The Wall

2017 "This isn't war. It's a game."
6.2| 1h30m| R| en
Details

An American sniper and his spotter engage in a deadly cat-and-mouse game with an Iraqi sniper.

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Big Indie Pictures

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Reviews

RyothChatty ridiculous rating
Crwthod A lot more amusing than I thought it would be.
BallWubba Wow! What a bizarre film! Unfortunately the few funny moments there were were quite overshadowed by it's completely weird and random vibe throughout.
Guillelmina The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
The Movie Diorama The overly saturated war genre is increasingly becoming over populated with a variety of differing wars every year. For a film to differentiate itself, it has to be memorable. Whether it be jaw-dropping sequences, astute direction or gorgeous cinematography. Unfortunately, The Wall is far too stripped back and consequently loses its cinematic scope. An American soldier is stuck behind a wall as a rogue sniper attempts to shoot him. A fierce mind battle that will test the limitations of one's survival abilities and psychological skills. The methodology and creativity utilised to investigate the location of the sniper, whilst adrenaline is pumping, remained interesting throughout. Time delays from the bullet hitting and the sound of its release to acknowledging the background noise of the sniper as he communicates with the soldier. To remain innovative at a pure moment of survival is what makes soldiers human. They aren't machines, they are mortal beings. Johnson gives an excellent central performance conveying bravery and desperation. Cena was fine, but as Johnson is on screen for the majority of the short runtime, the focus is purely on him. That's about it unfortunately. It's essentially 'Phone Booth' with the aesthetic appeal of modern warfare. The story lacks thrills. It's structure, cinematography and Liman's direction are so basic that any moment of suspense dissipates immediately. The pace becomes so stagnated that boredom settles in. Marred with several idiotic plot conveniences, the narrative relies too heavily on unimaginative devices. Accidentally laying on a radio, a brick crushing a finger and the sniper who coincidentally knows pretty much everything about the solider. Only to culminate to an incredibly rushed final ten minute sequence that then ends on a cliffhanger. Except the lack of thrills and tension results in an unwanted and unnecessary cliffhanger. I appreciate Liman's stripped back environment and directorial efforts but the film went no where and crumbled.
Peter Pluymers "You Americans. You think you know it all. You think it's simple. That I am your enemy. But we are not so different,you and I."Ever seen "Mine"? A film about an American marine who accidentally steps on a land mine in the Afghan desert and an entire film he must remain motionless in the same place, until help arrives. "The Wall" shows an almost similar situation. Only this time it takes place in Iraq and the American soldier Isaac (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) sits behind the remains of a primitive wall. The only thing you'll see in this film, is a psychological game between the professional sniper (who we'll never get to see) and this soldier. Through a captured transmitter, he can communicate with Isaac and at the same time deceive other military personnel.It's never really exciting. The only thing Isaac is working on, is finding a way out and ensuring that his partner Matthews (John Cena) won't be slaughtered mercilessly by the most appropriately entrenched sniper. And this can only be prevented by talking sincere about himself. So the only thing we see a whole hour, is a distraught Isaac who has no water or transmitter at the beginning (And he has a terribly bleeding gunshot wound) talking to the Iraqi sniper, who apparently damn well knows how the American military apparatus works. A politically charged conversation unfolds between the two gentlemen. Discussing war, terrorism and Islam. A Shakespearian word game in which the Iraqi intellectual sounding gunner tries to justify his actions. A psychological game that drives Isaac to despair.Despite the fact that the film is limited in all possible ways (one character, one location, no special effects), the film remained extremely fascinating. Only I thought that the behavior of the two soldiers was implausible at a certain moment. I assume those were two trained, experienced soldiers who already had done a number of tours. But when you see the first one wandering towards the oilfield in a casual, worryfree way, it really looks amateurish. And then the way his partner starts running to help him. I guess it's panic that is to blame and an explanation for his behavior. But besides this sigh-moment, I thought the acting wasn't so bad. And some will experience the denouement as abrupt and disappointing. I, on the other hand, do like such uncommon endings. It doesn't need to be a happy ending all the time!
lovemodess_ka The story is interesting but 2 stupid things made my head hurt. Normally sniper wouldn't walk searching like that by feeling bored and then just walked like that. And the most upsetting moment is when the evac team arrived and he tried to warn them and it doesn't make sense to ignore it... Too bad...wasting my time...
btmmorrison Over all, this was a decent war flick if you're wasting some time or washing the dishes etc.First, the one-star reviews calling this 'anti-American' or 'anti-military' are silly as hell. Of course the other side is going to say things against the American military. What would have pleased you? If he had just jabbered "Mohammed Jihad durka durka" the whole time? To be a realistic character he is going to say things that are against the American military... that's sort of the point of him being the enemy. Don't be so sensitive.The movie itself is well-shot and fairly well-acted. John Cena seems to be more of a fill-in to bring in viewers than anything else. The main actor playing Isaac "Eyes" does a pretty good job. To those saying he ends up "acting like a bit**", well, I imagine most people eventually would soften up a little after bleeding out in the desert for hours.Anyway, the pace of the movie can be a little slow (how can it not be at 90 minutes with a guy hiding behind a wall). The premise is a little silly once all is revealed at the end - the military has checks in place to not allow this to happen over and over.Military vets/serving members will find it a little silly, the decisions and tactics make no sense, the equipment they choose to bring, etc. But if you can put this aside it is a decent enough flick. 6/10 for being well-shot and well-acted, but unbelievable in too many ways.