By Alexi Cohen
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
The recent release of the movie “American Sniper” has drawn thousands to the theater to watch as Chris Kyle, played by Bradley Cooper, saves countless lives with his pinpoint accuracy as a sniper in Iraq.
While this movie left some with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts, some would argue that the movie emulates war propaganda and glorifies Kyle as a heartless killer.
These sentiments could not be more unwarranted; Kyle should be viewed with honor and respect, and the movie as an honest and deep look at the hardships of war.
The movie follows Kyle as he completes four tours in Iraq and struggles to face civilian life with his wife and children each time he returns. While at war, Kyle is extraordinarily talented at what he does: kill the enemies before they can wreak havoc on American soldiers. After one of his comrades is shot, Kyle drags his bleeding body to help, all while keeping his eye on the enemy with gun in hand.
The concept of snipers, whose jobs require them to kill people who cannot see them, can make many Americans uncomfortable. Yet, like it or not, the way that America wins wars and has won wars is by killing people. This does not make Kyle and his fellow soldiers bloodthirsty killers.
Critics like filmmaker Michael Moore, who say that snipers are “cowards,” could not be more wrong. It takes a very special person to willingly enter dangerous war grounds, put his or her life on the line, and kill enemies. These people are far from cowards; they are heroes who protect our nation.
The notion that “American Sniper” is comparable to war propaganda is incorrect. The movie does not promote killing simply because it is viewed through the eyes of a skilled sniper. Rather, it sends a strong anti-war message through the portrayal of Kyle’s struggles to regain normalcy after returning from the front.
Besides the actual combat situations, the film focuses on the process of coming home and trying to assimilate back to normal life with his wife and children.
These touching scenes that fill the movie are anything but war propaganda because they show how truly difficult it is to return back to the United States after fighting abroad and how much it weighs on Kyle and strains the relationships in his life.
No one’s told, “this movie is perfection.”
One comes to realize that making a politically correct war movie that everyone agrees with is nearly impossible. However, one thing is certain; American soldiers are heroes. They deserve the utmost respect.
“American Sniper” is a beautifully candid depiction of the lifestyle that only the brave, noble, strong and patriotic can handle.
The views and opinions expressed in the Op-Ed section are those of the authors of the articles. They are not an endorsement of the views of The Chronicle or its staff. The Chronicle does not discriminate based on the opinions of the authors.