Lions for Lambs is an American fictional film written by Matthew Michael and released in 2007. Robert Redford directs the film. Arian and Ernest, two determined students at the West Coast University, are being advised by their idealistic professor to do something imperative with their lives. They commit themselves to fighting in the army, in Afghanistan after school valediction as a way of showing their patriotism. Another student, Todd, listens to the professor to learn why Arian and Ernest are in Afghanistan. In Washington, a captivating Republican presidential candidate, Legislator Jasper Irving calls journalist Janine Roth to his office where he proclaims new approaches to be used in fighting the war in Afghanistan. It is the senator’s hope that the positive coverage will convince the civilians that the plan is sound. Roth fears that she is being converted to an apparatus of government propaganda. However, the journalist’s story runs without critical interaction. Arian and Ernest arrive in Afghanistan but are badly attacked by Taliban soldiers. The U.S‘s army fight back but are soon out of ammunition. Attempts by the unit commander to save Arian and Ernest fail due to time and weather interference. Finally, characters are seen contemplating the professor’s choices (Carlisle & Bowman, 2010).
The movie clearly illustrates that the attack was malicious planned by people with their own selfish interests. The military action claims several innocent lives. Additionally, many properties are destroyed and the enmity between Afghanistan and America heightens. Propaganda clearly stands out as a major cause of the war in Afghanistan. Jasper Irving, who represents the US’s government in this case, uses the media to announce new war strategies and tries to justify his unjust acts. The plan involved seizing the high grounds in Afghanistan before the Taliban gets there and control all mountain passes. This was aimed at controlling all movements of the Taliban troop. Additionally, professor Malley tries to woo Todd into the war by telling him of the success of Arian and Ernest in Afghanistan though it is quite evident that they were killed. The political science professor succeeds in urging more students to take part in the war. This indicates how the Americans contributed to the eruption and development of the war.
The students take interest in their nation’s politics. Great lessons that can be leant from the movie is that America is not only the home of the brave, the free, but also home to millions of compromised and opportunistic individuals (Gruner, 2012).. The government controls the media for its own interests, and the truth is finally concealed from the eyes of the public. It, however, indicates US’s role in the global terrorism.
It is very interesting to watch the odd couple spar in the war. The character of Mr. Cruise raises the curtain, as he is sincere, ire, charming and outrage. Mr. Cruise is pretentious; this works best for his character, and his performance comes out in a well-constructed way.
The controversy does not lie in this basis; the controversy prevails since the movie embraces it at all cost. The movie explains to us what we already believe exist inclusive of the deceit of our politicians, the failure of journalists, and the struggle of the youth. It tells us that Mr. Redford was unhappy with the situation and guilty of his consciousness after convincing his two students to fight in the war. The journalist expresses smart points that Senator Irvin in the discussion. The professor and his students are dumbfounded and refuse to express their views to the senator. When the movie ends, the professor is regretful of his poor strategy in the debate.
Reference
Carlisle, R. P., & Bowman, J. S. (2010). Afghanistan War. New York, NY: Chelsea House.
Carnahan, M. M. (2007). Lions for lambs. MGM.
Fell, J. (1996). Stride! Fats, Jimmy, Lion Lamb and All the Other Ticklers . John Fell. Film Quarterly. doi:10.1525/fq.1996.50.1.04a00300
Gruner, O. (2012). Vietnam and beyond: rethinking Oliver Stone's Platoon (1976–2006). Rethinking History.
Lashmutt, M. W. (2008). Review of Lions for Lambs. Political Theology. doi:10.1558/poth.v9i2.209
