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Redacted is directed by Brian De Palma, and stars Kel
O'Neill and Daniel Steward Sherman. The film uses fictional
characters/character names for obvious legal reasons, but
is based on actual events. ***
Redacted is based on actual events that have conspired
during the Iraq War, namely the Mahmudiyah Killings. United
States soldiers serving in the war raped, murdered, and
burned the body of a 14-year-old girl residing in the country
- and showed now mercy on her family either. The film takes
a look at these solders, and the malicious actions they
performed while serving their nation. ***
I'm as tired of “war in Iraq” protest movies as the
next guy, I kid you not…. ***
….Fortunately, Redacted is more than just another entry
in this growing subgenre. Over 3 decades after Brian De
Palma brought Stephen King's novel Carrie to the big screen,
he tackles radically different, real-world relevant issues.
And he does a marvelous job shedding some light on an even
uglier side of an ugly conflict. The film's theatrical release
was extremely limited and it both flopped and received negative
reviews…. So despite its excellence, it's already become
a victimized film. ***
It's nearly impossible to write a conventional review
for Redacted - when viewing a film like this and/or writing
a review for it, you are almost automatically biased by
your own personal political beliefs. This is especially
true of Iraq War issues, issues that have divided America.
***
But the real question on everyone's mind who comes
to this page will be “Is this movie worth seeing?” And unfortunately,
there is no simple answer to that question. This is a gritty,
disgusting look at an unfavorable subject - so much so that
it has caused widespread negative critical reviews and even
caused some to protest the film. I DO recommend this movie,
but set your personal political beliefs aside when you watch
it. Any bias whatsoever will unfairly and negatively influence
your opinion of the movie. ---
Image And Sound:
I received a screener copy for reviewing purposes, which
had the typical “Property of Magnolia Pictures” watermark
on screen. Additionally, many shots in the movie were grainy
and of a low image quality, however this could be deliberate
due to the subject matter and the way the film is being
shot. Naturally, none of this stuff will likely speak for
the final product. ---
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