The Hurt Locker- Film Synopsis

The Hurt Locker (Kathryn Bigelow, 2008) is an award winning war thriller film that- with some flashbacks- realistically depicts life on the field in Iraq for an American bomb squad. Within it's circular structure, the film first establishes the harsh, unaccommodating nature of their environment, then zooms in on the responses of each soldier and how they (struggle to) cope in their own individual ways. From the very beginning, a sense of normality is portrayed through the unspoken idea that being a soldier is an every-day 9-to-5 sort of job; an idea that comes across through witty banter and an almost laid-back energy level. On the other hand, there is also a constant sense of impending chaos that follows the soldiers whenever they go on a mission. Despite this, there does not seem to be a distinct climax in the film, which helps to reinforce the concept that it is a realistic depiction of war, and not a stylized one. The film has had mixed reviews, but mostly a positive response, receiving widespread acclaim and six academy awards, including best picture.

Entertainment Weekly-Lisa Schwarzbaum

"The result is an intense, action-driven war pic, a muscular, efficient standout that simultaneously conveys the feeling of combat from within as well as what it looks like on the ground." -Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

"Undercover Indies: Kathryn Bigelow’s ‘The Hurt Locker’ Blows Up Awards-Season Expectations" - Film Independent

After The Hurt Locker (which is without question the most exciting and least ideological movie yet made about the war in Iraq), everyone will remember Renner's name. -Dana Stevens, Slate