August 2021 - Peter Hopkirk the Great Game
liberal democracies - throwing copies of the federalist papers backed by mono cultural troops isn't the way to make new stable nations in central asia
the memory of the horse peoples is too strong
The Afglhanistan war is like Trump: inexplicable why anybody supports it.
2
small correction to the article: In the movie, Jeannie, McMahon's wife, says she has calculated that they have spent "less than 30 days a year together for the last 8 years." not less than 30 days total. (Sure it's still a shame. But I expect many women would trade all year with their husbands for a month with Brad Pitt ha ha.)
3
This is a great film. A low score on RT, yet the reality is because people can't believe this is a true representation. It is.
This is the scene in Afghanistan. This is what is happening today. It's a war that can't be won. Yet, we can't accept that.
Everyone that has seen it, loves it, it's just the critics who can't accept the truth here.
This is the scene in Afghanistan. This is what is happening today. It's a war that can't be won. Yet, we can't accept that.
Everyone that has seen it, loves it, it's just the critics who can't accept the truth here.
8
Great review, which is no surprise. I loved the anti-war (not simplistic peacenik, more that war is simply stupid and gains nothing) message of the film and like Mr. Scott wish it had been packaged so that more people would stick around to get it.
Small correction: Meg Tilly's character said they'd spent thirty days A YEAR together in the last eight years.
Small correction: Meg Tilly's character said they'd spent thirty days A YEAR together in the last eight years.
4
It's an excellent film. People should see it and decide by themselves than reading somebody else's paid opinions about the film (Film reviews).
1
Spot-on review. I very much enjoyed this movie, but a certain amount of context is required for full appreciation. General audiences may find the storyline too slow and some details too complicated -- or perhaps not sexy enough or violent enough to warrant the title 'War Machine' (especially in 2017).
This is unfortunate because the subject matter is immensely relevant...
This is unfortunate because the subject matter is immensely relevant...
5
I watched it yesterday, and I also loved it. The reference in the review to Brad Pitt's character in Burn After Reading is very apt. I thought of the same performance as I watched the movie. Also, Topher Grace is perfectly cast in this movie.
4
After reading A.O. Scott's review I referred to "War Machine" as "dark humored," but now that I seen it, make that dark-humored tragedy.
Our misadventure in Afghanistan is the charge of the light brigade in slow motion.
Our misadventure in Afghanistan is the charge of the light brigade in slow motion.
4
What a film shame, Brat! A relevants topic and history, great resources, but...
Just watched the flick and loved it. As Nabokov famously said, parody is a game, satire is a lesson. Between the laughs, this movies serves up many a stinging lesson. Perhaps the central lesson is one so obvious we miss it war after war: it's hard to "win the hearts and minds" of a people when you've invaded their country.
7
Not sure we miss the lesson, because it may be so beside the point that it isn't meant to be learned. When something really, really doesn't make sense, two things: look for the simplest answer and...follow the money.
2
Just watched the flick and loved it. As Nabokov famously said, parody is a game, satire is a lesson. Between the laughs, this movies serves up many a stinging lesson. Perhaps the central lesson is one so obvious we miss it war after war: it's hard to "win the hearts and minds" of a people when you've invaded their country.
1
Having served in Afghanistan (Paktia & Khost Provinces), the viewer to really understand the subtle message of the film is reinforced with time in country.
The same critical mistakes made during the Vietnam War to include "taking over" the war, nation building, training the host country soldiers and bringing "democracy" to the people combined with our hubris approach to almost everything results in what is certainly a failure in Afghanistan.
The hubris of the group played by Pitt et al represents the group under the command of General Stanley McCrystal; the time in Paris is well documented and most unfortunate as McCyrstal was a talented leader.
In my opinion, the COIN strategy used under General P simply could not be used in Afghanistan. The COP's (combat outpost's) along the border to "win the hearts and minds" of the population was an overt failure..causing the deaths of many fine US infantryman..guys from the 10th, 173rd and the 101st plus Marines and SF units.
When will be ever learn.
The same critical mistakes made during the Vietnam War to include "taking over" the war, nation building, training the host country soldiers and bringing "democracy" to the people combined with our hubris approach to almost everything results in what is certainly a failure in Afghanistan.
The hubris of the group played by Pitt et al represents the group under the command of General Stanley McCrystal; the time in Paris is well documented and most unfortunate as McCyrstal was a talented leader.
In my opinion, the COIN strategy used under General P simply could not be used in Afghanistan. The COP's (combat outpost's) along the border to "win the hearts and minds" of the population was an overt failure..causing the deaths of many fine US infantryman..guys from the 10th, 173rd and the 101st plus Marines and SF units.
When will be ever learn.
8
I am so enjoying this film! It seems to update with grim precision Catch-22.
6
Does it take Netflix and Brad Pitt to bring this situation forward? Our country is trillions of dollars in debt because of financing this endless war while not increasing taxes, and nobody is protesting, journalists aren't asking questions in press conferences, MOAB what did that cost? We need the draft to bring the war home and a big tax increase to make it clear what is happening. I read The Operators and was furious, but I felt totally alone. Tilda Swinton's speech was wonderful, I hope it was true.
11
I've finished watching the War Machine movie. Mr. Scott, as usual, presents an excellent good summary of it. My own take on the underlining message of it.
The movie is not a simplistic spoof of high-ranking military officers in charge of waging war after 9/11.
It touches a singular trait of the military/security-industrial complex -- led and supported by the political and financial elites -- which has kept the country in a permanent state of warfare since independence.
WWII was the last just war that defeated Nazism and Fascism.
After 1945 was just wars of conquest and domination which ended in disaster with the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
One thing for sure. More General Glen McMahon's characters are lined up for the next war. Dreaming of glory and victory in the battlefield of a third world country.
The movie is not a simplistic spoof of high-ranking military officers in charge of waging war after 9/11.
It touches a singular trait of the military/security-industrial complex -- led and supported by the political and financial elites -- which has kept the country in a permanent state of warfare since independence.
WWII was the last just war that defeated Nazism and Fascism.
After 1945 was just wars of conquest and domination which ended in disaster with the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
One thing for sure. More General Glen McMahon's characters are lined up for the next war. Dreaming of glory and victory in the battlefield of a third world country.
7
Agree with all you say except "...WWII was... just war..."
Anyone who still believes that needs to read "HUMAN SMOKE" by Nicholson Baker, 100% verbatim public quotes before, during, and after that war, from ALL the major players.
Seems humans like wars, and find their own ways to justify them, no matter the "side" or the "victor."
Anyone who still believes that needs to read "HUMAN SMOKE" by Nicholson Baker, 100% verbatim public quotes before, during, and after that war, from ALL the major players.
Seems humans like wars, and find their own ways to justify them, no matter the "side" or the "victor."
4
We are indeed a quarrelsome species.
3
The American people do not understand why we lost the Vietnam War. Guns are the wrong weapons. American culture is the weapon. Look what we have done to China. They are driving the same cars we drive and watch our movies. Still a long way to go. But with each generation we are chipping away with Chinese culture. We are changing China, China is not changing us.
4
I watched it last night. Didn't like it. Thought Brad Pitt was struggling with a bad script. To me it just didn't work.
2
Reading this review of 'War Machine' the movie appears to be a satirical take on the military post-9/11. Sort of a 21st-century version of Mash. From movies to reality.
A recent NYT piece argued generals in Trump's cabinet are the last resort to avoid their boss getting into another disastrous war.
As a citizen of a South American country used --in the past not too distant -- to military regimes/dictatorships, my only thought was: the US is in deep, deep trouble.
A recent NYT piece argued generals in Trump's cabinet are the last resort to avoid their boss getting into another disastrous war.
As a citizen of a South American country used --in the past not too distant -- to military regimes/dictatorships, my only thought was: the US is in deep, deep trouble.
12
Hollywood needs to do for the Trump administration what "In the Loop" did for the lead up to the Iraq War. By the way, McCrystal has told the truth about how we got into both Afghanistan and Iraq, through truly our amazing ignorance and arrogance. As he has said, we did not know anything about the cultures of either place. Our ignorance did not matter because of our arrogance, after all we are Americans! And now Trump is making George W. Bush look like a ethical, smart person and that is really saying something.
22
When have we ever learned about the culture of those we kill?
5
Tough editing is everything when you are filming a mordant, cleareyed critique of American war-making that is all the more devastating for being affectionately drawn.
5
the wars were never about nation building or protecting america, they were wag the dog operations to get a complete idiot that allowed the worst attack in history re-elected. they made things infinitely worse and yet no one was held accountable. then the side that should've been held accountable elected an even bigger idiot that will probably make even bigger mistakes. History will remember this as the beginning of the end for america and we deserve it.
40
I enjoy movies but sometimes actors are laughable in their "impersonations" of characters they try to make believable by facial gestures and combing their hair in a certain way.
I think I'll pass on this one.
I think I'll pass on this one.
4
If this is any where near as good as Animal Kingdom, it will be awesome.
7
Might have included the details of how Michael Hastings died, including the strong suspicion by more than a few that he was murdered in revenge.
6
This Movie is a magnificent example of how feckless and incompetent our Military truly is, not with actual truth, but with a real truth about "all" of our present General's War competence, and our Pentagon is chock full of them.
they needless get their men killed or wounded, but they have been to the "OUTDATED" WAR COLLEGE, so they must be correct. Our Military is great, except for its Generals, who have not won a thing since WWII. Clean them out, promote some knowedgeable Colonels, whose men are devoted to them, and have had many actual war successes.
they needless get their men killed or wounded, but they have been to the "OUTDATED" WAR COLLEGE, so they must be correct. Our Military is great, except for its Generals, who have not won a thing since WWII. Clean them out, promote some knowedgeable Colonels, whose men are devoted to them, and have had many actual war successes.
7
Honor Senior, you forgot our military victories over Grenada (Ronald Reagan) and Panama (George H.W. Bush).
3
Miner skirmishes, both! Possible flukes, or great commanding, but short and to the point!
1
You missed the sarcasm. Both conflicts were trivial. I know, not to those who were involved.
2
Another movie which will bomb at the box office, but Ben praised by out of touch critics. Americans are tired of political theater and the constant tearing down of traditional institutions such as the military. Your article fails to mention Pitt is supposed to portray Stanley McChrystal, who while made a poor decision to let a Rolling Stone reporter follow him around, is a true patriot who sacrificed himself to keep this country safe for years. Yes, he probably did only see his wife for limited time over multiple years, but that is because he was in Iraq or Afghanistan keeping the enemy at bay. This movie willl flop badly, as all these type of movie have, but I hope Americans wake up and realize the military is the sentinel of this country, while politicians, journalists and actors live in their own bubbled, jaded world.
6
Shoi,
Let's not overdue the fawning appreciation of the US military, please. While our everyday soldiers are indeed brave (as they are supposed to be), they have been led into a number of dubious missions. One can (indeed, should) question the sanctity "of traditional institutions", particularly the military, which gobbles up such a disproportionate amount of our country's budget.
Let's not overdue the fawning appreciation of the US military, please. While our everyday soldiers are indeed brave (as they are supposed to be), they have been led into a number of dubious missions. One can (indeed, should) question the sanctity "of traditional institutions", particularly the military, which gobbles up such a disproportionate amount of our country's budget.
30
"Your article fails to mention Pitt is supposed to portray Stanley McChrystal,"
Did you read the second paragraph? Did you read the first?
Did you read the second paragraph? Did you read the first?
15
Shoi: this is a Netflix movie, so it will never see the box office. Viewers will be counted, but I believe Netflix does not share those numbers.
McChrystal may be a True Patriot and an excellent general (see "the Surge" in the 2nd Iraq war) but he was still fighting an unwinnable war. See the Russian war in Afghanistan and, indeed, our war in Afghanistan.
McChrystal may be a True Patriot and an excellent general (see "the Surge" in the 2nd Iraq war) but he was still fighting an unwinnable war. See the Russian war in Afghanistan and, indeed, our war in Afghanistan.
4
I love that Ben Kingsley's character is wearing Merrells. I wonder if that's accurate, it sure is funny.
6
The unsung hero of 'War Machine', of course, is America's military industrial messiah complex, the uniquely American neurosis which is slowly draining its society of blood, treasure and good will as its citizens' teeth rot and bank accounts dwindle. One day when America's bounty is spent and its dollar remaindered maybe the light will go on and its citizens will realize -- too late -- that the real lesson of Viet Nam, Iraq and Afghanistan was that a fool lies here who refused to holster his messiah complex until it was too late.
38
Trailers are terrible, Brad Pitt simply screws this up, starting with phony gravely voice.
9
I'm sure they exist, but am having trouble recalling any major Hollywood movie in recent decades that questioned, in any way, the sacred status of American military culture. It's been a long time since "Catch-22"...
36
I suggest you watch "The Men Who Stare At Goats."
6
Will do -- thanks!
"The Men Who Stare at Goats" was an underrated satire of our military. Nothing close to Catch-22 but at least someone tried.
1
Solid review, it's encouraged me to go watch it. Admittedly, I'm a bit wary of a satire regarding our unfortunate/tragic involvements in the Middle East. Anything but gallows humor seems crass and tone-deaf to the lives lost.
14
Watching it now, it's very well done, not crass at all.
7
Is there satire dark enough to deal with the evil the US has wrought in Afghanistan? One thinks of Swift's "Modest Proposal," which suggests that Irish babies be raised as gourmet food for the British elites (to alleviate the population problem, of course) or Huxley's "Brave New World," where in vitro brain damage is induced in lower class fetuses to render them docile in their predestined social rank. Is the American film industry, known for its flattering portraits of our nation's militarism, up to the task? I doubt it. More likely, "War Machine" will only heap insult on already unconscionable Afghani injury.
10
Just finished reading "The Warrior Monk," by Dexter Filkins, in the current New Yorker, a profile of DoD Secretary James Mattis. That profile and countless others I've read over the past few years about other generals, Stanley A. McChrystal among them, all have a common theme. The generals are smart, intellectual even, hard-driving, and courageous, yet here we remain in the middle of seemingly endless wars, wars in which our objectives, as admirable as they might be, are at complete odds with those of our local counterparts. Only a movie like "War Machine" and its kin, "In the Loop" can make any dark-humored sense of it.
16