In the Valley of Elah
DVD REVIEW
In the Valley of Elah
Directed by Paul Haggis
Certificate: 15 Runtime: 121 mintes
BIBLE students may recall that the Valley of Elah was the place where David slew the Philistine giant, Goliath.
This film's 'David' is a former military policeman. Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones) is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. He's one of the old school; straight as a die and steeped in respect for the US Army and all its military virtues.
Deerfield finds himself up against more than one Goliath as he contends with the military top brass and the indifference of the local police in an effort to find out the truth about his son. The younger Deerfield had been reported missing after a night out with some of his platoon mates shortly after his return from a tour of duty in Iraq.
In trying to discover what happened to his missing son, Deerfield finds himself stymied at every turn. When his son's remains turn up Deerfield, who is basically a decent man bewildered as his world is turned upside down, finds an ally in a newly-appointed detective (Charlize Theron). Gradually, he begins to learn disturbing things about his son and his comrades during their tour of duty in Iraq.
Tommy Lee Jones gives a sterling performance as the proud but bewildered ex-military man and grieving father who is trying to make sense out of his sons disappearance and murder. The role of Detective Sanders was written with Charlize Theron in mind and it shows. She excels in it. Theron is fast becoming a strong character actress in the mould of Meryl Streep and this can only enhance her box-office bankability.
In the Valley of Elah is in video rental shops now. This is not superficial anti-American propaganda but a thoughtful and rewarding tale of an honourable man wanting to do the right thing for his lost son. This one is not to be missed.
In the Valley of Elah
Directed by Paul Haggis
Certificate: 15 Runtime: 121 mintes
BIBLE students may recall that the Valley of Elah was the place where David slew the Philistine giant, Goliath.
This film's 'David' is a former military policeman. Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones) is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. He's one of the old school; straight as a die and steeped in respect for the US Army and all its military virtues.
Deerfield finds himself up against more than one Goliath as he contends with the military top brass and the indifference of the local police in an effort to find out the truth about his son. The younger Deerfield had been reported missing after a night out with some of his platoon mates shortly after his return from a tour of duty in Iraq.
In trying to discover what happened to his missing son, Deerfield finds himself stymied at every turn. When his son's remains turn up Deerfield, who is basically a decent man bewildered as his world is turned upside down, finds an ally in a newly-appointed detective (Charlize Theron). Gradually, he begins to learn disturbing things about his son and his comrades during their tour of duty in Iraq.
Tommy Lee Jones gives a sterling performance as the proud but bewildered ex-military man and grieving father who is trying to make sense out of his sons disappearance and murder. The role of Detective Sanders was written with Charlize Theron in mind and it shows. She excels in it. Theron is fast becoming a strong character actress in the mould of Meryl Streep and this can only enhance her box-office bankability.
In the Valley of Elah is in video rental shops now. This is not superficial anti-American propaganda but a thoughtful and rewarding tale of an honourable man wanting to do the right thing for his lost son. This one is not to be missed.
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