The Hurt Locker – the Military Reaction

One of the stories to emerge this year with regard to The Hurt Locker is whether or not the film is authentic and how soldiers would react to it. There have been varying accounts, not many worth reading, but this NY Times blog piece that asks for comments from soldiers gives both sides equally, and is definitely worth a look.

In the end, all of the ten Best Picture nominees tell stories that are only somewhat based in reality – three of them are completely inventive and imaginary. The Hurt Locker isn’t supposed to tell a true story, but it should ring true. I suppose I have no right to say whether it does that or not. It does seem to explain or illustrate a bit what it must be like over there.