95 out of 97 people found the following review helpful:

An Important and Dividing Film

Vivacia from , 8th February, 2008

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?

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27 out of 27 people found the following review helpful:

Oh dear, what went wrong?

A Customer from Glasgow, Scotland, 9th November, 2007

A well intended film, looking at important issues of the day: The war in Afghanistan (and Iraq), news reporting, personal commitment to ideals, ... But despite the top stars, the acting is very, very wooden, the scenes in Afghanistan were obviously shot in a studio, and the script is too polished to be convincing. The film feels like a low budget stage play production ... shame!

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23 out of 24 people found the following review helpful:

Could have been better

A Customer from Aldershot, 12th November, 2007

Such a shame that a great cast worked together to produce a film that doesn't really work at any level. It seems that it was produced very much with the American market in mind and comes across as too simplistic and even patronising to the audience. I did sit through the whole film which improves as it goes on, several people walked out after the first 30 minutes though. Wouldn't recommend it.

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14 out of 14 people found the following review helpful:

Thought Provoking, but.....

A Customer from SW London, 15th November, 2007

Like a previous reviewer said, it was a good film, with a good intention behind it but something was missing. It's hard to say what exactly especially since the actors were all top notch. Top performances from Meryl Streep as the seasoned journalist and Robert Redford as the University Professor.One can look at this film and subject matter and feel patronised, and even feel preached to about current affairs, BUT I did walk away after the movie ended giving what I had just seen, some thought. It's and insightful film that different viewers can take away different opinions of what they thought of the film. It is more of a thinking man/woman's film, and not for someone who likes to see action throughout! One thing I would definitely improve about the film is the end: a massive anti climax, which was a shame !

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Very slick

A Customer from Exeter, England, 15th March, 2010

what a cool film, it was centred around 3 groups of people, the way it was produced was slick and made great watchikng, all the cast were fantastic watch this film!

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puzzled

muski from , 26th February, 2010

this film has a good cast and started off well despite swapping and changing. robert redford was excellant as a college proffesor talking to his student. went off to war with the usual outcome. meryl as a reporter became disturbed and hey presto the film ended leaving you wondering when the next chapter would be a very poor and early ending with the film not complete

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Provocative but not entertaining!

A Customer from London, 24th February, 2010

I think most people borrow films to relax in front of the tv. The story doesn't have to be true. This film on the other hand is really a documentary drama and is not entertaining in any way. People of all political pursuation will have a lot to grind about. For me, if I need a political analysis or reading, I am sure this will not be one of them. I need my dvds to be entaintaining - I have enough politics in life already.

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Lions For Lambs

Soundchaseruk from , 31st December, 2009

I wasn't sure what to expect from this film as I had not selected it (my wife did). I watched it wondering where it was going and what the link up was within the three scenaries. Redford was obviously wanting to make his personal point about the 'war' in Afghanistan but when the film suddenly finished I was left feeling quite empty. Ok its not an action film, but I only found it mildly interesting, and one that i shall remember.

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