Eastwood hits the mark with biographical war drama

In his latest offering, American Sniper, legendary actor and film director Clint Eastwood sets his sights on the life of US Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle.

Based on the book “American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in US Military History,” the film stars Bradley Cooper as Chris, and Sienna Miller as his supportive, yet long-suffering wife Taya.

The film documents the life and military career of Chris, from the time he was taught to shoot, up until his tragic death at the hands of a veteran he was trying to help.

With 160 confirmed kills, including a woman and a child, Chris earned the nickname “Legend”.

As his fame grew, however, so did the war within himself, and every time he returned to Iraq, his home life came under fire.

Finally, after serving four tours, Chris returned home only to discover his battle was not over.

Haunted by the lives of the guys he couldn’t save, Chris suffered from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and failed to adjust to civilian life.

After a psychiatrist encouraged him to work with wounded veterans, Chris managed to find a level of inner peace, only his redemption was short-lived.

American Sniper is a compelling film which explores the effects of war, not only on those in the line of fire, but also on those who are left behind.

Although the film is quite drawn out, Eastwood has managed to hit a bullseye with international critics and Cooper’s portrayal of Chris is excellent.

This film is highly recommended to fans of movies such as Born on the Fourth of July and The Hurt Locker.