Directed by Jim Sheridan. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman, Tobey Maguire, Sam Shepard, Bailee Madison, Taylor Geare, Mare Winningham, Clifton Collins Jr., Patrick Flueger, Ethan Suplee, Arron Shiver, Ray Prewitt, Jenny Wade. (R)
Harsh but reasonably compelling drama about desolation, jealousy, unbearable guilt, loneliness, the psychological scars of war (so, not quite the feel-good film of the year). US Marine captain Maguire has a loving wife (Portman) and two precocious daughters (Madison, Geare), as well as a ne'er-do-well brother (Gyllenhaal) who just finished a prison stint for armed robbery. During a tour of duty in Afghanistan, Maguire's helicopter is shot down and he's presumed dead; while trying to provide aid and comfort, Gyllenhaal grows close (very close) to the family. Director Sheridan, working from a script by David Benioff, faithfully remakes the Danish film of the same name, but gives it a little too much gloss; although providing a respite from the gloom, "lighter" scenes (often featuring the little girls or Gyllenhaal's handymen buddies) are shoehorned clumsily. The lead performances are all on point, with Maguire's sheltered darkness magnifying his harrowing pain; as the gruff father openly showing favoritism among his boys, Sam Shepard plays the Sam Shepard role. Carey Mulligan has a bit part as a soldier's wife.
70/100
Harsh but reasonably compelling drama about desolation, jealousy, unbearable guilt, loneliness, the psychological scars of war (so, not quite the feel-good film of the year). US Marine captain Maguire has a loving wife (Portman) and two precocious daughters (Madison, Geare), as well as a ne'er-do-well brother (Gyllenhaal) who just finished a prison stint for armed robbery. During a tour of duty in Afghanistan, Maguire's helicopter is shot down and he's presumed dead; while trying to provide aid and comfort, Gyllenhaal grows close (very close) to the family. Director Sheridan, working from a script by David Benioff, faithfully remakes the Danish film of the same name, but gives it a little too much gloss; although providing a respite from the gloom, "lighter" scenes (often featuring the little girls or Gyllenhaal's handymen buddies) are shoehorned clumsily. The lead performances are all on point, with Maguire's sheltered darkness magnifying his harrowing pain; as the gruff father openly showing favoritism among his boys, Sam Shepard plays the Sam Shepard role. Carey Mulligan has a bit part as a soldier's wife.
70/100