Based on the real life of U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, American Sniper is an emotional action drama that depicts Kyle’s tour of duty in Iraq and his struggles to be a good father and husband. His pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and, as stories of his courageous exploits spread, he earns the nickname of the ‘Legend’.

American Sniper isn’t an all out war film in the vein of films such as The Hurt Locker. It is however a very heavy drama with plenty of gut wrenching scenes both on and off the battlefield.

Bradley Cooper delivers arguably the best performance of his career as Chris Kyle. He is well supported by Sienna Miller who plays Kyle’s wife Taya Renae. Rising stars Kyle Gallner (Red State) and Luke Grimes (“True Blood”) are well cast as his fellow Navy SEALs.

American Sniper scores high marks for great cinematography and excellent sound design. Clint Eastwood has directed some amazing films over the last 40 years and has deservedly won Best Director Oscars for both Unforgiven (1992) and Million Dollar Baby (2004). American Sniper is another touching effort by the master director.
As you walk out of the doors back into the much safer environment of the ANU campus, you are likely to view the world a bit differently after seeing this fine film.