I just saw DePalma's movie "Redacted". I was not impressed.

[bluestateguy]

The movie is a fictional story that is based on a factual event: the rape and murder of a 13 year old Iraqi girl and the murder of her family in Mahmudiyah. I consider that episode THE MOST disgraceful moment of the Iraq War. 3 soldiers have already been sentenced to life prison terms, though they will be eligible for parole in 10-20 years. Another was sentenced to 27 months, and a fifth awaits trial.

I think this story needs to be told, and I was rooting for DePalma to succeed, but I cannot say that his movie accomplishes that task. The acting is atrocious and unconvincing. The characters lack passion. It becomes hard to tell what their motivations are in their dialogue and in their actions. Other scenes feature monologues and dialogues that don't seem to move the story forward. The closing scene, for example, is unconvincing and fails to reflect the seriousness of the story.

One could compare this movie to De Palma's other movie about a similar incident in the Vietnam War: "Casualties of War". Unlike that movie, "Redacted" does not engage you. Instead, you'll find yourself just wishing they would get on with the plotline.

[closeupready]

1. That's too bad. I've always been a fan of his.

Will think twice about seeing it now.

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. I thought it was very good

Chilling and uncomfortable to watch but very good.