You might have clicked on this post expecting to find some anti-American, leftist liberal rant on the military and how America is a bully, based on the title I posted. But you’re not going to find that here. Ever.
And it’s pretty rare for me to post a movie review, and this isn’t really that, either.
But I did almost walk out of this movie. Twice, actually.
But before we get to that, let me tell you the reasons why I think you (and everyone else) should see this movie. In the process of doing that, I think I can better explain why I almost walked out.
You need to see this movie because, as everyone who sees it will agree, Chris Kyle (the American Navy SEAL & sniper whom the movie depicts) did some amazing stuff for America.
Hero? Yes. Expert skills? Definitely. And the fact that he survived some incredible horrors of war only to be taken from this earth in such an unexplainable way (no spoiler alert– this was news in 2013), well, it’s one of those great mysteries. He served his country bravely and to honor his memory, you need to know his story. You need to know that he was willing, like so many, to give his life in service to protect you; protect me.
Bradley Cooper as Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle.
You need to see this movie because you need to give a face to all those soldiers you are grateful for and realize the horrors they face.
They fight and die every single day. All over the world. They are willing to give what many are not– their lives. We thank them, we honor them, we post statuses about how grateful we are on Facebook, but do we really realize what they are going/have gone through? This movie gives you a glimpse of the realities of war. Other movies have done it, but for some reason, this movie makes you feel like you’re in it. It puts you there, and I promise, that gratitude you felt for our soldiers and sailors before this movie will only be multiplied after. Perhaps you’ll even decide you want to do more to honor our brave and our fallen. Perhaps you’ll finally understand what war PTSD is and why it is a very, very real thing. Perhaps you’ll honor the memory of not only Chris Kyle, but all of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for these United States.
You need to see this movie because you live in a bubble.
Stated plainly, we complain about dumb things most of the time. We live in comfort and freedom, and for the most part, we’re blessed beyond measure. We complain about bad hair days and people who get on our nerves and when we run out of coffee or get cut off in traffic and the fact that we hate Mondays. And yet we have the opportunity to live in peace. Meanwhile, all over the globe, children are born into war zones and suffer unimaginable torment at the hands of Evil.
This is why I almost left during the movie. As a Social Studies teacher and a student of the world, I’m well aware of the atrocities committed throughout the world historically and in present day. But I’ve only read about them. I’ve only heard about them. I’ve never had to witness them with my own eyes. Sure, American Sniper is a movie and it’s a dramatization of events, but it’s realistic. It’s horrible. And it truly shows how Evil is alive and working in our world.
Not only was I sobbing at various points throughout this movie, I found myself praying, “Come, Jesus. Come.” I almost couldn’t take it– this realistic depiction of evil. I don’t want to believe that people are capable of doing such horrible things to each other, but they are. Oh, they are.
The bubble around me popped. You can’t watch a movie like this, see the horrible things that man is willing to do to another man (or woman or child), not just in the name of a god or of an organization, but in the name of hatred, and go back to your cushy life and pretend the horror doesn’t exist.
Our soldiers face this evil every day on the battlefield and they persevere. They press on. They fight it and try to protect freedom because that’s one of our basic rights as humans. And they make split-second decisions that we pray we never, ever have to make. This is why we are grateful– because they have to make the decisions and carry out the actions we never, ever want to have to face.
Our nation and our world face this evil– those who torture and murder and kill for no good reason at all. It manifests itself in many ways, but people all over the world are suffering.
This world so desperately needs love. It so desperately needs joy. People so desperately need rescuing. They so desperately need the Savior.
American Sniper is not a “Christian” movie. While there are mentions of God, it’s not a theological movie in any sense. But if you can walk away from it and not be moved just by seeing how good we’ve got it and how horrendous daily life is for others across the globe, I fear your heart is too far gone.
Chris Kyle. Photo from http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2014/07/09/chris-kyle-video-deposition-to-be-played-in-american-sniper-trial/
When the movie ended, our theater was silent. People filed out without speaking. The weight was heavy. I cried my way to the car.
This is an emotional film, packed with violence, foul language, and the realization that we have so, so much to be grateful for, and so, so much work to do in the world combating Evil, not just on the other side of the globe, but within our own neighborhoods; within our own hearts.
See this movie. Honor the memory of Chris Kyle. Honor the memory of every fallen soldier who has ever stared Evil in the eye and said, “bring it.” Honor those who have stared Evil in the eye and lived to tell– those still haunted by their memories.
See this movie so that you can get out of your bubble and realize just how good you’ve got it and how much work there is to do.
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Hale and Hearty Words 
Love what you wrote here and it’s so true, because I know I live in a bubble. My husband and boys went to see the movie and I opted not to, because I knew it would be violent. But, now I’m going to make it a point to go see it. Thank you for sharing your insight. God bless you!
First I would like to say that I am offended by the comment “anti-American, leftist liberal rant on the military and how America is a bully”. I am a liberal, and find this movie to be quite inspiring in that Kyle had 4 tours, served his country honorably, and was able to come home after his last tour, and turn his life around to be happy again. I think that was a hard road he was on, and came out on the other side with hope. I also find that when you are in a war zone, you do what you have to in order to survive. Yes, he killed a lot of Iraqi’s, but it was in order to save his brothers in arms. You cannot begrudge a soldier for that. And with not knowing which Iraqi’s is honest, and which is out to kill you, I cannot begrudge a soldier for what he has to do to survive. I cannot understand what it takes to go thru that type of hell and come out on the other side, and anyone who has not been there to live thru that, cannot judge those that have.
On the flip side…I find this issue of people saying that this war and the war in Afghanistan are “protecting Americans freedoms” as crap. These wars are not stopping terrorism, they are breeding it. When you break down doors of Iraqi’s citizens, you are creating hate for Americans. How would you feel if some invading force started breaking in your front door? I understand why our forces are doing that. Since we put ourselves in this spot, we need to find weapons, and terrorist sympathizers. But Iraq was not the country that brought down our towers…and neither was Afghanistan. So I don’t understand why we are over there in the first place. 15 of the nineteen 9/11 terrorists were Saudi’s. NONE were from Iraq or Afghanistan. So our soldiers are over there protecting each other…not us. Terrorists are still striking around the world. I don’t think we will ever know how many, if any terrorist attacks have been averted by these wars. My guess is that zero attacks have been averted…but I have no proof of that.
So, I guess you could say, I am 100% behind our soldiers from all branches. But I don’t always trust those in power that put our soldiers in harms way. Our brave men and women are dying for what? Thousands of INNOCENT Iraqi’s are dying for what? We are not stopping terrorism, we are perpetuating it.
“Leftist liberal rant”? Really?? Because obviously liberals are anti-American. My grandfather was a liberal Democrat who proudly served in the military during WWII so I take offense to that. I also have several liberal friends who have served several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Try not to be so small-minded.
I don’t think you understand why she said that. She was explaining the the bias in the title of the article. Calm down there
Heros like our grandfathers were a different breed of Democrat. It was a very different time in a very different war. Don’t get offended so easily.
This movie definately hit some spots for me. Be a veteran myself I could completly relate. But the part of tge movie that killed me was the very end. Seeing all the people libed up on the side of the road and the over passes when Chris Kyles funeral convoy rolled down the road was the most heart renching part of the whole movie for me. You dont see that anymore and that bring saddness to my heart. I have been out for two year now and i can tell you this from what ive seen of people. The caring in this country is at a low. But i was very happy to see that this man got the appreciation that he deserved as a hero to this great country.
Jason, I truly thank you for your service.
Planning on seeing this movie, and your thoughts don’t surprise me simply based on the trailer. I could tell this was going to be a monumental telling of world we know nothing about, expect those that have been there. Though, I wish you had omitted the first sentence. It left a bad taste in my mouth throughout reading this blog entry. It could’ve been great, had that been left out. If you want to reach more people, don’t turn them off at the start.
*except
i went to see this movie ….. My stomach hurt and all I can say is God Bless you and everyone who has ever served in the military (Especially those who severed in combat) love you and thank you!!!!!
I must say that after reading your review, I don’t believe I will go. I am afraid it will be way to emotional. My son is about to retire Air Force and I know that he was in some of these situations. I don’t think my heart or my head can handle it. I am very grateful for all that have gone and have a stronger appreciation of the sacrifices that have been made. God bless you all. God Bless our servicemen and most of all God Bless America.
If you have not walked the walk do not talk the talk. It is that simple. Viet Nam 67 to 68.
Excellent…went to see it last week and my thoughts were exactly what you wrote….closed my eyes on some scenes because they were so hard to watch and the evil so profound….we will never forget our young men and women who have sacrificed so much. ♥
I agree with many of your sentiments about the movie and the importance of doing more to support and honor our troops. What I severely disliked was the way you started your blog post by saying you aren’t an anti-american/leftist/liberal. People can support our troops without supporting the atrocities of war that this movie shows so realistically. You of all people, being a social studies teacher, should know that no matter what side of the political spectrum we fall, we are just trying to seek out what is best for our country. I would encourage you to evaluate the way your biases affect your perspective.
The same thing happened at the theater where I saw the movie. It was kind of strange. I thought it was the best movie I had seen in a long long time.
Wow, for someone that has not served, you really said everything that i was thinking. It’s great to see civilians understand what a Veteran has gone through . And there wasn’t much dramatization. The movie really did do justice to what deployment was like. And the fact that they used actual wounded Veterans is amazing! I took my 10 year old daughter to see the movie
Reblogged this on Work With Kathy and commented:
I myself.. Had to walk out.. I told my husband I was going to use the ladies room.. I had to step out to catch my breath.. We are all, or at least most are guilty of putting the realty of what our soldiers are going through.. Their famlies are going through.. The sacrificeies they are making.. we are tucking all of those realities into the back of our minds.. Out of site.. I guess out of mind.. American Soldier for me atleast was a huge “Realization” of how great we have it.. and as a Mom, A Wife, I can’t imagine the pain of wanting my husband.. my soulmate home.. and knowing how he is in harms way evry minute he is gone.. I will never be the same.. Not after watching this movie.. I will be Better..
I take it that you’ve never read the book?
Go to your local Barnes and Noble (or Target) and pick up a copy of ‘American Sniper’, flip all the way to the part where he first meets his wife, read his pick-up line, then compare that to the changed Eastwood-ized version in the movie.
Why was that portion/scene changed? There’s parts in the book that was bundled together for the sake of movie making narrative, like the death of those two SEALs, that’s an editing concern,
BUT why change the whole pick-up scene? Would that have revealed a little too much of the real Chris Kyle’s personality?
Autobiographies, memoirs, are interesting works, they reveal a lot about the person. The best autobiography is Spinoza’s “Ethics”, and he never talks about himself. You read ‘American Sniper’, read, not seen, and you’ll realized that Kyle wasn’t a sheep-dog, he was a wolf, just one working for us.
Thank you for writing this, totally agree. I Saw American Sniper this afternoon with my husband. And just as you mentioned, when we got to the car afterwards, I asked him, “did you notice that as we left the theater everybody was completely silent?” He noticed as well. Said it was a genuine sign of respect for a fallen soldier, he is a Vet. The silence was one that I have rarely experienced. It was powerful, palpable, very heavy and a perfect mass reaction after seeing this film. During that minute of silence, there was an unmistakable feeling of respect, honor, and unified patriotism.
Jennifer,
Thank you for your writing. I was (am) an Army sniper. I did my time in hell. Thank you for understanding that we live in hell for what we had to do.
Jennifer,
Thank you for your take on the movie. I spent a year in Afghanistan with the military, and my husband is currently there now. We actually met there 🙂
But I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve described my time overseas in the same sense you have described this movie. Thankfully, I never saw the horrors I’m sure were in the movie (I haven’t seen it yet), but what an eye opener it was to be there… A world you can’t teach from a book. You have to see it and you have to feel it. You can’t truely comprehend the significance of a world of extreme poverty, struggle and terror, when all you know is the comforts of America. My mom and I talk a lot about being there, and it always comes back to how there is this deep, sobering feeling that the world in which I lived in before I left, the only world we as Americans know, is not the world that everyone is so fortunate to have. Just landing in Kyrgyzstan and seeing the shambles of houses out the plane window popped my bubble when the worst I had ever seen was maybe the bad side of indianapolis. Fast forward to flying in helos from base to base and driving through downtown Kabul, my bubble shattered. And to be honest, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Stepping out of that bubble breeds compassion for our fellow man and continues to humble me on a daily basis. We need to know and understand the struggles and unjustness of the world, that the people they show on the nightly news in scathes of clothes and mud on their faces are real human beings, and that we in America should be so greatful for the countless freedoms we have, as we are undoubtedly the most lucky individuals on this planet.
I’m proud of all the our military does for our country,everyone has someone they no in or been in service, with that being said we all should no some of the tails of war,freedom!
Beautifully written.
I also could not explain how somber and quiet the theater was at the end. No way to truly describe the feelings I had and continue to have. I have many friends and family that I am proud to say are serving, and have served…but after seeig this I dont know if I could watch one of my kids experrience the war firsthand such as Chris Kyle. I have renewed respect for military families. God Bless you all.
And after watching American Sniper, watch Taking Chance (Chance Phelps). Shows the emotional, dignified process of bringing home our honored dead. I made the mistake of watching while my son was deployed.
Taking Chance– SUCH a good movie!
A wonderful movie indeed.
Semper Fi. You nailed the cushy, soft lifestyle of the average U.S. citizen who is clueless about the events occurring worldwide on a daily basis. You are now a better teacher!
You took the words right out of my mouth, very well said!
Although I haven’t seen the movie, nor will I, people do not understand the strain these soldiers face not only in battle but when they come home as well.
Our Heros bare such strong burdens and see things that we could never imagine. And let’s not forget the families of the fallen, for we bare the heartache of the ultimate sacrifice that they made for our country.
I hope this film opens the eyes of many people to the harsh realities of war, and maybe more people will be willing to help the needy, our vets ( whom can have physical and mental battle scars) as well as show compassion for those of us who lost someone in the line of duty.
I saw “American Sniper” last week-end. My grandson and his beautiful girlfriend were there at the same time, both have been overseas. The movie made the role of the sniper so much clearer in my mind and I thought back to a co-worker’s comment when she told me her Marine grandson was going to Iraq as a sniper. I asked her if she wasn’t scared to death for him and she replied ‘no, he’ll be much safer than the guys on patrol’.
The snipers are the reason my grandson came home from Iraq and Afghanistan to me in one piece and not in a body bag. I can not begin to thank them enough. And if they have a few human flaws like embellishing the truth, I don’t care. They have only to answer to God for that, not me. I still have a grandson to sit down to holiday meals with and hug every year he celebrates another birthday.
Thank you for saying all of this…this is exactly the rant that has been going on my head for weeks now and I appreciate you putting it down to share with everyone. Well done!
thank you so much for writing this. So very well said. Again, thank you.
Sincerely,
An Army MilSO
So to a man who lived this what is going to do to him? My son he’s a little old to say son you can’t go see this movie because if what it might.do to you bring back all those awful memories that you are trying to forget, forget being the wrong word but at least shoving them to the back of the brain as so not to drive you crazy. Mom is worried about her grown son do not ever tell you do not worry about your children till the day you die.
I’m afraid to see this movie. I’m afraid because my ex husband (whom I respect in so many ways) was a navy seal. He was deployed twice while we were married, in fact I had our 2nd child while he was in Iraq. I was never afraid while he was gone because I choose to live in my bubble…until the book and then the movie lone survivor popped the bubble. I had to leave the theater for a total of 30 minutes during that movie. I couldn’t take the thought of someone I loved, someone my children loved being in a situation like that. I can’t imagine other human beings being in war torn and traumatizing situations day in and day out. So I’m not sure I can handle american sniper. Maybe I’ll get the courage to watch it, but unlike you I’ll end up walking out…it’s just too much for me to handle. Thank god there are people out there not only willing to die to protect you and I but also run the risk of coming home to life they can no longer handle.
No I pretty much expected a right wing psychotic rant instead. And guess what I found. hehehe. you know nothing john snow.
Did I miss something? Didn’t the title suggest you almost walked out? Do you actually reveal why you almost did that, or was that a tactic to get people to read your post? If it is the latter, is that in keeping with the honor you speak of in the article?
Uggggg a couple sentences in and I practically threw my phone..total spoiler!! Never would have researched this guy before seeing the movie!
As a Christian father with a son as a Marine Corp officer and a daughter soon to be an Air Force officer, I pray that they first serve our Lord and second serve our country. Most of the young men and women that I have met at the academies are bright, patriotic and unselfish. These people volunteer their gifts, talents and lives out of honor, duty and love of country. It grieves me so to hear the criticism they are subjected to, the budget cuts, the incressing hostility to their Christian faith and the lack of services available to them by a country that pays mostly lip service to those wearing the uniform. I am very glad that people are going to see this movie and that there is a growing appreciation for their service. But my question is, “So what are YOU going to do about it?” Saying thank you in the airport is OK but what about writing your senator and asking them to support the VA’s budget, or calling your congressman and telling her that you are opposed to the anti-Christian policies against the military, or contributing your TIME to the Wounded Warrior Project? Faith without works is dead. Now that you know, go and DO something for our service men and women! If everyone who commented on this blog would do something practical for our vets and current servicemembers we would have a good start on paying it forward for those willing to go in harms way everyday for us.
Just FYI – when you write soldier you’re only referring to those in the Army.
Jennifer,
Your thoughts and the way you portrayed them are wonderfully appreciated. It is sad to see what the average American has been taught about our military and our great nation. The world is most definitely full of horror and evil. PTSD is a very real thing. Unfortunately, with the recent advances in the understanding of PTSD, it seems that it is now being downplayed as a scape goat for service members coming home. As a man that is married to a Navy Vet with PTSD, it is an incredibly difficult condition to not only have, but to live with. My wife struggles on a daily basis and I struggle right along with her. Just getting through the day is a struggle for her. Sometimes, what’s for dinner? is more of a struggle than she can handle.
Neither of us has yet seen this movie. We want to but I do not believe we should. Who knows, maybe it will help her in her struggles, maybe it won’t. I know I can’t see it. I’ve had too many friends that have died for the service of this country and their memories have been trampled. I just don’t think I’m ready. But I want to thank you. I want to thank you for the understanding that you have and I wish I could shake your hand and show you the gratitude for the way you stepped forward. For the way you have dedicated your time to show that understanding in yourself and in your efforts to help others understand as well. War is hell. The world is hell. Americans have a small piece of Heaven on Earth.
Thank you.
Wendi H. United States Navy Veteran 1998-2002
Jason H. United States Navy Veteran 1992-2012 (Retired)
Stop quoting the bible and praising Jesus. You sound just like them. That should not be your motivation to eliminate bad people. Do good for goodness sake.
Thank you for your review and thank them in all ways for the life we are free to live.
I am a 30-year career military retired veteran. I did my job in the USAF because it was my vocation and regret nothing I did as an armed service veteran but I can tell you, without question, I could have never been a sniper because of my beliefs. I hold snipers in high respect but they have to carry way more on their conscience than I would want to carry. I hope this makes sense.
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Thank you for this. You get it.
Our nation and our world face this evil– those who torture and murder and kill for no good reason at all. It manifests itself in many ways, but people all over the world are suffering.
“Is there a good reason to torture and murder someone”
Rhetorical question by the way
Our nation and our world face this evil– those who torture and murder and kill for no good reason at all. It manifests itself in many ways, but people all over the world are suffering.
“Is there a good reason to torture and murder someone”
Rhetorical question by the way
Wow, I clicked on this post expecting to find some anti-American, leftist liberal rant on the military and how America is a bully, based on the title she posted. Instead, I found an insightful and beautifully written personal opinion, that accurately put into words, just what I was feeling after seeing American Sniper. God Bless you, Jennifer, all of our military personnel, those “stirred” enough to share on this blog and God Bless America.
I agree with much of what you’re saying, and I totally agree that it is important to acknowledge the sacrifice of our armed forces by “popping the bubble;” however, I think you walk down a slippery slope by referring to the other side as pure evil. War truly is about perspective, and I think it is important that you don’t dehumanize the enemy, creating an us vs. them perception. They have their motives, reasons, and perspectives and while we may see them as horrible and wrong, it is nonetheless important to acknowledge them and attempt to understand them.
Rob, thanks so much for your comment. I do want to point out, however, because I think it’s really important, that not once did I refer to any “side” as evil. Because of my Christian worldview, I believe Evil exists all over the place, not just on one “side,” but even in our own hearts. It’s our job to combat that evil through the love of Christ. Do I support the side of America in a war or combat mission? Of course, but I think the evil that runs rampant in our world is greater than labeling it only against our “enemy” in any case.
This “Evil” you mention has a name. Don’t be afraid to say it… it’s called Islam.
I went to watch the movie and it tugged at my heart at various parts in the movie. But nothing like it did at the end. It was like being at my husbands funeral all over again. My husband was a MP, Military Police, who died in 2011 from an IED hitting his truck, killing him and 3 others. When the movie was over we all left in silence. I tried fighting back the tears till at least i got in my vehicle but didnt make it. i broke down in the parking lot. I thought i dont even know that man but because of his story and getting to witness some of it through another eyes on screen i couldnt feel more indebt to anyone in my life. He is truely an American Hero, my hero. I am currently reading his autobiography called american sniper and i am in love with it. I encourage everyone to watch the movie and read his book. I know he isnt the only one who serves and protect or has served and died. Its just his story being put out there gives us all a glimpse of what the world really is like and how good we have it here in America. Also gives insight to the reasons behind soldiers coming home with PTSD.
This post almost had me in tears.
I haven’t had the opportunity to see the movie yet but I know the story. I am a US Soldier stationed in camp Casey, South Korea. I just wanted to say thank you for your post. I’ve showed it to a lot of my fellow soldiers and most of them are speechless by time they finish. Few people realize that Chris Kyles story was real and very real for so many soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen. It’s a horror story. But from all of us, we appreciate people like you who understand what we’re fighting for and understand that it could be so much worse.
Thank you.
-A Soldier
Thank you for sharing your thoughts regarding the movie. I still haven’t seen it and want to badly. I served my country for 7 years on active duty as a Hospital Corpsman both blue-side and with my Marine Corps brothers and sisters. I think you did an excellent service to both veterans, active duty and reserve soldiers and sailors with your review of the movie and your moving comments about our service members.
My favorite part is where you say,
“This world so desperately needs love. It so desperately needs joy. People so desperately need rescuing. They so desperately need the Savior.”
Right after you paint people with different views as anti-American with nothing to say but rant against our military. Pretty….pretty typical.
This is such an amazing post!
The movie really does open up your eyes to how nice we have it here in America and how crazy and hurtful the world can be.
Still waiting on the hubs to get enough time off to see this. He is ex military, and works way too many hours. This was the feeling I had while leaving “Saving Private Ryan”, not one word was spoken by anyone and the theater was FULL!