After watching The Hurt Locker last week, it's easy to see why this outperformed Avatar at last years Oscars.
Would have been good to see Guy Pearce in a bit more of the film but nevertheless, good character development all round.
Few strange things though (like the insurgent being a sharp shooter with an old AK47 whereas the marines couldn't hit their marks with all the latest rifles/telescopics) but well worth seeing.

This was a great flick. It felt a bit like a doco a bit like a film and a no name cast or at least I didn't really know any of the cast. It was written well, captivated me, wasn't too gruesome for what the topic was and kept me on the edge of my seat many times. I enjoyed how it gave a more in-depth look into what some of these people go through while over in war stricken countries and how it affects their lives and their minds, showing how they are human beings...

I give The Hurt Locker 3 and-a-half stars...it had some rivetting bomb-disposal scenes, and I enjoyed the fact that it wasn't a typical war movie. I also enjoyed the fact that the focus wasn't on the politics of the war, it consciously examined the personal element and dangers for both soldiers and civilians without any of the characters breaking into chants of "USA! USA! USA!" (which automatically gives the movie and additional star in my book ;)).

I know this movie won the award for Best Film...and indeed it was a good movie and worth seeing...but I don't think it will rank up there with the all-time greats. The storyline and premise is quite simple with no real twists and turns...which no doubt is deliberate...the real twists and turns come while watching particular scenes as the main character disposes of explosives in immediate danger. You really feel the stress and tension of each situation, which hints at great directing.

Go see this movie if you haven't already seen it...even if you aren't usually a "war movie" fan. Don't expect it to be the most amazing movie of all time, and you won't be disappointed. It will at least give you something to think about.

War films aren't usually my thing, but The Hurt Locker definitely kept me intrigued for the entire time. By looking at this sub-plot of war, the act of deactivating bombs in Afghanistan, it means you don't compare it to other huge war films, leaving it to compete on its own.

I'm very pro-Bigelow and I'm extra happy that she won best Director and best film for this. So much more character and caliber than Avatar.