An Important and Dividing Film

In the wake of the war on terror there have been many films critical of the actions of America in the Middle East. But none so far have had as fine a cast or as punchy a script as 'Lions For Lambs', which attempts to show us the deep flaws in the system, but also in the public themselves.

The film has three settings: one in Afghanistan with the impending action two soldiers are involved in, another in Washington as an experienced journalist (Streep) interviews a Senator (Cruise) about the next step in the military action in Iraq and lastly, a professor (Redford) discussing the future (and politics) with his most promising student. While this doesn't sound too thrilling remember that this film is not an action movie or even a political/thriller - it's a drama, discussing the political situation in America in 2007 through the narration of three separate stories that are intrinsically linked together by current events.

The dialogue is spot on, though at times is sometimes too perfect to be believable, but there are plenty of lines that stay with you right to the end. The performances are excellent, particularly from the three big leads and they deliver the script with gusto and obvious relish. Be warned though, as 'Lions For Lambs' is far from a balanced film, and it rams it's point home in almost every scene, setting and utterance. This may be bit much for some, especially for those that do not sit on the left side of the fence or for those who have no interest in politics, as there isn't anything extra to entertain 'the masses'. It is also firmly concerned with the American point of view, which may be a little hard to fully relate to this side of the big pond.

'Lions For Lambs' is (from a certain point of view) a moving, and intelligent discussion of modern American politics. From the other point of view it can be seen as simply left wing liberal propaganda, though likely most people in Europe won't feel that as strongly as Republicans in the US. And it must be noted that for a film like this to exist at all is a testament to the very democracy it's criticising. But it does ask a very important and uncomfortable question of all of us - if you take no stance yourself, and distance yourself from all events, then do you have the right to criticise the actions of those that make a stand?