American Sniper

Man, I am still thinking about this movie.  One of the best movies I have ever seen.  After the movie was over, there was not a word spoken.  Everyone in the theater sat through the credits and when the time came to leave, we filed out – almost like we were in a sacred place.  In a way, we were.  The life of Chris Kyle is extraordinary and I sincerely feel like a better person having watched “American Sniper”.

I hate guns.  I hate confrontation.  I hate loud noise.  I can’t get angry.  I don’t swear and I don’t like swearing.  I have never been in a fight or been mad enough or even in a situation to hit someone.  With that being said, I respect the hell out of people that fight for our country.  My best friend, Tyler Anderson is a guy I will always look up to, because he is completely opposite of me in this regard and he has served our country for the last 8 years.  

This movie is about a man that loves his country, his family, and the brothers he is fighting alongside.  In my opinion, the most profound moment in the film, is when he finally killed this Olympic sniper from Syria.  His shot compromises the US’s location and dozens of enemy soldiers file in and attack the few solders that Chris is with.  At this moment on top of a building, he pulls out his phone and calls his wife and tells her he is ready to come home.   This sniper from Syria had killed so many of his friends and fellow snipers that he haunted Chris throughout his 4 tours.  Chris’ entire purpose in going back for the 4^th time it seemed, was to kill this sniper and save his fellow soldiers.  He sacrificed all he had to save others. When he returns home, he is talking with a psychologist who asks him if what he has done (killing over 160 people) is troubling him.  Chris says that the only thing that haunts him are the people he couldn’t save.

People in the war knew who he was – a legend and a hero.  But, he always seemed to avoid praise and beat himself up for not being able to save everyone.  This man was the ultimate patriot, friend, brother, hero and example. 

Obviously, he wasn’t perfect and the movie is realistic in that aspect.  He was human and made mistakes.  But, men like him are rare.  It was an honor to watch this film and I can’t wait to see it again.  I read this article that said Chris Kyle’s wife saw the film and forgot that she was watching Bradley Cooper.  Cooper did an incredible job. 

The movie swears a lot, 60-70 f-bombs according to IMDB and it is graphic, so if you don’t want to see it for that reason, it is understandable.  All I can say is that I felt like a better person having watched this film, I love America more than I have before, I respect the men and women that defend our country a hell of a lot more and I want to become a better person.  Thank God for men like Chris Kyle.  To learn about this man is an absolute honor. 10/10

I'm curious to know what you guys thought?