American Sniper, the 2014 war drama directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper, will leave Netflix on November 5. The film, based on a true story, has been hailed by viewers as an 'outstanding masterpiece' and 'as good as Saving Private Ryan'.
A Modern War Classic
For many film fans, war films such as Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down, and The Hurt Locker have long set the standard for the genre. Audiences now claim that American Sniper rivals, if not surpasses, these established masterworks.
The film features Bradley Cooper in the central role, earning widespread praise for his titular performance. The picture's official synopsis reads: "Navy S.E.A.L. sniper Chris Kyle's pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home with his family after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind."
Cast and Reception
Sienna Miller plays the female lead alongside Cooper, with supporting roles from Luke Grimes, Jake McDorman, Cory Hardrict, Kevin Lacz, Navid Negahban, and Keir O'Donnell. American Sniper draws from the 2012 memoir of the same title written by Chris Kyle with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice.
The war drama was a box office success, earning $547 million against a production budget of roughly $59 million. It received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor for Cooper, ultimately winning the Oscar for Best Sound Editing.
Audience and Critical Praise
One fan wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: "Powerful, emotional and very gritty. Directed to a tee by Clint Eastwood and Bradley Cooper excels as usual exceptionally well in character. Top class cinematography and writing. Succeeds in gripping you to the point where you can almost experience the settings physically. Outstanding on absolutely every level. Truly a memorable movie about a memorable man."
Another viewer said: "I can't remember a movie in the last decade, that was as riveting and captivating as "American Sniper." I kept seeing the trailer on TV and when I finally went to see it, I was already jacked-up...and it delivered. A+ Script A+ Director A+ Lead Actor A+ Supporting Actors A+ Cinematographer. Eastwood, Cooper and the screenwriter made a great team...which eventually became a great film."
Critics have also praised the film, with one writing: "... a mature film of the toll war takes on its warriors, and you should see it, regardless of your politics." Another noted: "What a surprise that rather than an uncritical testament to the might of the armed forces, Eastwood delivers this complex, conflicted and profoundly moving look at the military machine, and the toll it takes on the soldiers."
American Sniper is available to stream on Netflix until November 4.
