A well-crafted script, interweaving time-lines, following a marine through family exchanges, training, combat, debriefing results in an iconic, touching and classic film. I was very disappointed that this film was not hailed as a critical or popular success, and wonder if the studio publicized it adequately. Shia LaBeouf's world-class performance was nuanced, masterful and merited awards and accolades. His co-star Kate Mara was natural and authentic, and Charlie Shotwell, who played their young son, was very talented and moving. Gary Oldman's performance was also compelling. Rarely has a film that I felt was so classic been so little appreciated. Not only was there a very personal story here, but a more universal narrative resulting in sensitivity training in the horrors of war and the number of veterans suffering from PTSD. It is my hope that this film will find more viewers, since it is of a very high quality. It is also my hope that the director, writers and actors are not discouraged, and go on to make more films.
