"Lions for Lambs" is a 2007 American political drama film, directed by Robert Redford and written by Matthew Michael Carnahan. It is not a true story, it is a fictional film which explores various political and social issues. The film explores the interconnected stories of a university professor, a struggling journalist, and a disillusioned student, all of whom are affected by a controversial U.S. military action in Afghanistan.
Background and Context
The film is set in the early 21st century, during the War on Terror, and specifically deals with the U.S. military’s involvement in Afghanistan. The film’s plot centers around a U.S. military operation in the country, which has gone awry and left several soldiers stranded and outnumbered.
The film portrays the political and personal struggles of those affected by the war, including the soldiers fighting in Afghanistan, the politicians making decisions about the war, and the citizens who are affected by it.
The film also explores the relationship between the media and politics, as a struggling journalist attempts to cover the story of the stranded soldiers, and the political and military leaders who try to control the narrative.
Plot Summary
The film follows three interconnected stories. The first story centers around a university professor, played by Robert Redford, who is trying to inspire a disaffected student to take action and make a difference in the world.
The second story centers around a journalist, played by Meryl Streep, who is trying to uncover the truth about the U.S. military operation in Afghanistan and the stranded soldiers. The third story centers around the soldiers themselves, who are struggling to survive and make it back home.
Throughout the film, the characters struggle with the consequences of their actions and the choices they have made. The professor is forced to confront the reality of the war and his own complicity in it, the journalist is faced with the difficulty of getting the truth out, and the soldiers must grapple with the cost of their sacrifice.
The film leaves the audience to ponder about the question of what is the true cost of war, and the morality of the choices that led to it.
Filmmaking and Production
“Lions for Lambs” was directed by Robert Redford and written by Matthew Michael Carnahan. The film stars Redford, Meryl Streep, and Tom Cruise, and also features supporting performances by Michael Peña, Derek Luke, and Peter Berg. The film was produced by Redford’s production company, Wildwood Enterprises, and was distributed by MGM.
The film was shot in various locations in California, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. The film’s budget was reported to be around $35 million, and it was released in November 2007.
Reception and Critical Analysis
“Lions for Lambs” received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the film’s performances, particularly those of Redford and Streep, and the film’s exploration of the political and personal consequences of war. However, other critics were less enthusiastic, and the film has been criticized for being overly preachy and heavy-handed in its message.
The film was nominated for several awards, including Golden Globe nominations for Redford’s direction and Streep’s performance. However, it did not receive any major awards.
In conclusion, “Lions for Lambs” is a thought-provoking political drama that deals with important and timely issues. The film raises important questions about the morality of war, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, and the responsibilities of individuals and institutions in the face of political crisis.
Reception and Critical Analysis (Continued)
“Lions for Lambs” received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the film’s performances, particularly those of Redford and Streep, and the film’s exploration of the political and personal consequences of war. Review Aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a rating of 46% based on 187 reviews, with an average rating of 5.7/10. The website’s critical consensus reads, “Lions for Lambs is an earnest and well-acted drama, but its heavy-handed approach ultimately undermines its effectiveness.”
On the other hand, many praised the film’s performances, particularly those of Redford, Streep, and Cruise, as well as its exploration of the political and personal consequences of war. Critic A.O. Scott of The New York Times, said the film is “a serious, intelligent and well-acted exploration of the political and personal consequences of a war that is, for the most part, taking place offscreen.”
The film was nominated for several awards, including Golden Globe nominations for Redford’s direction and Streep’s performance. However, it did not receive any major awards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Lions for Lambs” is a thought-provoking political drama that deals with important and timely issues. The film raises important questions about the morality of war, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, and the responsibilities of individuals and institutions in the face of political crisis.
The film may not be a commercial success, but it is a thought-provoking film that is worth watching and discussing. The film’s performances are top-notch, and the film’s exploration of the political and personal consequences of war is both powerful and relevant. “Lions for Lambs” is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.