This thread discusses the Content article: Lions for Lambs

I had a hard time deciding whether or not I liked this movie. It definitely FELT like a good movie in the sense that it prompts discussion and causes a reaction. However, like you said, it felt one-sided a lot of the time.

I sort of agree and disagree with you about the storyline of the kids in Afghanistan. I agree that the message of the movie emphasizes that their sacrifice was void because they didn't live to come home -- but I disagree that that's a bad thing.

For those two young men, their sacrifice was supposed to give them the opportunity to change the world. They didn't see the war itself as a chance to change the world -- they saw it as a means to an end. Is that responsible? Is it realistic? I don't know. But I think that in their own minds, if they had known that they would die, they would've seen it as a waste of their talent. Sure, they were over there to "fight for America," but they were really over there to gain credibility. They were there because of what they said: two minority kids aren't valued in today's society, but two minority kids with college educations and military service? They could've done anything.

And so I agree with the filmmakers that their sacrifice was pointless. They didn't contribute anything to the war. They were simply robbed of their potential.

On a complete different note, does it bother anyone else that Tom Cruise is such a good actor? I WANT to dislike him because he's so despicable in real life, but every time I see his movies, I'm captivated by his performances! It makes me so mad!