Rent The Messenger (2009)
3.6 of 5 from 72 ratings
1h 53min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
"The Messenger" is a timeless story that examines universal themes of redemption, hope and the resilience of the human spirit. Feature follows two officers (Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson) faced with the unenviable task of notifying the loved ones of fallen soldiers. The two men form an unlikely bond that is threatened when one of the officers finds himself drawn to a young widow (Samantha Morton), setting off an ethical dilemma that plays out in touching and surprising ways. The film is a deeply moving tale about the complex and unexpected ways that people reach out to and gain strength from each other, offering a unique and inspiring vision that deftly balances strong emotion with humour, compassion and empathy. - Actors:
- Ben Foster, Samantha Morton, Woody Harrelson, Jena Malone, Eamonn Walker, Yaya DaCosta, Portia, Lisa Joyce, Steve Buscemi, Peter Francis James, Paul Diomede, Jahmir Duran-Abreau, Gaius Charles, Brendan Sexton III, Brian Adam DeJesus, T.J. Allen, Halley Feiffer, Peter Friedman, Jeremy Strong, Fiona Dourif
- Directors:
- Oren Moverman
- Producers:
- Mark Gordon, Lawrence Inglee, Zach Miller
- Writers:
- Alessandro Camon, Oren Moverman
- Studio:
- Universal Pictures
- Genres:
- Drama
- Awards:
- BBFC:
- Release Date:
- 17/10/2011
- Run Time:
- 118 minutes
- Languages:
- English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Spanish
- Subtitles:
- English Hard of Hearing
- DVD Regions:
- Region 2
- Formats:
- Pal
- Aspect Ratio:
- Widescreen 2.35:1
- Colour:
- Colour
- BLU-RAY Regions:
- B
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Reviews (1) of The Messenger
The death of a next of kin - The Messenger review by JD
Messenger refers to the bearing of the news to next of kin of soldiers who have died. The moment of grief is portrayed well with different reactions (anger, grief and indifference). This part is intense and fascinating. The slower part is of the apprenticeship of a young soldier into the role, which was not done so well. The attachment of the apprentice to a widow provides a deep ethical question, which the film leaves unanswered. I didn't rate the acting much and it was a bit too stars and stripes for my taste. The plot is however great although should have been shortened from 118 min to about 60.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.