Recently Watched: Stop-Loss
Stop-Loss directed by Kimberly Peirce — Peirce makes a blunt departure from the dramatic effect of her previous project, “Boys Don’t Cry,” with this film about a group of United States soldiers returning from a tour in Iraq. In general, “Stop-Loss” is a mediocre attempt to address a grave issue. However, Ryan Phillippe’s performance is startling and the subject matter is one that deserves attention.
The term “stop-loss” refers to a military policy by which a service member’s active duty can be involuntarily extended. According to a recent Los Angeles Times article,
The number of soldiers held in the Army under the stop-loss program reached a high in March 2005 of 15,758. That number steadily declined through May 2007, when it hit 8,540. But since then, the number of soldiers subjected to stop-loss orders began to increase again, reaching 12,235 in March 2008.
In Peirce’ story, Phillippe’s character has returned to his Texas home expecting to retire from active duty. His paperwork is ready, he has handed in his army-issued gear, and in the final step, he discovers that he has been stop-lossed. The film follows this character, in addition to his soldier-friends, as they re-enter into a “normal” sense of society — haunted by alcohol, nightmares, and vision-like day-dreams, they have become violent, poisoned versions of who they used to be, before Iraq.
The film reminds us that we are, in a sense, repeating history. It reminds us that young men are returning from Iraq as truly changed individuals who can no longer exist in the lives they once had. It reminds us that many of these soldiers are literally forced to return, over and over again. It reminds us that we have now occupied Iraq for five years with questionable progress.
“Stop-Loss” is not Academy material, but it makes an inescapable, timely impact.
Check out End Stop Loss Now for more information on anti-stop-loss movements, and Iraq Veterans Against the War for information on soldiers who are opposed to the Iraq occupation.
11 responses so far
I’ll have to check it out.
I know this happens and it is frustrating as during this war it happened quite a bit. A friend of mine’s friend - a girl he went to school with in Ohio - actually signed up for the National Guard ended up getting sent to Iraq ( quite a shock to her) supposedly for a few months, and ended up their for over two years.
the fact that the millitary can do this makes me physically ILL. these people (a lot of them, good friends of mine and people i care about so much) volunteer for this and then get raked into putting in so much time away from families and friends just because the government can make them stay. it’s so wrong and it (for lack of better words) sucks.
I’ve done a review of this movie as well, as my sister-in-law has been stop-lossed by the Army. Her final tour ends in a couple of weeks, thankfully.
She would, however, rebuke the statement that there has been questionable progress. It’s seldom portrayed in the media, but our presence there (according to her) has been positive in many aspects.
Nonetheless, she is extremely grateful that her time there is coming to an end. The next step for her will be to adjust to life after war.
Karen, I remember your post on this now! Is your sister-in-law absolutely sure that this will be her final tour?? I don’t know much, but it seems things like that can change quickly…?? I’m glad, in a sense, to hear that she believes “progress” has been in made. I guess, to me, the reasons we are there in the first place seem questionable. As civilians, we are exposed to such a different story.
I’m curious to hear how she adjusts upon her return. Perhaps a guest post might be in order!?
Anytime the “Wood” handles issues like this I almost immediately cringe at the cookie cutter reductionism. I don’t agree with Stop-Loss. Period. But I also know that the “Stop-Loss” debate does nothing to actually stop the Iraq War or change the fundamental way in which warfare is conducted.
At best the film soothes the soldier’s (and their loved ones) insulted sense of [insert abstraction].
I really wanted to see this movie. It looked good, not to mention the hotties in the movie!
I wanted to see this movie but never got the chance. This reminded me to add it to my list of things to watch.
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I remember the previews but apparently it came and went without much media hullabaloo. I’m actually looking forward to the “violent, poisoned versions of who they used to be.” Call me a sadist, but the more painful, honest and screwed up movies show people to be, the more I am intrigued. Happy endings are great, but show me the gory inner workings of the human soul and I am jello.
The Last Kiss, anyone?
this one was on my dvd list, not my theater list. i still wanna check it out!
sounds like a very timely movie for sure. ill have to check it out. um, especially with ryan phillippe;)