Clint Eastwood's 2014 biographical war drama American Sniper, starring Bradley Cooper, is now available to stream on Netflix. The film earned six Academy Award nominations and grossed over $547 million worldwide.
A story of a legendary sniper
The film chronicles the real-life story of Chris Kyle, portrayed by Cooper, who became the deadliest sniper in American military history with 255 confirmed kills over four deployments during the Iraq War. Based on Kyle's autobiography, it follows his journey from a Texas rancher and rodeo performer to an elite US Navy SEAL marksman.
The production also documents the strain his deployments placed on his marriage to wife Taya, played by Sienna Miller. It received a limited release on Christmas Day 2014 before expanding nationwide the following January.
Awards and box office success
The film secured six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor for Cooper, ultimately winning Best Sound Editing. It became Eastwood's most commercially successful directorial effort and the 13th highest-grossing film of 2014.
Viewer reactions on Rotten Tomatoes echo the critical recognition. One critic called it "one of the best military movies ever made based on the legendary sniper Chris Kyle," while another noted its intense suspense: "Extremely tense. Give me anxiety to watch. Very well acted directed amazing true story. Have a glass of whiskey while you watch it for your nerves."
Mixed reception and lasting impact
Cooper's performance drew particular praise, with one viewer saying simply: "Cooper should have won the Oscar." Another reflected on the film's emotional weight: "It's a great movie, sad, gnarly and very realistic. Rest in peace, Chris Kyle."
The film also faced criticism over its depiction of Kyle and the Iraq War, sparking debate upon release. Supporters praised its authenticity, with one admirer describing it as "a movie that humanizes our soldiers and the struggles they face." American Sniper is currently streaming on Netflix.
