The Messenger (2009)

A great examination of a side of war that isn't looked at very often. This one certainly stands out from other war films. The Messenger is great stuff.

A couple of US soldiers are given the unenviable task of informing families of the death of loved ones in Iraq. A subtle critique of the US military and its treatment of soldiers and their families. An interesting look at the other side of war.3.5 stars

I wonder when some of these Movie Producers realise that the F... Word and the Toilet Actions shown in Movies are not necessary. No wonder our Children these days have bad attitudes as this monie shows. Absolutely Disgusted with this Production and would definately not recommend

Woody Harrellson is excellent and Ben Foster continues to be a riveting force in movies, and definitely an actor to watch. I loved the slow deliberation and breathing room they gave this film, and it never heads down the path of melodrama. A great drama.

Not as good as I was led to believe it would be. Interesting story but not as credible as I thought it would be.

Good dialogue, unusual topic, great acting.

An amazing story - a portrait of two men, same army different experiences. Tony is bitter and resentful. He talks tough but has no buddies or girlfriend, confesses he goes to AA and drinks daily. Will carries war guilt and personal rejection like a wound. With only three months left in the army he is assigned to be Tony's sidekick (I wonder what happened to the previous one) and is harder than he expects. It's a 24 hour duty of looking after Tony and putting up with his macho toughness. Will can go either way - become bitter and hard and end up like Tony or begin his own life. He is a man standing at the crossroad, trying to see a future for himself. Will feels compassion, which Tony lacks and we are all left hoping that he chooses love and family and finds happiness and forgiveness.

Superb movie. Totally engrossing. Great story done as well as a film could do when dealing with such an emotional subject(s). Ben Foster played a totally believable character so well. Agree with another reviewer that Harrelson character overacted, but the contrast between the two worked. Definitely a movie dealing with real people which was just so wonderful to watch, especially Samantha Morton who lights up the screen with her smile. The entrance to the engagement party was just pefect with the contrast between the "beautiful" people and the real world of war, injury, death and tragedy. If people find this movie boring they should stick to movies like Transformers or the Terminator.

very slow moving..

4+ A raw, complex, powerful movie. . About two army officers required to deliver death messages on behalf of the US Government. I understand the complexity of the task having had to do it numerous times in my previous occupation over many years. The movie stayed with me for days. The two officers are diverse in character and opinions with a love hate relationship. Each death message is difficult and different especially as they have to deal with their own demons and dysfunctional lives. It could be called an anti war movie. It looks deeper into the result of the horrors and aftermath of war and the effects it has on men fighting for their country. How it eventually shatters their lives and relationships when they "return from another planet" and hope people hate the war if they want to, but respect the soldier. All the acting is excellent and intense, especially Woody Harrison. Heavy going but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

I am not into porn and the opening scene was enough to turn off the flick

This is as borong and predictable as a movie could be. Horrible.

This film gives you an inside to another side of war. Shows human emotions and reminds one you should pidgeon hole people or jump to conclusions

Something never been done before as in the storyline. I enjoyed it and thought it was realistic because they didn't have great looking people in the parts as it would be in real life which made it believable.

Enjoyable movie due mostly to the performance of Ben Foster. Woody over acts as usual.

One of the most boring, meandering films that I have ever watched. No star rating for this!

rather drawn out story which leaves you hanging at the end

My husband and I found this movie extremely hard going. It seemed to lead nowhere.

An American soldier struggles with an ethical dilemma when he becomes involved with a widow of a fallen officer. Powerful

Fantastic movie about one of the harder jobs within the armed forces. The acting is superb and Woodly Harrelson is fantastic. Its a slow movie, but it is consistent. I found that the movie went on a bit too long (and i like long movies) it could have conveyed the same message in fewer minutes, but the upside is that if you have really connected to the characters early on in the film the length wont bother you, a little gem of a movie that has flown under the radar

I can't believe that no one has reviewed this movie yet! It is very good. Woody Harrelson is excellent as the jaded Captain. It is not a war movie, but is about those that war affects - the soldiers and families that are shattered when they are told of their loved one's death. Often as the soldiers approach parents/wives, they don't even had to say anything, as they know why the soldiers are there. The fear that each of family member lives with is revealed. Well worth a look!