Green Zone is not only the greatest modern military movie I've seen it is also the most bold. The release of the movie was ballsier than releasing Oliver Stone's Platoon (1986) during the height of of the Vietnam war. Obviously the movie was a massive flop that resulted in a loss of close to a 100 million USD which should have gotten a little better with 22.5 million USD estimated domestic video sales and other revenue streams.
but even after 9 years from release I don't see the movie on any major streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO and according to https://www.justwatch.com you can only rent or buy the movie digitally. I haven't even seen the movie being on any major TV Channel either.
A Conspiracy Fact Released At A Time Where It Was Laughable and Unpatriotic Schizophrenia
The Invasion of Iraq was based on a military industrial complex hoax about WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction) after confirming that Iraq has no WMDs for USSA to worry about. The movie is full of accurate looking military action set pieces with high stakes with pretty much no punches pulled at all. Roger Ebert gave it a 4 out of 4 stars. But the critical reception ended up being mixed even though Green zone would make The Hurt Locker (2008) look like Patton (1970)
Few Reviews
Reviews ended up being very mixed. I'm at least glad that it was only mixed. The future generations will give the film the credit it deserves. Here are some Rotten Tomatoes Top Critics talking about Green Zone:
I don't like polemics, not even those supporting my position. This film does not support my position...the movie contains far too little in terms of a coherent, believable plot.
- Ed Koch (The Atlantic)
It's one thing for the filmmakers to (sort of) fictionalize real people, but Green Zone wraps up with a wish-fulfillment fantasy that is about as believable as watching reinforcements riding in to save Custer.
- Peter Rainer (Christian Science Monitor)
Paul Greengrass's loud, Damon-driven documentary-style thriller confusingly weaves fact and fiction and whipsaws between various conspiracy theories, while the nonstop action mimics an Xbox splatter game.
- Thelma Adams (Us Weekly)
I'm not a fan of the views of Michael Moore. But he said "I can't believe this film got made. It's been stupidly marketed as an action film. It is the most HONEST film about the Iraq War made by Hollywood." and I have to agree with him.
Shaky Cam In Its Perfection
Shaky cam tends to get a bad reputation among many people. If anybody needs to see how amazing and important cinematic technique shaky cam really is, Green Zone (2010) is one of the very best demonstrations in existence.
The camera doesn't create confusion but it adds to the scene and action. The music was nice; Nothing mind blowing. The effects were on the 2010 Hollywood level for high budget movie productions. The directing and the story is very well thought and even as just action movie entertainment, Green Zone (2010) delivers without question.
Don't Let This Be A Hidden Gem
Hidden Gems are cool to discover. But some tings are too great to be hidden. So give this movie a chance. you won't see it popping on your Netflix recommendation. You will have to go out of your way to see the movie. But that's is the case with many of the great and bold creations that were not afraid to call foul on the wrongs of their times.
Happy Steeming!
