Basically 3 stories rolled into one. The interaction between Streep's journalist and Cruise's senator is superbly tense and realistic as they side step each other in a political dance. Meanwhile, Redford grills a lazy student, challenging him to think about his future. The 3rd story revolves around 2 talented students who decide to do something about the world by signing up for a dangerous mission in Afghanistan. A tense and heart rending story, but I did feel a bit cheated at the end as there were so many unresolved questions. It almost felt like an unfinished film! Definitely worth watching if you like political thrillers.
The slating this film received by mainstream critics hardly surprises me- the only thing that might have made it worse would have been if the director was Arabic. However the director was Robert Redford who is not exactly known for his John Wayne political views so I suppose that was the second worse thing. Having said that the film tries very hard to sit on the fence- if it doesn't quite manage this that possibly tells you more about the issue at stake & the rights & wrongs rather than the bias offered by the director or writers.
Criticisms? - it is very theatrical & also far too short. One can also grasp at straws like how soldiers can fall 30 meters out of an aircraft & survive. Simplistic? Can any film dealing with the most difficult issues currently facing the West NOT be to some extent?
BUT- gripping, thoughtful,intelligent,splendidly acted.... all the qualities not allowed in current day cinema. Forget anything you've heard or read about it- SEE IT!
now,great cast,but one feels they where attracted by redford the director,not the script.
convoluted and quite complexed film,great idea and story,but never realy grab one,the characters real
,but only 'streeps' was fully 'exposed'and as such held your attention.
understand didnt do well in usa,they are 'raw'and wouldnt except ,but a film well worth watching and at under 89mins tight and slick.