Watch On War

On War is a French drama film released in 2008, directed by Bertrand Bonello. The movie primarily deals with the war's effects on the human psyche and how the people involved become victims of their own urges during and after the war. The plot takes place during the Bosnian war and centers around a group of journalists trying to capture the implications of the war.

The movie follows a journalist named Léonard (Mathieu Amalric), who is passionate about his work but not quite sure of his true purpose in life. He is sent to cover the Bosnian war by his editor and travels with a team of fellow journalists, among whom is a young and ambitious reporter, Gabrielle (played by Asia Argento).

As the team reaches the war-torn region, they are introduced to the brutality and devastation of war. They get caught up in the war's chaos and witness the atrocities committed by both sides.

Gradually, the movie shifts its focus from the horrors of the war to the psychological breakdown of the characters. Léonard's passion for his work and his principles begin to blur as he attempts to create a name for himself in journalism. Gabrielle's urge to capture evidence of war brings out her insecurities and psychological trauma. The two characters' differences become more evident as they begin to clash on multiple occasions.

Adding to this, On War induces heavy emotions by infusing the film with the encounters of the people caught in between the crossfire. The story portrays the emotional and physical damage that the war causes to the civilians, soldiers, and journalists.

As the movie progresses, we see Léonard's character shift towards his dark side, slowly losing his grip on his moral compass. His character becomes more complex when he faces an ethical dilemma of using military sources to publish his story.

The conflict between Léonard and Gabrielle escalates, leading to a radical decision that could shape their future.

The performances by the actors are exceptional, especially Mathieu Amalric, who brings the right amount of intensity to the role of Léonard. His portrayal of the character's psychological turmoil during the scenes of the war is remarkable.

Asia Argento gives a powerful performance as Gabrielle, portraying the character's vulnerability and strength amidst the chaos of war.

The cinematography of the film is beautiful, and the sound design creates an immersive atmosphere that blends perfectly with the movie's theme.

On War may not be for everyone, as it is a slow-burn movie that takes time to explore its characters' development. However, its ability to present the war's destructive nature and how it scars the people involved makes it a powerful drama that provokes reflection.

In conclusion, On War is an emotional and thought-provoking film that reflects the war's destructive effects on the human psyche. Its complex characters and engaging storyline make it a must-watch for those who appreciate French cinema's work.

On War is a 2008 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.