Stop-Loss

Opening with an impressive action sequence, Stop-Loss tells the tale of 3 childhood friends returning home from the Iraq War to try and resume a normal life. When complications ensue it pushes their friendships to breaking point.

Following up her 1999 film, Boys Don't Cry, Kimberley Pierce presents a well researched film that, on appearances, presents an honest look at the effect the Iraq War, together with the prevous US Administration, had/has on the boys sent to fight. Her use of hand-held cameras to evoke the home videos the soldiers shoot on tour gives the film a raw, immediate, aesthetic.

The cast is lead by an excellent Ryan Phillippe whose character, King, is haunted by the decisions he made in combat. A once by-the-book soldier he begins to question the system and the reason to fight. Rounding out the cast is Abbie Cornish, Tatum Channing, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Levitt is quickly becoming one of the more interesting actors of his generation. After a career-starting role in Third Rock from the Sun, he branched out into more challenging roles in such indie films as Mysterious Skin, Brick, and The Lookout; all strongly recommended. His turn in Stop-Loss continues his winning streak and his next film, 500 Days of Summer, could, if it hits, launch his career into another level.

Stop-Loss is a tight, focussed, film that comes highly recommended.