Sunday, December 28, 2008

Body of Lies 70% B (R)

This is one of those anti-war movies which is trying to bring a message that there's just no end to terrorism war no matter how much espionage intelligence you place into the war-ridden Middle East.

This movie talks about the different war startegies used by different countries or cultures to achieve a common target, which is to stop terrorism. There are those who research from the comfort of their homes, via high tech gadgets, i.e. computers and satelite, and there are those who are on the field, gathering hard evidence with the price of their lives. According to this movie, the Jordanian intelligence preferes a more subtle and patient way by using "trust" and carefully placing people into the right communities to gather information or to perform certain duties. Also, the terrorists use the fundamental and almost untrackable word-of-mouth, religion and fear strategies.

However, the underlying message is "trust" has to be established for any partnership to work. You will notice how the terrorists "trust" their leaders with their lives and thus being able to cause so much damage to the world. (Well, those "missionary men" don't have a choice really, because if they stop believing the terrorists' agenda, they will be eliminated too.) Also, the movie reminds us that if you are in a "life-and-death" mission, please don't involve innocence such as a love one. You know how easily people can get you to do whatever they want you to do when they hit your "dead spot", i.e. by getting to your loved one first...

Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe brings life to this movie but somehow it lacks some ummpph... I would think Kingdom is a better "terrorist movie".


Storyboard: 15 of 25
Cinematography: 15 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 20 of 25
Casting: 20 of 25

Total Score : 70% B

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