“Green Zone” is a thought provoking war movie with action, drama and political intrigue. The film’s objective is to make the audience think about why we really went to war? Watching the thriller, we’re presented with various conspiracy theories regarding our government’s involvement and what really could have provoked the war in Iraq. Did we go to war for our own benefit, and looking for war-glorification?
The film was inspired by the 2006 non-fiction book Imperial Life in the Emerald City, by journalist Rajiv Chandrasekaran which documented life in the Green Zone, Baghdad. Also, what makes some of the scenes so intense, accurate and realistic is that the cast includes dozens of real soldiers recently back from Iraq and Afghanistan adding true authenticity to the dialogue and action scenes.
Certainly we have no idea what really happened in Iraq, but this movie and its plot seem plausible.
It’s hard to believe they were able to make the movie look so real as it was actually filmed in Spain and Morocco. And I just couldn’t finish the review without mentioning actor Khalid Abdalla for his great performance as “Freddy”, portraying a proud, injured, patriotic ex-soldier in the movie where he becomes Roy Miller’s (Matt Damon) translator. Ironically, Freddy has his own frustrations along with Roy about the war in his country. I thought the authenticity was amazing and well matched between both actors as Freddy showed sincerity, honesty and affection for his homeland while Roy, a patriotic US soldier, felt that he was being lead on a wild goose chase while the truth of his mission’s purpose was eluding him.
Green Zone may not be totally appreciated by the entire audience because of its perspective towards the Iraq war. Nonetheless, for those who like action movies with intelligence, suspense and intrigue, it’s a movie not be missed. It was excellent and very well directed.
Green Zone Details
Length: 115 min
Rated: R
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Release Date: 2010-03-12
Starring: Matt Damon, Greg Kinnear, Amy Ryan, Brendan Gleeson, Jason Isaacs, Khalid Abdalla
Directed by Paul Greengrass
Produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lloyd Levin
Screenplay: Brian Helgeland, inspired by ‘Imperial Life in the Emerald City’ by Rajiv Chandrasekaran
Music: John Powell
PS: For your consideration: 1.5 million dead Iraqis, over 31’000 US military deaths and 100’000 wounded, and 18 suicides per day.
Great review, as usual.
It’s certainly a intelligent and interesting intense movie! Kudos great review.
Bruce
Awesome review and very well writing! I can’t wait to read your review about “The Hurt Locker” movie.
Samuel
Hi!
I enjoyed watching the movie Green Zone, specially with another great performance of Matt Damon, and he really matched perfectly with Khalid Abdalla “Freddy” making the scenes more convincing and strong.
Please continue this awesome work..
Mark
Hello!
Everybody keeps trying to compare it to The Bourne Supremacy series. The Green Zone movie is completely different nothing to do! It’s a great intelligent war movie.
Kudos in your review.
Robert
Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.
Dear blogger, thnx for sharing this blog post. I found it wonderful. Best regards, Victoria…
Hello!
A compliment! Your columns on movie reviews are always interesting to read.
I like your style of talking, thinking, and the selection of the movies as well. Your writing skills simple and wonderful, without criticizing people’s work.
Best wishes,
Paul Anderson