was VERY real to me. It's all about mindset. The will to survive, to keep going, until the lights are out.
Also, little things... like when the SEAL's would change magazines... they would yell out "Changing"... even when no one was around. It shows the level of subconscious competence that they have achieved.
Maybe I look too deeply into things... but, I thought those things were what set this movie apart.
I apologize if I inserted any spoilers for those that have not seen it... it was not my intent. I just wanted to add my thoughts...
Great job to the men who filmed this... and my hat is off to those out there on the tip of the spear, in harms way every day.
Cheers! </div></div>
I just got back from it. Powerful shit, particularly the Chief's gunfight with Shabal, as you noted. Totally believable hand hit, but he never gives up.
And the interrogation was fucking great. So look, Crisco...