Lone Survivor - 3 smiles

I finally saw “Lone Survivor,” the true story about Marcus Luttrell who was the only survivor of Operation Red Wings that resulted in a death toll of 19. The film is based on events that occurred in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Kunar province in June 2005 as related in the book co-authored by Luttrell. The movie starts out by introducing us to the four main characters, all Navy SEALs who will end up involved in a firefight against vastly superior numbers. In addition to Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg), we’re presented with mission leader Michael Murphy (Taylor Kitsch), Danny Dietz (Emile Hirsch) and Matt ‘Axe’ Axelson (Ben Foster). The overall commander of SEAL Team 10 is played by Eric Bana. The objective of Operation Red Wings is the capture or elimination of a high-value Taliban leader. Four SEALs are placed on the ground to target him. The first problem they encounter is that neither their radio equipment nor their satellite phone works with regularity, leaving them cut off when a key decision needs to be made. Then, while they’re hiding, their position is approached by three goat herders. In a compelling sequence, the SEALs must make a life-and-death decision: abide by the rules of engagement and release their unarmed prisoners or kill men they believe could be Taliban spies. In a move that has led to much soul-searching by Luttrell and second-guessing throughout the military, the SEALs release the goat herders. Less than two hours later, they are ambushed and three of them don’t survive. Even worse, a rescue helicopter is shot down, greatly increasing the death toll.

Director Peter Berg’s use of hand-held cameras proves effective in capturing the tension and chaos of the battle. The Americans suffer injuries not only because of the weapons of their attackers but because, in their retreat, they fall down steep slopes littered with rocks and other devastating debris. The film’s treatment of battle is realistic and graphic in its depiction of what happened to these men and is not for those who like their war movies sanitized. The acting is solid. Mark Wahlberg is the film’s central protagonist and he’s believable as a man who, despite taking an incredible amount of physical punishment, continues to struggle along. However, none of the other actors is given sufficient time to develop their characters, especially Eric Bana. In countless interviews, Luttrell has said that it was important to him that the book and movie pay tribute to the brotherhood of the SEALs and to honor the bravery of his comrades. “Lone Survivor” does both, but it’s a hard movie to watch. 2/3/14