'MURPH: THE PROTECTOR': Two and a Half Stars (Out of Five) A documentary about the life of LT Michael P. Murphy; a Navy SEAL who lost his life, in 2005, fighting Taliban soldiers in the Hindu-Kush mountains (the incident was the basis for the popular 2013 war film 'LONE SURVIVOR'). This documentary was written and directed by Scott Mactavish, who also directed another documentary on American troops (in 2008) called 'GOD AND COUNTRY: UNTOLD STORIES OF THE American MILITARY'. This movie features archive video (and pictures) of Murphy, as his family and friends tell stories about him. I found it to be a very nice and inspiring film; not great filmmaking (in any way) but a nice tribute to someone who appears to have been a great modern hero.The documentary begins with Michael's parents (Maureen and Daniel), and other family and friends, telling of Michael's past; growing up in Patchogue, New York. Michael was called 'Murph' by his friends and known as 'The Protector'; for defending people that were often attacked or picked on (like a special needs student in 8th grade). He went to Penn State and graduated (in 1998) with degrees in political science and psychology. He joined the Navy SEALs after college and went to War in Afghanistan. He eventually became the leader of a four-man SEAL reconnaissance team (in an assignment called 'Operation Red Wings'). They were surrounded by Taliban troops on June 28th, 2005, when Murphy was killed. Michael posthumously earned the Medal of Honor in 2007.Like I said, the movie is a great tribute to someone who appeared to be a great man. As a film it's not really that interesting or compelling; it's basically just a lot of Murphy's friends and family telling stories about him and saying what a good guy he was. That's really nice for people that knew him but for people that never met the guy it doesn't really tell us that much about who he really was. The director can definitely use a lot more experience in filmmaking (and a bigger budget). It's also odd that Michael's buddy (and fellow Navy SEAL), Marcus Luttrell, isn't interviewed in the movie. Luttrell was the 'lone survivor' of Operation Red Wings and is the only guy that really knows what truly happened to Murphy. I know Luttrell was busy making 'LONE SURVIVOR' (as a technical adviser) but you'd think he could have found time to help out with this movie too. I think this documentary would have been much more fitting as a special feature on a 'LONE SURVIVOR' DVD (rather than it's own feature) but it is a decent tribute, all the same.Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6LTWP49XBs

People need to understand what these Heroes experience. We need more movies about them and other heroes such as Col. James Nicholas Rowe, LCDR Roy Boehm, and others who have paid the price for our freedom! Having Murphy's family and friends share what he was like in the real world and why he accomplished what he did was not only heartfelt, but touching and showing these military personnel are the real people they are! The in-depth research and interviews with Murphy's younger brother, along with those he went to high school and college with made it even easier to understand the honor and integrity of the man! The fact that he remembered those who sacrificed on 9/11 was another indication of his true patriotism which is lost today in many cases.

I've seen Murph: The Protector 4 times so far, and each time I am even more amazed at how his life set him up for his final destination. The way the interviews tell the story is truly moving when you see the giant role he has played in peoples lives. To see how his scholarship foundation is still making dreams come true. I was honored enough to see Marcus Luttrell speak on his Patriot Tour and have an even greater respect for Lt. Murphy. The American public would not fully know the story of those Heroes from Operation Red Wings if Murph hadn't put his neck out and made the call. While the documentary isn't jam packed with action of a SEAL, it's full of their other side. Explaining how and why they do what they do to become the best in the world. It's fully worth the money and time spent to watch the film. I wish there more out there.

I've seen Lone Survivor. I've read the book. We basically got the gist of what happened up on that mountain and Operation Red Wings.But what we didn't know was who Michael Murphy was. Where he grew up,what type of person he was. I really enjoyed hearing the stories and seeing the man behind the cameo. I enjoyed hearing what he was about and what he stood for in every day life. Not just war. This movie wasn't about politics or war. It was a beautiful story of a young man with such promise and hope who left the world too soon.I highly recommend to anyone who is interested in hearing about a true American hero.