Lone Survivor, a 2013 war drama starring Mark Wahlberg, is being hailed by viewers and critics as the best war film since Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down. The film, now streaming on Netflix, is based on the true story of Operation Red Wings during the Afghanistan conflict.
Plot and Production
The film adapts the 2007 non-fiction book by former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell and thriller novelist Patrick Robinson. It recreates the mission where a four-man SEAL team was dispatched to track down Taliban commander Ahmad Shah. Luttrell and other SEAL veterans served as technical consultants, with support from various US Armed Forces branches.
Critical and Audience Reception
Lone Survivor earned $154.8 million globally on a $40 million budget and received two Oscar nominations for Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing. It holds an 87% audience approval rating from over 100,000 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
One critic stated: "Lone Survivor is an amazing war film that explores the idea of brotherhood and sacrifice in some of the best ways we've ever seen." Another noted: "The most harrowing combat film since Saving Private Ryan." A third reviewer added: "Small in scale but just as intense, Lone Survivor's extended battle recalls the opening of Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan."
Audiences have also been captivated. One viewer wrote: "Unbelievable. Movie rips your heart out." Another commented: "It's not just a war movie, it's a raw, emotional tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and brotherhood of those who serve." An IMDB reviewer hailed it as "Easily the best War Movie since Saving Private Ryan, only an actual story."
Cast and Streaming
Directed by Peter Berg, the film features Mark Wahlberg in the lead role, with supporting performances from Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster, and Eric Bana. Lone Survivor is now available for streaming on Netflix.
