Stop-Loss (DVD, 2008)

Liked it a lot. Had no clue what it was about untill I watched it. Not your typical war style movie

The beginning is very life like. If you've seen Gunner Palace, or been to this war, you'll recognize it. It starts in a format of home movies made by soldiers who serve in Iraq. It was apparently based on the films and photographs shot by actual soldiers. Some of this footage was included into these opening sequences, much was recreated by the actors. So it is ultra realistic. The only way to tell them apart is to look for Ryan Philippe, who is good in his role but stands out due to being easily recognizable.

The film quickly moves into a war sequence, demonstrating the horrors of war. Do not expect to see the Charge of the Light Brigade. It is not a massive battle, but you will see the bullets flying, and more importantly killing. If you were put off by the violence in Saving Private Ryan, you may want to close your eyes for a few minutes at this point. Past the gun battle we are back in the States. So the Iraq part is only about 20 minutes.

The real story kicks in when Ryan Philippe with his war buddies returns home a decorated war hero looking forward to put the past behind him only to find out that his contract was extended by the Stop Loss policy and he is to go back to Iraq. The film does not become boring or preachy. And through the main character's journey both we and he realize that he has very few options: go to jail, abandon (physically) the country and everything he is and has, or go back to war. What choice can he make? So what was my point about the "becoming a man" story? Well, the way I see it, the main character's final decision, is not just forced on him. It springs not from fear or just inevitability, but from his sense of responsibility towards his parents and friends – I'm not going to say 'country', this has nothing to do with flag waving patriotism. His accepting to go back, is an act of an adult. He accepts all the horror, the risk, the BS, the unfairness. He does it through a conscious decision. The decision is to take care of those who depend on him. That sounds pretty grown up to me.

Thanks go out to Kimberly Peirce, who wrote and directed this film. And directly in front of whom I was sitting quietly last night while she was presenting her movie.

You also may want to check out Harsh Times, Gunner Palace and The Execution of Private Slovik.

This DVD was a great representation of what military personnel go through in a combat tour of duty. It included what happens to families left to wait.Young people need to see what great price Freedom cost.This DVD,Stop Loss, was an easy tool to help teach my sons what is important and it had a profound influence on their deciding the military is one way to serve our country.Thanks for the find on E Bay.

the movie was enlightening and very mind blowing on how things really are like for those men out there fighting for our freedom

I definitely think the audience that can accept this film for what it represents and would actually want to see it firstly is limited, but once you're in there, it's an incredible experience.

GREAT FILM ABOUT AN AMERICAN TRAGIC POLICY TO FORTIFY A FAILED, FLAWED BUSH "PLAN" DESPITE A VICTORY ALREADY DECLARED.WELL ACTED, WELL WRITTEN.

I just purchased this movie and I was very impressed after watching it, I can say I have more RESPECT for the Men and Women Serving in our Military, It was Heart Felt and Moving!!! Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in the Military and what is going on overseas!!!!

It's a great movie that can get pretty intense, but as a military girlfriend I really enjoy watching movies that get into what the men are doing over there and what happens when they come back. It relates to my life.

This is a wonderful movie. It makes you think alot about what is going on with our soldiers in this war. You really feel for the charaters in this film. They did a very great job. I think all americans should watch this film and see what is really going on. I have had friends that were stop-lossed and did not understand what that was untill I saw this movie. I feel for all of our soldiers and their familys. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Not your average movie. Great movie about love, life, comradery, friendship, loyalty, honor and what friendship is all about. If you see only one move this year, make sure it is this one.

I bought this movie because it's one I want to share with my friends. It's an independent film so was not widely shown or promoted. It's the story of a good man who volunteered for the Army and was forced by the Army to go back to Irac because the US is short on soldiers.

This happened to my cousin, so I personally know about it. This is a process that should be stopped and more people need to know about it.

The story also shows some of the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and ways fighting in a war can psychology hurt the survivors. It isn't a deeply morose film, but it gives a hint of understanding to those who have loved ones suffering from PTSD. I recommend it to everyone because I think it may help people to be more compassionate.

I can,t rate this movie because the seller took my money and run. BAD BAD eBay member! He did this to me on two other movies also.

This was such an eye-opening movie for me...I just wish that more people would take the time to watch it and we as the people try to attempt to stop this from actually happening.

EXCELLENT MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a great movie, when I saw it in the theaters I knew I had to have it in my DVD Collection. What I like most about this movie is how it shows what happens to our soldiers when they come home and what goes on in there minds, how they feel and how after everything they see that goes on in Iraq that they still go back because that is how dedicated they are to this place that we all call HOME “Land of the Free”. Oh yeah and another why i love this movie so much is that it my future husband is in it...Channing Tatum!

I thought this movie was awesome well worth the wait!! Ryan Phillippe did an amazing job playing his character. I also loved Channing Tatums character for obvious reasons super hot!!!! My only complaint is there should have been more shirtless moments with the guys lol!! Nah it was a great movie from start to finish. If you havent seen it definetly worth watching!!! I plan to watch it for a second time today with my husband.

Because I wanted to have this title of DVD and only original. This seller offer original DVD´s only..not copies.

This movie was one that did not seem interesting at first, but after watching it it makes you think "What would I do if I was in that position?" Stop-Loss has some action in the beginning that sets the stage for the rest of the movie, which is the protagonist's (US Army Sergeant) inner fight with the US Army and his surprise orders to go to Iraq for another tour. [Spoiler] He choses to go AWOL for a while and try to not go to Iraq for another tour. [/Spoiler] Stop-Loss is a true law that has gone in effect which affected one of my good friends, forcing him to go to Iraq for a second tour. The direction is good and the movie is laced with emotional and personal conflicts as the low-tempered protagonist tries to do what he thinks is right. If you are looking for a movie with good acting with mostly true happenings and scenarios, then this movie would be a fun ride for you! I rate it a 4/5 because it is not one of the best movies that I have seen that have to do with situations like this. "To go and do your duty outside your contract, or to break the law and be a fugitive by going AWOL" are the choices that the protagonist has to make.