By:  Robert Waldman, Vancouver           

                Absence can make the heart grow fonder. For filmmaker Kimberly Peirce an almost ten year hiatus from feature film direction was well worth the wait. Save for directing an episode of the Vancouver shot L-Word Ms. Peirce hasn’t gone behind the camera since Boys Don’t Cry, the knockout drama that made a star out of Hilary Swank. Now Peirce turns her talented lens and pen to the war in Iraq with Stop-Loss, a neat expose from Paramount Films and MTV Studios now enlightening audiences at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking), Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City cites around B.C.

                Non-war enthusiasts are sure to remark that this film may be the last in a series of efforts by both Hollywood and independent documentary producers to chronicle the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Here the filmmakers slyly take on the issue head on, looking at both military movements in the field as well as the return home of combatants. Raw emotion spurts out everywhere as we get fully immersed in the lives of the members of one crack battalion.

                Texas born Brandon King leads his troops as a gung ho commander on a mission to protect Americans from Iraqi forces who often use civilian areas as jumping off points for assaults. Images like these can be seen on daily newscasts and in other films. Here, however, the filmmakers smartly focus on what confronts these marines as they return home to their families and friends.

                Cracks soon appear in the regiment when they go home for a little R and R in Texas. Hospitality turns eventful as soldiers have loads of difficulty adjusting to civilian life during their brief stopover. Despite assurances from the commanding officer to stay cool somehow calm goes by the wayside as each soldier encounters difficulties. Flashbacks to setbacks on the field in Iraq further haunt the returnees with team leader Brandon, in particular, having a tough time of it.

                News of a forced return to duty sees more schisms develop among this once proud unit as deep psychological wounds appear that have a dramatic effect on the soldiers, their families and friends. Even strangers are not immune from the actions of these men once they try to resettle into their former environment.

                Out to fight the good battle as Brandon King, the golden boy of Texas, is Ryan Phillippe (Crash) who turns in a gutsy performance a soldier fighting all sorts of inner demons along with the establishment. Though it’s early Phillippe’s strong performance here may well garner an Oscar nod if the Academy is able to remember films shot in the year’s first quarter.

                Peirce succeeds in capturing a riveting war torn atmosphere with the assaults through the streets of an Iraqi town very dramatic and well choreographed. Harsh emotions between the characters once they step foot on American soil are equally compelling with a very good recreation of the typical homecoming and that friendly Texan vibe.

Throughout this 113 minute tale there are really gripping performances. Cast as Brandon’s parents in strong depictions are Ciaran Hinds (Munich) and Linda Emond with Abbie Cornish (Elizabeth: The Golden Age) soulful as an ageless friend.

Twists and turns abound in Stop-Loss, a very well made tale of the haunting nature of war and the long shadow such momentous events can cast over participants, communities and even a nation.

                Read more reviews by Robert at www.moviereviewssite.com