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Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk

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Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk

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Summary

A 19-year-old private is brought home for a victory tour after a harrowing Iraq battle, as flashbacks show what really happened to his squad - contrasting the realities of war with America's perceptions. Ang Lee's drama, starring Joe Alwyn, Garrett Hedlund and Arturo Castro

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Review

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

Stella Papamichael

America gets a kicking in this reflective drama that follows a young Iraq War hero who is due to be paraded during half time at a Dallas Cowboys football match at Thanksgiving, 2004. Director Ang Lee brings Ben Fountain's novel to vivid life at a revolutionary 120 frames-per-second (the standard, which will be used at most cinemas, is 24) in 4K resolution. The effect is disconcerting - almost anti-cinematic with its glaring brightness - but in a story where the razzmatazz of propaganda casts the reality of war into the shadows, it seems apt. A desert skirmish is made even more bone-rattling, too, but this is chiefly a melodrama. British newcomer Joe Alwyn gives a merely adequate performance as Billy, who shows symptoms of PTSD and finds the adulation overwhelming. Garrett Hedlund has greater presence as his sergeant, who is being schmoozed for a movie deal by a sleazy Steve Martin as the Cowboys' wealthy owner. At home, Kristen Stewart can do angst in her sleep as Billy's sister. It's these relationships that absorb, and if the sentimental ending creates more discomfort, it also underlines the emotional illiteracy that thwarts countless young men. Like Billy, this portrait is flawed yet noble and sensitive.

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6.2/10

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Credits

Cast

rolenameBilly LynnJoe AlwynKathrynKristen StewartAlbertChris TuckerDimeGarrett HedlundShroomVin DieselNorm OglesbySteve MartinWayne FosterTim Blake NelsonFaisonMakenzie LeighMangoArturo CastroFooMason Lee

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Crew

rolenameDirectorAng Lee

Details

Theatrical distributor

Sony Pictures

Released on

2017-02-10

Languages

English

Guidance

Violence, swearing.

Available on

DVD and Blu-ray

Formats

Colour

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