The visuals dazzle, the music swells, the story touches the heart...so what's the problem here? I'm not sure there is one, but it's impossible to watch this film without knowing that you're staring at very conscious Oscar bait. That fact hints at a cynicism floating just below the surface, a vibe that will always make the alert viewer feel like he's being used. But most folks don't watch movies in that way; a picture should be judged on its merits for the general audience who will view it--and there's no denying that this is a well-crafted movie. To be sure, the story is obvious--nothing really comes as a surprise here--though it is unusually dark. In fact, this is very much a movie about grief and sorrow, which makes it tough to watch at times. But as an example of the craft, as an emotional journey, as a statement of disgust against war and all its miseries, this film accomplishes its goals. That earns it enough respect for a positive vote here.
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