Kimberley Peirce, who previously directed *Boys Don’t Cry*, created a film that generated disagreement within military communities. The movie focuses on the stop-loss policy utilized by the U.S. armed forces—a somewhat obscure method allowing for extended service if the nation requires it. Sergeant Brandon King (played by Ryan Phillippe) returns from the Gulf War alongside his comrades, all bearing mental scars, anticipating a return to civilian life free from violence and trauma. However, he’s compelled to re-enlist for another tour in Iraq under this stop-loss provision, leading him to desert and become AWOL. After completing two deployments, wouldn't he have earned the right to retire? The film initially grabs your attention with intensity; scenes of conflict in Iraq are jarring as characters are introduced, immediately establishing that these soldiers have witnessed a great deal. The story then shifts into something resembling a road movie combined with an exploration of PTSD, filled with palpable emotional tension. Peirce and her co-writer Mark Richard clearly intended to do well, but the script relies too heavily on predictable character types, tired tropes, and obvious foreshadowing. King is deliberately portrayed as an exemplary soldier—this isn’t about fear—but the rushed ending reveals significant plot holes and muddled themes. Fortunately, the young cast delivers strong performances; despite some inconsistent accents, Phillippe, Channing Tatum, and Abbie Cornish are all excellent, while Joseph Gordon-Levitt manages to bring depth and emotion to a poorly developed role. The older actors, unfortunately, often lack sufficient material, which is disappointing considering someone like Ciaran Hinds is in the cast. Ultimately, the movie feels as disjointed as a rough road in Tikrit, not just in its storytelling but also in its accuracy regarding American military procedures—both concerning written regulations and battlefield operations. The film failed to find an audience at American theaters, and it's easy to understand why. Despite this, it does possess some redeeming qualities. Even when familiarity threatens to diminish appreciation, the painful reality of a soldier’s life—during deployments and afterward—resonates deeply. 6.5/10

Source on TMDB