I am a Vietnam Vet who served in an air rescue and recovery squadron in 1969-70. Most war films pathetically fail for me because they're attempting to convey some message or other about wars, but this is one of those which offers the viewer a genuine insight into the ways that soldiers and their families deal with what they've all done (or not done) as well as what has been done to them.
Not only does this fine cast make the most of the script which is based upon a novel, but its cinematography is strongly evocative. Someone here has unfairly characterised the two mothers as being "hotties". I defy any objective person to explain how the appearance or behaviour of Toni Collette is remotely like a "hottie". Aniston was an executive producer who does wear an attractive dress at a party early in the film, but this sets up a stark contrast with her scenes in the second half talking with Collette and later with Alden Ehrenreich.
Based on its low IMDB rating, I had only rented it. However, I will now purchase and add this to my collection of worthwhile war films such as Clint Eastwood's 'Flags of Our Fathers/Letters from Iwo Jima' and Oliver Stone's 'Platoon'.
For those who are disquieted by my praise of 'The Yellow Birds', I'd hope you please keep in mind this is merely one very old veteran's viewpoint based upon the ever-vivid memories of my tour of duty. Whether those memories have become distorted over 5 decades, I simply have no idea.
Not only does this fine cast make the most of the script which is based upon a novel, but its cinematography is strongly evocative. Someone here has unfairly characterised the two mothers as being "hotties". I defy any objective person to explain how the appearance or behaviour of Toni Collette is remotely like a "hottie". Aniston was an executive producer who does wear an attractive dress at a party early in the film, but this sets up a stark contrast with her scenes in the second half talking with Collette and later with Alden Ehrenreich.
Based on its low IMDB rating, I had only rented it. However, I will now purchase and add this to my collection of worthwhile war films such as Clint Eastwood's 'Flags of Our Fathers/Letters from Iwo Jima' and Oliver Stone's 'Platoon'.
For those who are disquieted by my praise of 'The Yellow Birds', I'd hope you please keep in mind this is merely one very old veteran's viewpoint based upon the ever-vivid memories of my tour of duty. Whether those memories have become distorted over 5 decades, I simply have no idea.