Lions for Lambs


Reviewed by: Rachelle Smotherman

Featuring: Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, Michael Pena, Derek Luke
Director: Robert Redford
Producer: Andrew Hauptman, Matthew Michael Carnahan, Tracy Falco
Distributor: United Artists

“If If you don't STAND for something, you might FALL for anything”

Producer’s Synopsis: “Two determined students at a West Coast University, Arian and Ernest, follow the inspiration of their idealistic professor, Dr. Malley, and attempt to do something important with their lives. But when the two make the bold decision to join the battle in Afghanistan, Malley is both moved and distraught. Now, as Arian and Ernest fight for survival in the field, they become the string that binds together two disparate stories on opposite sides of America. In California, an anguished Dr. Malley attempts to reach a privileged but disaffected student, who is the very opposite of Arian and Ernest. Meanwhile, in Washington D.C. the charismatic Presidential hopeful, Senator Jasper Irving, is about to give a bombshell story to a probing TV journalist that may affect Arian and Ernest's fates. As arguments, memories and bullets fly, the three stories are woven ever more tightly together, revealing how each of these Americans has a profound impact on each other—and the world.”

If you’re looking for a liberal, political drama (strictly drama, very little action) with some great actors, then “Lions for Lambs” will fit the bill.

This film, with a big name cast (Robert Redford, Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise) is a kaleidoscope of settings and characters that move back and forth throughout the film. Redford plays Dr. Malley, a college professor who is mentoring a promising young student, Todd (Andrew Garfield), challenging him to fight complacency and get involved in his government. He speaks highly of two former students, Ernest and Arian (played by Michael Pena and Derek Luke) who left school to join the military. While Malley doesn’t agree with their decision to join the army, he admires their courage and dedication and encourages Todd to reignite the passion he once held. All the while, Todd spouts mockery of the U.S. government and contends that it’s all smoke and mirrors that doesn’t effect lasting change, so he sees no reason to become involved.

What part should morality play in politics? Answer

Does character matter in political leaders? Answer

Should Christians seek political power or should we only focus on evangelism? Answer

Cruise is Senator Irving, a right wing politician who is implementing a new strategy to “win the war on terror” with Janinie Roth (Streep) as the journalist he enlists to write the news breaking story. Though Roth has supported Irving in the past, she feels it was done more out of duty than conviction and now challenges his ideals.

The new military strategy is launched with Irving’s authority and doesn’t go as planned. Ernest and Arian, now in the special forces unit assigned to this strategy, are left stranded and wounded while the army does its best to rescue them.

The message that came through loud and clear in this movie is that our government and military are misguided at best, deceptive and deluded at worst. Having seen the trailer, I was expecting there to be more resolution to “Lions for Lambs” and was disappointed in the ending, with its obvious Hollywood bias toward U.S. government and insinuation that our men in uniform are wasting their talent and their lives.

On the plus side, there was a rock solid friendship in Ernest and Arian and a dedication to follow their ideals that should be admirable to anyone. The selflessness shown by these two characters should inspire us to be more like Christ in our everyday lives.

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.
Source: www.christiananswers.net

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