Today’s quick review: Lone Survivor. Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg), Michael Murphy (Taylor Kitsch), Danny Dietz (Emile Hirsch), and Matt Axelson (Ben Foster) are sent to a remote village in Afghanistan in search of a high-value Taliban target. But when the operation is compromised, Marcus and his men are surrounded by Taliban gunmen and forced to fight their way down a mountain in the face of overwhelming odds.
Lone Survivor is a war drama that tells the true story of a team of Navy SEALs struggling to survive in Taliban-controlled territory after a mission gone wrong. Luttrell, Murphy, Dietz, and Axelson sustain massive injuries in their push to get off the mountain, but their SEAL training and devotion to one another keep them fighting to the very end. Brutal combat, realistic characters, and a focused plot make Lone Survivor a powerful tale of survival.
Lone Survivor presents its events with a mixture of frankness and reverence. The wistful soundtrack and the courage on display are clear tributes to the men involved in the incident, while the bloody and frantic action captures the desperation of a situation going from bad to worse. The movie manages to find a good balance between sentiment and action. The result is a captivating watch with plenty of raw action and a strong emotional payoff.
Lone Survivor is a solid pick for anyone interested in a remarkable story about grit, brotherhood, and determination. The scope of the story will feel narrow to some viewers, and not everyone will appreciate its reverential tone. But for most viewers, Lone Survivor makes for a tense and rewarding movie that does an excellent job of portraying its subject matter. Those looking for action with more escapism should steer clear.
For a similarly desperate escape from enemy territory, try Black Hawk Down. For another true story about modern warfare, try American Sniper. For a fictional action movie about Navy SEALs, try Act of Valor.
7.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for solid presentation of an impressive story.