American Sniper


"There are three types of people in this world: sheep, wolves, and sheepdogs. Some people prefer to believe that evil doesn't exist in the world, and if it ever darkened their doorstep, they wouldn't know how to protect themselves. Those are the sheep. Then you've got predators who use violence to prey on the weak. They're the wolves. And then there are those blessed with the gift of aggression, an overpowering need to protect the flock. These men are the rare breed who live to confront the wolf. They are the sheepdog."   - Wayne Kyle


release year: 2014
genre: action/drama
viewing setting: home Bluray 5/17/20

synopsis: Texas boy Chris Kyle grows up to be an accomplished Navy SEAL sniper as well as a husband and father.

impressions: I read this guy's autobiography right when it came out, and it was great. As was this movie about his life. Long story short, he was a guy who did what had to be done, no matter how tough it was or how crazy it seemed at the time. If you ever wanted to know what it would be like to be a sniper with an insanely difficult and emotionally-draining job, watch this movie. If you ever wanted to know what it would be like to clear a city, street by street, home by home, while surrounded by hostiles you don't even know about as well as innocent people - with no way to tell them apart - watch this movie. If you ever wanted to know what it would be like to try and have a family half a world away, amidst four separate military deployments, watch this movie. And last but not least, if you ever wanted to know the story of a true American partiot and hero, watch this movie.

acting: Bradley Cooper does a great job as a tough guy who finally starts to get worn down by the nature of his job. Sienna Miller is his wife, who's extraordinarily patient with him. There are a number of supporting characters on both sides (U.S. and enemies) and all in all, this is really well-acted and realistic.

final word: Great portrayal of a real-life soldier and hero, action-packed but also touching and insightful.

back to the main review page