Lions for Lambs (2007)

Robert Redford directs this dramatic tale of intersecting lives that weaves together the stories of an idealistic professor's attempts to inspire a privileged student, a former student of the teacher who is wounded behind enemy lines in Afghanistan, and a congressman whose interactions with a seasoned journalist reveal much about the man behind the public persona. Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, and Robert Redford star in a film scripted by Matthew Michael Carnahan. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Theatrical Feature Running Time: 92 mins
Lions for Lambs (2007)

Wow! More liberal talking points in one film than I have ever seen. Of course full of cartoon characterizations of what some conservative points of view are and were. Clearly the only good war is a War with a Democratic President.

Lions for Lambs-Wiki

2007 film about a platoon of United States soldiers in Afghanistan, a U.S. senator, a reporter, and a California college professor. With a title that alludes to incompetent leaders sending brave soldiers into the slaughter of battle, the film takes aim at the U.S. government's prosecution of the wars in the Middle East. The film was written by Matthew Michael Carnahan, and directed by Robert Redford. It stars Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, and Tom Cruise. The film was released in North America on Friday, November 9, 2007, to mixed, but mostly negative reviews and disappointing box office receipts.

Well it was released to really bad box office receipts and released to DVD in a mere 5 months even though it had a lot of really top notch actors.

Lots of mentioning of Hearts and Minds in the film. I actually think the Afghanistan plan was kind of a novel idea at conquering the insurgents. Although logistics would be a nightmare in such remote areas up to and including medical help and basic supplies like shelter, food and water. Seems the drones and other surveillance measures would have been better than putting so many troops spread thinly across the territories.

Robert Redford thinks the film was not propaganda and from his perspective I am sure he thought it was balanced. But many of the leftest questions were not responded to in a thoughtful manner. It was kind of glossed over when obvious little slanders were slipped in by Meryl Streep.

One of the ironic aspects of the film was Redford's character was trying to get his students to not be apathetic and then when two of his minority students decided to join the Marines or special forces, he took it personally as a failure. But those two actually were putting their principles into action and were doing something for the country. So he wanted them involved but in a strictly liberal mindset.