An Act of War
An Act of War
R | 10 March 2015 (USA)
An Act of War Trailers

Battling insomnia and undiagnosed PTSD, a war veteran works nights as a projectionist at a decrepit theater. While struggling to adapt to civilian life, he soon finds himself tangled in an inescapable web of seduction, addiction, and violence.

Reviews
rrcharpe

I am a Vietnam combat veteran who has had PTSD (never did go see a doc or shrink and I'm already 67 so missed out on that)and had some quite violent confrontations for the first 8 years after I got out. The difference between my situation and this contrived load of BS is that in my case I refused to "knuckle under" to thugs that I would see either beating on a loved one, ripping someone off of their personal items when I was close enough to do something about it or threatening others with violence. I'm not proud to say I never lost a fight in my life. However, all that said, the premise of this movie is quite flawed. Even if it is just a single representation of a return U.S. Military vet going on a violent streak and then taking his own life, in a sense it is a metaphor (or at least the writers of it wanted it to be) for the supposed generalized malaise of returning vets. The actual truth is that regardless of our (meaning U.S. combat veterans who were discharged honorably) memories of war and subsequent reintegration back into "normal American society" the vast majority of vets cope with things (as I did) and remain honorable men. No returning vets I have ever met (although I know there are statistically a few who do it) have actually committed suicide. I would boycott this movie if you can as it does not in any way represent the reality of most returned combat veterans and is a leftist Hollywood way of saying "our returning combat troops are generally flawed and out of control (which can be disproven). I only fought to protect people when I got out and never started any fight. I have no record as in all cases I was found to be in the right. StocktonRob

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stevensmaggie

Approximately 21 Iraq/Afghanistan war veterans commit suicide per day. Not really sure if anyone knows that there are more soldiers killed each day in America once they've returned home safe than were ever killed in Iraq/Afghanistan during the years of war. I started following these guys when I saw them giving an interview on Bloomberg raising awareness on PTSD, and was anxious to see the full film when it released a few days ago. I don't really write reviews, but felt compelled to for this one, because it needs to be seen, needs to be talked about, and something needs to be done about this issue, BOTTOMLINE. This film is a work of fiction, but is oh so true at its core. Powerful film from some young up and comers who should be be given a chance to do something bigger.

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Matt Mamie

I wasn't really sure what I was getting into when I sat down to watch this film. Sure I have had friends who have gone off and served our country but I never realized how much something like that could psychologically change you. An Act of War examines a man on the brink of his own destruction because of his lack of guidance after coming home to a thankless nation. This film heads to some dark places, but it feels justified. A solid amount of time is spent establishing who this man is to understand just how he could end up in the mindset he is in by the end of the film. And I have to say, its a fascinating ride from start to finish. I was quite impressed with the performance that Russ Russo gave. There is a great deal of subtlety in his work and his level of restraint is commendable. I'm very excited to see what he does in the future. If your a fan of films with a classic noir look, or if you want a film that really makes you question what society has accepted as truth then I highly recommend you give this film a chance.

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Dennis de Jonge

At first is saw just a 4,5 rating so my expectations where not too high, but after seeing it, i was really surprised by this movie. Although it's in black and white, in my opinion it makes it even greater because the makers didn't focus on the quality of the movie and other bullshit but it's all about the story that makes you realize a lot of things. I wont spoil any details so all i can say to people is just, to take some time and watch this movie. My deepest respect for all the people fighting for our freedom and risk their lives, as well in combat as in the life after that. People should see this movie so those men and women get the respect which they deserve. It shows in a great way, the word that we live in and what soldiers give for their country.I say, just watch it yourself and you'll understand why i said all those things.

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