Watch Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk
- R
- 2016
- 1 hr 53 min
-
6.2 (23,903)
In "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk," the audience is taken on a journey through the eyes of 19-year-old Army specialist Billy Lynn (played by Joe Alwyn), a member of the Bravo Squad, who is hailed as a hero after a firefight in Iraq that was caught on video. The movie is directed by Ang Lee and is based on the novel by Ben Fountain.
The movie begins with Billy and his squad returning to the United States for a two-week âVictory Tourâ before they are sent back to Iraq. One of the stops on the tour is a halftime show at a Dallas Cowboys football game, where Billy is being honored for his bravery. Accompanying Billy on the tour are his colleagues, all of whom are struggling to deal with the aftermath of the battle.
The movie alternates between flashbacks of the battle in Iraq and the events of the day of the halftime show. The flashbacks are visceral and intense, showing the horrors of war and the emotional toll it takes on soldiers. The scenes are shot in ultra-high-definition, and it gives the viewer the feeling of being right in the middle of the action.
Back in the United States, the Bravo Squad is being used as propaganda to drum up support for the war. The squad is put on display at a high-end party, where they are plied with alcohol, drugs, and women. There is a disconnect between the soldiers and the civilians they encounter, and it becomes clear that the public has no idea what the soldiers have been through.
As the day of the football game approaches, Billy and his squad are feeling increasingly anxious. Along the way, they encounter several people who are critical of the war and America's role in it, which forces them to confront the reality of what they've been through. They are ushered into a luxury suite and paraded in front of the crowd, which includes several high-ranking Cowboys officials, including the teamâs owner (played by Steve Martin).
As the show progresses, Billy becomes increasingly disillusioned with the proceedings. He feels that the public is using him and his squad as props to make themselves feel good. The tension builds as Billy's sister (played by Kristen Stewart) attempts to convince him to stay home and not go back to Iraq.
The climax of the movie comes during the halftime show, where Billy experiences a moment of revelation that forces him to confront everything he thought he knew about himself, war, and America. The movie ends on a poignant note, with the audience left to ponder the consequences of decisions made by those in power.
Overall, "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk" is a powerful and affecting movie that tackles some difficult topics. It is a nuanced portrayal of the effects of war on soldiers and the divide between the military and the civilian population. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances are outstanding, particularly from Joe Alwyn, who delivers a standout performance as Billy. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of soldiers who have been to war.
Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 53.
