American Sniper

— “American Sniper” surprised me. Admittedly, I like most of the films Clint Eastwood directs, but this is almost on a par with his best. No matter what anyone says, this isn’t a political statement or patriotic propaganda. It’s what Eastwood does best—focusing on the inner struggles of a character. Bradley Cooper deserves his Oscar nomination for this subtle unfolding of his struggle with the realities of war. Cooper’s character isn’t whitewashed or glorified. He’s there with all his flaws, pushing any anguish and doubt about killing into the farthest recesses of his mind for a greater good, and then having to find redemption and a way back. This is a powerful film and a very troubling one. It is certainly among the better films of the year and well worth seeing.

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[2014. 132 min. Directed by Clint Eastwood. Starring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, and Kyle Gallner.]
http://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/American-Sniper-review-A-sly-war-film-from-6016035.php /41808