Lions for Lambs (2007)

Average rating

(58%)

Starring:	Robert Redford \| Meryl Streep \| Tom Cruise \| Michael Pena \| Derek Luke \| Andrew Garfield
Director:	Robert Redford
Studio:	20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Run time:	89 mins
Collections:	New releases
Genres:	Audio Descriptive \| Drama
Languages:	English, English Audio Description
Hearing-impaired:	English
Released:	March 24, 2008
Also available on:

Two determined students as a West Coast University, Arian (Derek Luke) and Ernest (Michael Pena), follow the inspiration of their idealistic professor, Dr. Malley (Robert Redford), and attempt to do something important with their lives. But when the two make the bold decision to join the battle in Afghanistan, Malley is both moved and distraught. Now, as Arian and Ernest fight for survival in the field, they become the string that binds together two disparate stories on opposite sides of America. In California, an anguished Dr. Malley attempts to reach a privileged but disaffected student who is the very opposite of Arian and Ernest. Meanwhile, in Washington D.C. the charismatic Presidential hopeful, Senator Jasper Irving (Tom Cruise), is about to give a bombshell story to a probing TV journalist (Meryl Streep) that may affect Arian and Ernest's fates.

Screenshots

Highest rated reviews

42 out of 42 people found the following review helpful:

An Important and Dividing Film

Vivacia from , 8th February, 2008

In the wake of the war on terror there have been many films critical of the actions of America in the Middle East. But none so far have had as fine a cast or as punchy a script as 'Lions For Lambs', which attempts to show us the deep flaws in the system, but also in the public themselves. The film has three settings: one in Afghanistan with the impending action two soldiers are involved in, another in Washington as an experienced journalist (Streep) interviews a Senator (Cruise) about the next step in the military action in Iraq and lastly, a professor (Redford) discussing the future (and politics) with his most promising student. While this doesn't sound too thrilling remember that this film is not an action movie or even a political/thriller - it's a drama, discussing the political situation in America in 2007 through the narration of three separate stories that are intrinsically linked together by current events. The dialogue is spot on, though at times is sometimes too perfect to be believable, but there are plenty of lines that stay with you right to the end. The performances are excellent, particularly from the three big leads and they deliver the script with gusto and obvious relish. Be warned though, as 'Lions For Lambs' is far from a balanced film, and it rams it's point home in almost every scene, setting and utterance. This may be bit much for some, especially for those that do not sit on the left side of the fence or for those who have no interest in politics, as there isn't anything extra to entertain 'the masses'. It is also firmly concerned with the American point of view, which may be a little hard to fully relate to this side of the big pond. 'Lions For Lambs' is (from a certain point of view) a moving, and intelligent discussion of modern American politics. From the other point of view it can be seen as simply left wing liberal propaganda, though likely most people in Europe won't feel that as strongly as Republicans in the US. And it must be noted that for a film like this to exist at all is a testament to the very democracy it's criticising. But it does ask a very important and uncomfortable question of all of us - if you take no stance yourself, and distance yourself from all events, then do you have the right to criticise the actions of those that make a stand?

Read all highest rated reviews

14 out of 14 people found the following review helpful:

Thought Provoking, but.....

A Customer from SW London, 15th November, 2007

Like a previous reviewer said, it was a good film, with a good intention behind it but something was missing. It's hard to say what exactly especially since the actors were all top notch. Top performances from Meryl Streep as the seasoned journalist and Robert Redford as the University Professor.One can look at this film and subject matter and feel patronised, and even feel preached to about current affairs, BUT I did walk away after the movie ended giving what I had just seen, some thought. It's and insightful film that different viewers can take away different opinions of what they thought of the film. It is more of a thinking man/woman's film, and not for someone who likes to see action throughout! One thing I would definitely improve about the film is the end: a massive anti climax, which was a shame !

Read all highest rated reviews