WAR STORY

LeeWell-intentioned, timely drama. A photojournalist (Keener) struggles to regain her footing after a traumatic assignment in Libya, but it takes way too long to figure out who she is, where she is, & how she finds herself in her current predicament.

Film asks critical questions, but the filmmakers fail to fully utilize their enormously talented cast members. (JLH: 3.5/5)

Click HERE to read out FF2 Haiku.

*************************

The Film Critic’s Dilemma: Really, really wanting to like something, but knowing in your heart that you just don’t 🙁

War Story is a well-intentioned and very timely drama directed by Mark Johnson, based on a screenplay he wrote with Kristen Gore. (Yes, that Kristen Gore—daughter of Al & Tipper.)

The main character is a photographer named “Lee” (Catherine Keener), but when we first see her, Lee is an object for other photographers rather than a subject who is taking pictures of her own. Lee is hustled out of a building that looks vaguely Middle Eastern and pushed into a waiting car while flashing cameras snap at her like piranha fish.

As I said, timely, but alas, to say that War Story is “oblique” is to damn with faint praise. I thought it was my fault. I thought maybe I had been preoccupied and just hadn’t paid enough attention. So I watched the whole film a second time on VOD (with the captions turned on so I could see all the dialogue), and then I even watched the beginning a third time so I could be sure of all the parallels between the first scene and the last scene. But even so, the screenplay fails to provide answers and leaves us in a muddle.

For example, where is this film set? After the intro described above, Lee arrives at a place that seems filled with people who speak Italian, but where? At the end, when the credits roll, the copyright says “Sicily Film,” so presumably War Story is set in Sicily. But why? Why does Lee go all by herself to this particular place?

Even though she has no reservation, Lee checks in to a small hotel where it seems she has stayed before, but why? Only in Act Three do we learn that she knows someone in this town, and his reputation is presumably enough to assure that people will treat her well no matter how abominably she treats them. (On a trip to the local hospital, Lee is very rude to a male doctor there who knows her and is trying to help her, so she’s not exactly sexist. But that said, the way she treated women such as the desk clerk and the housekeeper at the hotel made me cringe.)

Lee spends an indeterminate amount of time alone in her hotel room, sleeping with shades down in the daytime and periodically examining mysterious wounds on her back in the glare of the bathroom mirror. Her cell phone rings repeatedly, but she never answers it, nor does she make any outgoing calls of her own.

Finally she gets dressed and heads outside, which is when the plot, such as it is, gets going. Lee sees a young woman on the street and stalks her. When the woman turns on her, Lee says she knows her from a prior assignment. The woman says no, Lee doesn’t know her, but at least the dialogue between them provides us with a bit of information.

“Hafsia” (Hafsia Herzi) tells Lee she is from Libya. She left on an illegal boat with her brother, but somewhere in the night, he vanished. The survivors made it to shore, but there is no welcome for them in Sicily. Lee agrees to help Hafsia get to France. To accomplish this, Lee needs a car, and that’s when we meet “Albert” (Ben Kingsley) the person who actually lives in this place and owns the car Lee intends to borrow. And thankfully the dialogue between Lee and Albert provides us with a bit more information. WithAlbert

Lee is a photojournalist. Albert is her mentor. Lee was on assignment in Libya with her partner, Mark. They were captured. Lee was tortured. Mark was murdered. Lee has survivor guilt. Lee has post-traumatic stress disorder. Lee has big decisions to make about her future. Albert is cold, practical, and uncompromising: This is what we do, and this is the price we pay.

As I write, Gaza, Iraq, Syria, Ukraine and big chunks of Africa are exploding in flames, and refugees like Hafsia are desperately seeing shelter all around the world.

Where would “social media” be without all the pictures we’re forever sending off to one another? But does that mean we need professional journalists committed to covering each story objectively even if, in doing so, they sometimes risk their own lives in pursuit of the facts? Maybe it’s enough to have unvetted “citizen journalists” on the scene who can upload photos from their phones directly to their blogs? Unfortunately, there only seems to be one third option: out of sight/out of mind.

These are critical questions and kudos to War Story for implicitly asking them. I just wish the filmmakers had done a better job of utilizing their cast’s enormous talents. An incessantly moaning cello is no substitute for back story.

WithHafsia

Top Photo: “Lee” (Catherine Keener) on the streets of an unnamed place in Sicily.

Middle Photo: Lee with her mentor “Albert” (Ben Kingsley).

Bottom Photo: Lee with “Hafsia” (Hafsia Herzi), who becomes something of a surrogate daughter in the course of the film.

Photo Credits: No photographer is named on IMDb.

PS: Shout-Out to someone named “Beavertoof” with whom I exchanged several illuminating messages on IMDb. Thanks, Beavertoof 🙂 But note that this thread contains multiple spoiler alerts!

Q: Does War Story pass the Bechdel Test? DigitalStampA

Absolutely! The film rests primarily on conversations between Lee and Hafsia. Their slowly-developing relationship grows as they come to trust one another and recount past experiences. By the time they leave the hotel together, they have achieved something of a mother/daughter vibe, which adds emotional heft to their parting scene.

 

264 comments

  1. Thank you for every other informative site. The place else may I get that type of information written in such
    a perfect manner? I’ve a mission that I’m just now running on, and I’ve been on the glance
    out for such information.

  2. Your evaluation is extremely interesting. If you need to learn slot pulsa
    online, I love to suggest participating in after reputable agen slot online websites internet.

    As possible achieve big wins and get hold of promised
    internet marketer winnings. When you need to find out, you may immediately stick to the link underneath.
    The web link is in reality a port blog website that is certainly frequently employed between Indonesia the gamers.

  3. You are so awesome! I don’t believe I’ve truly read through something like this before.
    So great to discover another person with genuine thoughts on this topic.
    Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that’s needed on the
    internet, someone with a little originality!

  4. I’ve read some good stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting.
    I wonder how so much attempt you place to make the sort of magnificent informative website.

  5. This design is spectacular! You most certainly know how to keep a reader entertained.
    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog
    (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that,
    how you presented it. Too cool!

  6. Hello, i believe that i saw you visited my blog so i came to return the
    choose?.I am attempting to find issues to enhance my web site!I suppose its ok to use some of your
    ideas!!

  7. My partner and I stumbled over here from a different web address and thought I should check things out.
    I like what I see so i am just following you.
    Look forward to finding out about your web page yet again.

  8. Hey there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you
    know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly.

    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same outcome.

  9. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.

    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway,
    just wanted to say superb blog!

  10. hello there and thank you for your info – I’ve definitely picked up
    anything new from right here. I did however expertise several technical
    points using this website, as I experienced to
    reload the site a lot of times previous to I could get it to load correctly.
    I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that
    I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will very frequently affect
    your placement in google and can damage your high
    quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding
    this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for a lot more of your respective exciting content.
    Ensure that you update this again soon.

  11. You actually make it seem really easy along with your presentation however I in finding this matter to be
    actually one thing that I think I’d never understand.
    It kind of feels too complicated and extremely vast for me.
    I’m looking ahead in your next put up, I’ll attempt to get the grasp
    of it!

  12. You could certainly see your expertise within the article you write.
    The world hopes for more passionate writers like
    you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. All the time follow
    your heart.

  13. The evaluation is extremely interesting. If you wish to find out slot online pulsa, I
    recommend participating in regarding reliable
    bandar slot online sites. Because you can gain big wins and obtain assured affiliate payouts.
    If you want to experience, you may immediately just click
    here here. The hyperlink can be described as slot machine web page that
    is commonly used amongst Indonesia the members.

  14. I have fun with, result in I discovered exactly what I used
    to be looking for. You have ended my four day long hunt!
    God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

  15. Attain each of the a large number of current casino video game titles merely in that website.
    You can appreciate agen judi casino in a relaxed manner seeing that there are many alternatives of suppliers.

  16. Good day I am so grateful I found your site, I really found you
    by error, while I was researching on Aol for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just
    like to say kudos for a incredible post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also
    added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back
    to read a lot more, Please do keep up the superb b.

  17. No matter if some one searches for his essential thing, therefore he/she needs to be available
    that in detail, thus that thing is maintained over here.

  18. Hi there! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate!

    He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to
    him. Fairly certain he will have a good read.
    Many thanks for sharing!

  19. Hi, I do think this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will come back yet again since I book marked
    it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.

  20. Nice blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
    A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would
    really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your theme.
    With thanks

  21. This is really interesting, You’re an overly professional blogger.

    I’ve joined your feed and look forward to looking for more of your great post.
    Additionally, I have shared your site in my social networks

  22. Great blog here! Also your website loads up very fast!
    What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?

    I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  23. I’d like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site.
    I am hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well.
    In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get
    my own, personal site now 😉

  24. Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this website.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult
    to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and appearance.

    I must say you have done a very good job with this.
    Additionally, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Opera.
    Exceptional Blog!

  25. Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from
    an established blog. Is it hard to set up your own blog?
    I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.

    I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to
    begin. Do you have any tips or suggestions?
    Many thanks

  26. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.

    Your web site provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve
    done a formidable job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

  27. Hello there! This article couldn’t be written any better!

    Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He always kept talking about this. I most certainly will send this information to
    him. Pretty sure he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!

  28. Hey there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering
    which blog platform are you using for this website?
    I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking
    at alternatives for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good
    platform.

  29. It is not my first time to pay a visit this web site, i am
    browsing this site dailly and obtain pleasant facts from here daily.

  30. Excellent article. Keep posting such kind of info on your site.
    Im really impressed by your site.
    Hello there, You’ve performed a great job.
    I’ll certainly digg it and for my part suggest to my friends.
    I am sure they’ll be benefited from this website.

  31. Amazing blog! Do you have any recommendations for aspiring
    writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go
    for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m
    totally overwhelmed .. Any recommendations? Appreciate it!

  32. excellent post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts
    of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing.
    I’m confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!

  33. Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids.
    I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell
    to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  34. great points altogether, you just won a new reader.
    What might you recommend about your put up that
    you just made a few days in the past? Any sure?

  35. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your blog.
    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me
    to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out
    a developer to create your theme? Superb work!

  36. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit
    more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and
    everything. Nevertheless think of if you added some great photos or
    videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and
    clips, this blog could undeniably be one of the very best in its field.
    Awesome blog!

  37. I am curious to find out what blog platform you happen to be working with?
    I’m experiencing some small security problems with my latest website and I would like
    to find something more safe. Do you have any solutions?

  38. Hello to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting more from this website, and your views are
    fastidious designed for new visitors.

  39. Hi, I do believe this is a great web site. I
    stumbledupon it 😉 I may come back yet again since i
    have book-marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to
    help others.

  40. Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you are a
    great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will often come back later on. I
    want to encourage you continue your great job, have a nice
    weekend!

  41. Hi there, I found your website by the use of Google whilst searching for a comparable topic, your site got here up, it appears great.
    I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hi there, simply changed into aware of your blog thru Google, and located
    that it is really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
    I will be grateful when you proceed this in future. A lot of other folks shall be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  42. You really make it seem really easy along with your presentation however I in finding this matter to be really one thing
    which I feel I would never understand. It kind of feels too complicated and very extensive for me.
    I am having a look forward to your subsequent submit, I will attempt
    to get the hang of it!

  43. I think what you published made a lot of sense. But, what about this?

    what if you added a little content? I ain’t saying
    your content is not good, but suppose you added something to maybe
    get people’s attention? I mean WAR STORY – FF2 Media is kinda boring.
    You ought to peek at Yahoo’s home page and note how they write article titles to grab viewers
    interested. You might add a related video or a related pic or two to grab people
    excited about everything’ve written. Just my opinion, it might bring your posts a little livelier.

  44. Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this blog.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get that
    “perfect balance” between usability and visual
    appeal. I must say you have done a very good job with this.
    Additionally, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Chrome.
    Superb Blog!

  45. I am really enjoying the theme/design of your website.
    Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues?
    A couple of my blog readers have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari.
    Do you have any suggestions to help fix this issue?

  46. Very great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished
    to say that I have really loved surfing around your weblog posts.
    After all I will be subscribing on your feed and I hope you write again very soon!

  47. Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site, how
    could i subscribe for a blog web site? The account helped me a acceptable
    deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept

  48. certainly like your web site however you need to test the spelling on several of your posts.

    Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I to
    find it very troublesome to inform the reality on the other
    hand I will definitely come back again.

  49. Hello are using WordPress for your site platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you need any html coding expertise
    to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  50. We are a group of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community.

    Your website offered us with helpful information to work on. You’ve done an impressive activity and our whole neighborhood can be grateful to you.

  51. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was
    wondering what all is needed to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would
    cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web smart so I’m not
    100% positive. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Appreciate it

  52. After looking at a few of the articles on your blog, I seriously appreciate your way of blogging.
    I saved it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the near future.
    Take a look at my website as well and let
    me know what you think.

  53. Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems
    with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a
    few months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any methods
    to protect against hackers?

  54. What i don’t realize is in truth how you are no longer really a lot more well-liked
    than you might be now. You are very intelligent. You recognize thus significantly in the case of this matter, made me personally imagine it from a lot of numerous angles.
    Its like women and men aren’t involved unless it’s one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga!

    Your individual stuffs excellent. Always deal with it up!

  55. What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have
    discovered It absolutely useful and it has aided me
    out loads. I hope to give a contribution & help other customers like its aided me.
    Good job.

  56. Excellent post. Keep writing such kind of info on your blog.
    Im really impressed by it.
    Hey there, You have done a fantastic job. I will certainly digg it and
    personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this web
    site.

  57. Its like you learn my mind! You seem to understand so much approximately this,
    like you wrote the guide in it or something. I think that you can do with some % to power the message home a little bit, however instead of that, this is great blog.
    A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.

  58. Excellent pieces. Keep posting such kind of info on your blog.
    Im really impressed by it.
    Hi there, You have performed a fantastic job.
    I will certainly digg it and in my opinion suggest to my friends.
    I am confident they will be benefited from
    this web site.

  59. Hello! I understand this is sort of off-topic but I had to ask.
    Does operating a well-established blog such as yours require a large amount of work?
    I am completely new to blogging however I do write in my journal
    every day. I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my own experience and views online.
    Please let me know if you have any kind of suggestions or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers.
    Thankyou!

  60. First of all I want to say great blog! I had
    a quick question that I’d like to ask if you do not mind.

    I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear
    your mind prior to writing. I have had difficulty clearing my thoughts
    in getting my ideas out. I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints?
    Thanks!

  61. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
    I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of
    your useful information. Thanks for the post.
    I’ll definitely comeback.

  62. I was suggested this website through my cousin. I’m no longer certain whether or not this submit is written by
    him as nobody else know such special about my difficulty.
    You are amazing! Thanks!

  63. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this outstanding blog!

    I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding
    your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates
    and will talk about this site with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  64. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
    I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info.

    Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback.

  65. Excellent site you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any forums
    that cover the same topics talked about in this article?
    I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get feedback from other knowledgeable
    individuals that share the same interest. If
    you have any recommendations, please let me know. Many thanks!

  66. Right here is the right webpage for anybody who hopes to find out about
    this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you
    (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You certainly
    put a fresh spin on a subject that has been written about for ages.

    Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!

  67. I don’t even understand how I finished up right here, however I believed this publish used to be good.
    I do not understand who you’re however certainly you’re going to
    a famous blogger if you happen to aren’t already.
    Cheers!

  68. Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website
    before but after going through a few of the articles
    I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll
    be book-marking it and checking back often!

  69. Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how could
    i subscribe for a weblog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
    I were tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept

  70. Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other websites?

    I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and would really like
    to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would appreciate your work.
    If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

  71. What i do not understood is in fact how you’re no longer
    actually much more smartly-preferred than you may be now. You’re
    very intelligent. You recognize therefore considerably relating to
    this topic, made me in my view consider it from so many various angles.
    Its like men and women are not interested until it’s something
    to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding.

    At all times handle it up!

  72. hello there and thank you for your info – I’ve definitely
    picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical issues using this web site, as I experienced to reload the site a lot of
    times previous to I could get it to load properly.
    I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times
    will very frequently affect your placement in google
    and can damage your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
    Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my email and could look out for much more of your respective interesting content.
    Make sure you update this again very soon.

  73. пансионаты в воронежской области ялта инт
    санаторий зеленая долина туапсе отдых береговое ток судак
    санаторий ласточкино гнездо грей инн феодосия усть луга гостиница

  74. отзывы о санатории виктория кисловодск 2021 елены стасовой 40и
    арабика абхазия гостиницы в улан баторе усадьба приморский парк алушта отзывы
    казачий берег 1 гостиница алейка пансионат геленджик в геленджике

  75. анапе с отель интер сухум абхазия
    до подмосковье мо рф официальный сайт гостиница атмосфера острогожск ривьера казань цена
    ялта 24 официальный сайт гостиница старый город вытегра азнакаево санаторий азнакаевский

  76. 1 линии турфирма расписание экскурсий ток судак видео
    гостиница шилка манжерок официальный сайт отели подмосковья на карте
    бронхоэктатический синдром санатории осетии цены с лечением и питанием синдика нальчик официальный

  77. домбай отели и гостиницы цены 2021 ноябрь отель южный парус анапа
    санаторий алтай г белокуриха отель гипноз отели кропоткин
    дома отдыха в питере на финском заливе самшитовая роща абхазия санаторий лечение xroom гостиница муром

  78. санаторий в пятигорске зори ставрополья щелково гостиница
    санаторий профилакторий дружба поселок никита в крыму акватория евпатория официальный сайт
    санатории на черноморском побережье краснодарского края санаторий ерино московская область пансионат конгресс сочи

  79. мини отели в центре санкт петербурга семейный отдых краснодар
    тур в абхазию из новороссийска тур пятигорск туры с перелетом в сочи
    гурзуф отели с бассейном вакансии на базу отдыха в башкирии черничный склон коттеджи

  80. русь санаторий ессентуки официальный сайт альмира отель адлер
    жилье в лермонтово коктебель творческая волна официальный сайт евпатория цены
    отдых в мисхоре отзывы апартаменты на набережной адлер отель акватория новосибирск

  81. минеральные воды горячий ключ где можно отдохнуть в краснодаре недорого
    simple хостел санкт петербург отель гамма сириус парк анапа в мае
    железноводская больница официальный сайт отель такмак в красноярске путевки в

  82. апарт отель анапа отзывы хостел нива тамбов
    хэмптон нижний новгород дельфин адлер гостевой дом ерино
    кижи отель гостиницы новый свет крым 9 ночей петрозаводск официальный

  83. санаторий аквалоо сочи официальный сайт лечение спины в челябинске
    отель некрасовка гостиница династия питер крымское приазовье
    почему закрыт санаторий русь в сочи докучаев переулок 2 москва санатории ташкента официальный сайт

  84. Быстромонтируемые строения – это актуальные системы, которые отличаются громадной быстротой строительства и гибкостью. Они представляют собой сооружения, образующиеся из заранее сделанных элементов либо узлов, которые имеют возможность быть скоро собраны в районе стройки.
    Строительство производственных зданий из сэндвич панелей отличаются гибкостью а также адаптируемостью, что позволяет просто преобразовывать а также модифицировать их в соответствии с потребностями покупателя. Это экономически эффективное и экологически устойчивое решение, которое в крайние лета получило маштабное распространение.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *