Gripping, visceral combat filmmaking that honours its soldiers despite thin politics.
Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Lone Survivor receives a broadly positive critical reception, with most reviewers praising its intense battle sequences, realistic depiction of combat, and strong ensemble cast. Several critics highlighted the film's unflinching portrayal of war and its avoidance of overt partisanship, while cinematography also drew specific praise. The most common criticism centres on the film's perceived glorification of American patriotism and lack of geopolitical sensitivity, with a minority of critics finding it little more than visceral spectacle without deeper substance.
1 not-rated review isn't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of reviews from 9 publications · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
"Lone Survivor" is a well-constructed 'gory war porn' that camouflages an error of judgment on moralistic grounds and glorifies American patriotism. It's a realistic, gruesome depiction of war that'll stay with you long after the lights come back on.
Film review ·
Not many may like the fact that Afghan villagers are the heroes here but this film says the story as it is. Berg does a marvelous job. His team of muscle men Mark Wahlberg, Tylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster and Eric Bana make the film look real. Lone Survivor is pulled out of the real world and it's unforgettable!
Film review ·
Though the movie starts off slow-paced, it gains momentum as soon as the disastrous Operation Red Wing gets under way. Lone Survivor is an impressive war movie that is fast-paced, intense, intriguing, enduring, taut, realistic and one that definitely deserves your time.
Film review ·
The film never once ventures into partisanship or jingoism. The fact that war really is hell is always kept front and centre throughout. Tobia Schliesser's cinematography is brilliant. This one's an adrenaline- packed ride all the way.
Film review ·
If you enjoy a good war film then Lone Survivor won't disappoint. Watch it for the terrific cast and some intense battle scenes.
Film review ·
Overall though heart-wrenching, brutal and life-affirming, the film due to the glamourisation of the conflict exhibits a "Hollywood feel" to a realistic narration.
Film review ·
One can make a guess that virtually every second mission in Iraq, Afghanistan or in all conflict zones is a story waiting to be told. What I am not sure is, if it can be made into an engrossing cinematic experience as this one.
Film review ·
Lone Survivor is Hollywood's Lakshya -- except, without the spunk, the entertainment factor and Hrithik Roshan. This is not a film. This is a test; And of all the people I sat in the theatre with, I think I have emerged the lone survivor.
Film review ·
Like most films of its type, Lone Survivor works fine as long as its characters maintain their fingers on the trigger and keep the armaments industry in the black. It's when they stop firing and start looking around them that the overall lack of geopolitical sensitivity becomes painfully apparent.
Credits
Mark WahlbergSO2 Marcus Luttrell
Taylor KitschLT Michael P
Emile HirschSO2 Danny Dietz
Ben FosterSO2 Matthew Axelson
Eric BanaLCDR Erik S
Ali SulimanGulab
Alexander LudwigSO2 Shane Patton
Jerry FerraraSGT Hasslert
Scott ElrodPeter Musselman
Sammy SheikTaraq
Rich TingSO2 James Suh
Dan BilzerianSOCS Dan HealyEnglish films like Lone Survivor
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