A rather rough (cinematically, acting, mood) opening sequence culminates with a horrific act that might have some viewers walking away from this film. I certainly thought of bailing. But that was just the setting for the story. The rest of the picture has quite a different feel. There's a quiet tension, a sincerity, we become endeared despite the earlier tragedy. This, the bulk of the film engages. However, the ending doesn't much reward us for our loyalty and perhaps, ironically, that's one of the statements of this film.

While the lead players give strong performances (although Draven's accent pops in here and there), the overall disturbing atmosphere of the film is more than I prefer so I cannot recommend.

That said, PTSD is a serious topic especially with this current war and is something I think all of us need to better understand and find better ways to keep our soldiers and vets safer from.

I've got more to say about the ending, but don't wish to spoil. Only that we deserved a bit more explanation.

Note: Actor Joe Morton contributions go beyond acting, he wrote the lyrics and music to one of the soundtrack tunes "The Devil's Lonely Fire" for this picture. It was good to see Joe, I quite enjoyed his performance in Terminator2.

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