"Powerful and fast-paced"
I haven't been to the theater to see a movie in two months. This weekend, I have no football, so I was intent on seeing a movie. I was going to see "Quarantine," but then I asked myself, "Am I really going to miss a DiCaprio/Crowe pairing to see a 90-minute zombie flick that I can guess the outcome of without seeing it?" The answer to my own question ended up being "NO" and I paid for a "Body of Lies" ticket. As soon as I saw the opening sequence, I knew I made the right decision.
The film, based on a 2007 novel, centers on CIA-covert agent Roger Ferris(Leonardo DiCaprio) as he sets a plan into motion to lure in a terrorist network with help from his arrogant boss Ed Hoffman(Russell Crowe) and Hani Salaam(Mark Strong), the chief of Iranian Intelligence. What ensues is a fast-paced and powerful tale full of lies, betrayal, and twists around every turn(twists that I quite frankly didn't see coming).
When I first witnessed the trailer for the movie, I knew it would be good, it just wasn't on my anticipated list. But, I wasn't going to waste a weekend off and miss an opportunity to see a potential Oscar-nominated film that's also entertaining and full of action. And yes, this movie does have the potential to be nominated, and even win in a category or two.
The main reason I wasn't going to see it is because I didn't know if I would understand what the hell was happening, therefore, it would be tough for me to write a proper review on it. However, the film offers a nice flow of events to it that captures the viewer from beginning to end. It's still not for everybody with it's controversial plot elements and brutality, but the leading men make it worth your while alone.
DiCaprio and Crowe both deliver expert performances. DiCaprio is on a role with turns of "action heroes." He's truly bad ass in this movie, and that's saying it lightly. I haven't seen "The Departed" and I can't think of any other movie where he's been this badass, so this was definitely intriguing. Crowe's portrayal is also unfamiliar, but not for the same reason. He takes a backseat from the leading man persona, instead kind of being in the background to all the action. His character definitely recieves little screen time compared to DiCaprio's, but it's still believable. Again, that's compared to DiCaprio's character, who is pretty much the focal point of the movie. Supporting actors, such as Strong and Golshifteh Farahani, also deliver.
I've recently finished reading a book called "The Kite Runner." It's an amazing read, but I won't get into reviewing that. I bring it up, because I'm coming to an understanding of the war and Muslim culture, now more with seeing this movie. The film does a good job of expressing these people's beliefs and hardships...and the hardships they bring on the world around them. Some might find it disturbing, but the film is bold in its portrayal of the ongoing "War on Terror" and the people we are fighting.
The film's not all about torture and deceit, though. It also has a side-story to it that is unexpected, but actually lightens the tone of the film, in a good way. Ferris meets a young Iranian nurse, Aisha(Golshifteh Farahani), and begins befriending her. The plot element may come off as unnecessary for the tough critic, but I found it a nice change of pace in between the explosions and gun-fire. It also plays an important role in the story towards the end.
Overall, "Body of Lies" is an action-packed and gritty look at war, politics, and trust. It even offers few classic one-liners. I had a little problem with the sudden cut to black after certain scenes. At points, I thought the electricity went out or something it was so sudden. That's a little problem, though. I'm glad I chose to see this, and it's well worth your ticket price...just don't let the kiddies watch it.
Agent Vis's Verdict: 4.5 stars(9/10)-Amazing
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