Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, Jonathan Tucker, Susan Sarandon Dir: Paul Haggis Rat:4/5
On his first weekend back after serving in Iraq, Mike Deerfield (Jonathan Tucker) goes missing and is reported AWOL.
When Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones), a former military MP and his wife Joan (Susan Sarandon) get the phone call with the disturbing news, Hank sets out to search for their son.
Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron), a police detective in the jurisdiction where Mike was last seen, reluctantly helps him in his search.
As the evidence grows, her missing person’s case begins to look more and more like foul play, and soon Sanders finds herself in a fight with the military brass as she and Hank struggle to keep control of the investigation.
But when the truth about Mike’s time in Iraq finally begins to emerge, Hank’s entire world is challenged and he’s forced to re-evaluate long-held beliefs to solve the mystery behind his son’s disappearance.
In the Valley of Elah is just one of a string of Iraq/Afghanistan movies that have flooded the cinema in the last twelve months.
And unlike many of the movies that have gone before it this is a powerful and simply told story that highlights a growing problem in America.
This film looks at the effects that the war is having on the young men that serve their country and the rise of the murder rate in America since the war on terror began. In the Valley of Elah also questions the quality of care, including psychological, that these men receive when they return.
The driving force behind this movie is Tommy Lee Jones' powerful performance as Hank Deerfield as he is desperate to find the truth behind his son's murder.
The stiff-ex soldier abrupt manner hides an agonising silent pain and a well of guilt which comes to a head when he break the news of Mike's death to his wife who openly blames him for pushing both her sons into the military, Mike is the second son to die serving his country.
As well as a whodunit Hank goes on a personal journey as he discovers the military, in which he was so proud to serve during Vietnam, has changed beyond all recognition.
Director Paul Haggis produces a startlingly honest portrayal of the aftermath ofwar showing how so many struggle with everyday life when they return home.
And like Crash he has put together a film that's theme is controversial but very relevant that will open many eyes and leave most with a new perspective and a lot of questions.
Regardless of which side of the political fence you sit this is a must see movie of how a country is failing those who willingly put their lives on the line to protect it. A must see.
In the Valley of Elah is out on DVD now
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw