The opinions expressed here are the authors and may not necessarily reflect those of the publisherâs.
Some of you may recall the movie Enemy at the Gates, a 2001 Paramount Pictures release. It was the story of the siege of Stalingrad and the horrors perpetrated by the Nazis on the Russians. It was based on true events and featured Jude Law as a Russian sniper, picking off German officers as they moved around Stalingrad. His purpose was to create morale problems for the occupiers, and he was successful, as the Germans were forced to bring in their top sniper in an effort to eliminate the Russian. The movie eventually evolved into a battle of wits between the two. It was an exciting and successful film, entrancing viewers around the world.
Several weeks ago Warner Brothers released American Sniper>, which set seven box office records in its first weekend. This is also based on true events, the story of Navy Seal Chris Kyle and his four combat tours in Iraq. It also features a battle of wits between Kyle and an Iraqi sniper who has killed a number of Americans. Kyle, played by Bradley Cooper, was phenomenally successful and saved hundreds of lives in the process of performing his duty. This is an exciting and memorable film, worthy of the six Oscar nominations received, a tribute to Director Clint Eastwood who is second to none.
So, I need you to help me understand why there was no outrage or criticism of Enemy at the Gates, but untold numbers of outspoken critics about American Sniper. To be fair there are far more positive reviews and comments than negative. Nonetheless to hear a large group of âlooniesâ railing on about political correctness as it relates to this movie has my head spinning. Is it more politically correct to shoot Nazis during World War II than it is to shoot Islamic terrorists in todayâs world? I think not. I havenât one iota of sympathy for those who are worried we might offend the terrorists by showing them as the savage and unrepentant killers they are. On the other hand, if we werenât so rude, maybe they would stop beheading journalists and slaughtering innocent school children among others.
One critic commented that Chris Kyle was a coward. Itâs a good thing Iâm on blood pressure meds as it probably spiked when I heard that. Of course, when the other guy slices your head off or rapes your seven year old daughter, heâs not a coward, just an offended terrorist.
Snipers exist in all militia around the world and have for centuries. At times, these men are the bravest of the brave as they risk life and limb to protect their own, while the enemy unceasingly hunts them down. They are at great risk every time they go into battle.
Having said all of that, I defend the right of those critics to say what they think or feel. That is a whole lot more than the world of Islamic terrorism offers to theirs.
