American Sniper

Ratings: 8.2/10

Film class: B

Genre: Action drama (Biography)

Based on a true story, Chris Kyle is an elite Navy Seal sniper who played a pivotal role in several anti-terrorist missions in Iraq, after the terrorist attack on World Trade Centre in 2001. 

From a Texas rodeo rider to a legendary military sniper, from a bachelor to a father of 2, Chris Kyle struggles to find peace within himself balancing both his work and family. 

American Sniper bags many stoic emotions. It's raw, dreary and heartfelt. Don't expect back to back senseless action scenes, each action scene had a purpose in drawing us into the mental world of Chris Kyles, and provides an explanation to the "degradation" of his "humanity", to briefly quote what his wife said of him. 

Well, I haven't exactly went through any wars before so I dare not say I understand how war veterans feel, I can only imagine how unnerving and unsettling it is for one to have to try to live "normally" since they're always on high alert in the war zones, that a moment of unalertness may cause them their lives. 

*spoilers ahead* I particularly liked a scene which injected a slight subtlety - at the funeral of one of his comrades, gun shots were fired and there was a frameshot of Chris and his wife which showed the differences in reactions of both of them. Chris hardly flinched (cos he was used to it) but the gunshots rattled his wife. 

*Warning, major spoilers ahead* Other scenes of his change in psyche were more in your face but the final showdown scene with the Iraqian elite sniper was one of the most unconventional. I had expected an intense battle of wits between both of them, but it was more one sided. Yet, it was in no way disappointing. We as audiences were able to see what he saw through the sniper scope - nothing. And yet, he was able to spot his prey. The slow-mo scene was out of place, but it did achieve its purpose - to prolong the coolness of the long awaited showdown. 

I only came to know that it was based on a true story because of the live footages shown during the ending credits. Not sure why but I recall seeing the scenes somewhere before, but am unable to find any previous filmography. Well, it did add empathetic points to my ratings but it's definitely one of those true story war movies that will stick. Well directed, well acted, American Sniper was on target for many elements of a great movie.