Green Zone

Released: 12th March 2010
Starring: Matt Damon, Greg Kinnear, Jason Isaacs, Brendan Gleeson
Rating: 4.5/10



Green Zone is a highly political film based on the war in Iraq and the Americans' search for Weapons of Mass Destruction during the turmoil of Saddam Hussein's reign. It's not for everyone! The use of subtitles and military discussions throughout, make paying attention and really focussing key for the audience's understanding of plot.

Lack of a real star-studded main cast means that brightening such dull Middle Eastern scenery and complex topic is not achieved. Also, a slow start doesn't allow for any real excitement within the film and no real 'hook' is used to effectively engage the audience.

However, the real salvation of this film comes, unfortunately, 40minutes from the end as twists and turns are unveiled and new objectives for the protagonist Miller (Damon) become apparent. The political unrest reaches a high as the reasons for division and separation in the American party become known. The line between innocent characters and criminals become blurry as suspects from both nationalities represent each side, confusing the audience and who they should sympathise with. We are unusually positioned against the Americans who are deceitful throughout and unfeeling and reckless with their execution of the task - especially Isaac's character.

SPOILER ALERT!

Interestingly, the main twist, discovered by Damon at the end, is that the Americans manufactured false intelligence to hide the truth that their were no Weapons of Mass Destruction, in order to make a case for war in Iraq and to kill Hussein.

Summary:

- If you are politically intolerant, stay away!

- If the whole army thing really bores you, steer clear!

- The last 40 minutes almost (almost!) make it worth watching...