Stop Loss (2008)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Jeff "

  
  Stop Loss is one incredible drama film. With an incredible cast at hand, director Kimberly Peirce tells the story of an Iraq war veteran which because of the Stop Loss policy of the U.S Military, is forced to stay in the military against his will. Stop Loss is a brilliant film that… More
  Stop Loss is one incredible drama film. With an incredible cast at hand, director Kimberly Peirce tells the story of an Iraq war veteran which because of the Stop Loss policy of the U.S Military, is forced to stay in the military against his will. Stop Loss is a brilliant film that exposes the ludicrous Stop Loss policy. Starring Ryan Phillipe, in what I consider the best performance of his career, Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers a great performance as well. Stop Loss is a well paced drama film with an important story. Of all the films that Ryan Phillippe has done, none has come close to Stop Loss. This is a powerful film that is superbly well done. Kimberly Peirce follows up her debut feature film, Boys Don't Cry with this intense war drama. The film at times struggles with its material, but it gets the point across and the film, I think is significant as a picture that embodies the nature of service men everywhere. Watching this film, you realize what these men go through and what they sacrifice in the process and it makes you appreciate what they do that much more. If you enjoy a good drama/war film, then Stop Loss is the film for you. Stop Loss manages to be a terrific, emotional journey for one soldier who is conflicted with doing the right thing. A phenomenal, and different war film. I think Stop Loss delivers a refreshing dramatic experience while using the Iraq War as backdrop for its story. A very underrated film, and one that shouldn't be missed.

• familiar s

  
  I hope that there's more to "Stop Loss" than what's depicted in this movie. It's disturbing that one is left helpless and with no option when On returning home after serving for about 5 years in Iraq, the protagonist doesn't intend to go back. He's… More
  I hope that there's more to "Stop Loss" than what's depicted in this movie. It's disturbing that one is left helpless and with no option when On returning home after serving for about 5 years in Iraq, the protagonist doesn't intend to go back. He's taken aback when he's told that, being stop-lossed, he'll have to leave for Iraq again soon. He's offered no other favorable option. He's not willing to accept this, and goes AWOL to make efforts to get out of this situation. A person volunteers to serve for his nation, does his duty for several years loyally and returns. What's wrong if he doesn't wish to go back? How fair is it to make one so helpless? I hope that the "stop loss" provides reasonable options, and doesn't just enforce anyone who's unwilling to go.

• Daniel P

  
  It's been a long time since I've seen an MTV Film, and this one was better than most that I remember. It was a little too glossy and angsty to take seriously in some places, but overall I thought it was a sensitive and gripping story about friendship and trauma. In a way it… More
  It's been a long time since I've seen an MTV Film, and this one was better than most that I remember. It was a little too glossy and angsty to take seriously in some places, but overall I thought it was a sensitive and gripping story about friendship and trauma. In a way it writes itself into a corner: neither potential ending would be completely satisfying. Unfortunately, that's the reality of stop-loss: the stats at the end of the film show that 15% of troops (through the end of its production) were forced back to the front. This is a sad and important story, regardless of whether it's a great film or not, and if you don't want to watch this movie, fair enough, but promise you'll read a book about this policy, ok?

• Anthony L

  
  Stop Loss highlights one of the many problems of war, the way our solders are treated. Spoken of as heroes but totally taken advantage of. I was unaware of the Stop Loss clause so good on the makers for bringing it to the public's attention. It also highlighted the social and… More
  Stop Loss highlights one of the many problems of war, the way our solders are treated. Spoken of as heroes but totally taken advantage of. I was unaware of the Stop Loss clause so good on the makers for bringing it to the public's attention. It also highlighted the social and mental issues that solders have on their return into society. It's a little known fact that more American solders have committed suicide on their return home than have actually died in action - a shocking revelation. This is definitely not an action war film and although it's not based on actual events, it raises very real issues that can't be ignored. A real stand alone war film of recent years, well directed by Kimberly Peirce.

• Leigh R

  
  This movie takes your mind, heart, and soul then runs away on an adventure into the big bad world of war. Fantastic actors filling fantastic roles, a storyline that literally blows you away, and a fight for what is right. What can go wrong, right?

• Eric S

  
  Talk about a film that's been overlooked! "Stop-Loss" is an intense look at a group of soldiers who return home from a tour in Iraq. The nightmare doesn't only lay on the battlefields, but on the home turf of the distraught sodiers trying to put the pieces… More
  Talk about a film that's been overlooked! "Stop-Loss" is an intense look at a group of soldiers who return home from a tour in Iraq. The nightmare doesn't only lay on the battlefields, but on the home turf of the distraught sodiers trying to put the pieces together in their minds, and re-establish their lives which is clearly by no means an easy task after what they've been through and witnessed. This film rivals "The Hurt Locker", but delves more into the relationships between the soldiers, their girlfriends back in their Texas hometown, and situations between other individuals that presents the question of why they are protecting people who in some cases give them nothing but trouble. Ryan Phillippe is an actor who has not been given the credit he so well deserves, and turns in yet another brilliant performance in this film revolving around a soldier being pulled back into duty to places where the chances of returning home in one piece or even at all are quite slim.

• KJ P

  
  Many people have not seen this film, and they have no idea what they are missing! Truely an amazing film! One of the best films ever made, and with twists that will have even people against war films cheering. This film delivers amazing performances by every single cast member for… More
  Many people have not seen this film, and they have no idea what they are missing! Truely an amazing film! One of the best films ever made, and with twists that will have even people against war films cheering. This film delivers amazing performances by every single cast member for once, and I would not change a second of this film!

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  Ryan Phillippe, Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Timothy Olyphant, Rob Brown, Abbie Cornish, Linda Emond, Ciaran Hinds DIRECTED BY: Kimberly Peirce Decorated Iraq war hero Sgt. Brandon King makes a celebrated return to his small Texas hometown following his tour of duty.… More
  Ryan Phillippe, Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Timothy Olyphant, Rob Brown, Abbie Cornish, Linda Emond, Ciaran Hinds DIRECTED BY: Kimberly Peirce Decorated Iraq war hero Sgt. Brandon King makes a celebrated return to his small Texas hometown following his tour of duty. Brandon tries to resume the life he left behind with the help and support of his family and his best friend, Steve Shriver, who served with him in Iraq. Alongside their war-time buddies, Brandon and Steve try to make peace with civilian life. Then, against Brandon?s will, the Army orders him back to duty in Iraq. This upends Brandon?s entire world. The conflict into which he is thrown tests everything he believes in: the bond of family, the loyalty of friendship, the limits of love, and the value of honor. I always state how I don't care for war movie's, but yet I keep finding myself watching them. Even more surprising I like most of the ones I see. I guess I am just finally watching the good one's like Stop-Loss. This movie shows us how war can extend a soldiers term by using the Stop-Loss policy. Great performances from the three leads Ryan, Channing, and Levitt. The one who sticks out for me the most is Levitt. More likely because his character was so haunting. He really knows how to bring a character to life. It's a great story that gives some unknowing people of the war another insight to what it's like. Great movie.

• Red L

  
  I am not really into war movies. However, Stop-Loss kept me watching to the bitter end. It deals with the inhumanity of war, of soldiers trying to fit back into civilian life, and with the American government's Stop-loss program - a program to keep soldiers in the war beyond… More
  I am not really into war movies. However, Stop-Loss kept me watching to the bitter end. It deals with the inhumanity of war, of soldiers trying to fit back into civilian life, and with the American government's Stop-loss program - a program to keep soldiers in the war beyond even when their tour of duty should be over. I found the ending disappointing and a let-down.

• Luke B

  
  It's an enlightening film but doesn't really express it's ideas in the most eloquent of ways. When a character yells out "Fuck the President!" Subtlety slides out the back door without making a sound. Levitt and Tatum give great performances and Phillipe is a… More
  It's an enlightening film but doesn't really express it's ideas in the most eloquent of ways. When a character yells out "Fuck the President!" Subtlety slides out the back door without making a sound. Levitt and Tatum give great performances and Phillipe is a strong anchor. His character being conflicted and betrayed after serving his term and then being drafted back. Peirce has lost some of her ferocity since Boys Don't Cry resulting in Levitt's and Tatum's familiar character defects of an alcoholic and a man prone to violence. Surely war can mess people up more than this. In an ideal film, we would have got more of Phillipe before being stop-lossed, which would have made for a more interesting comparison between a patriotic volunteer and an angry, betrayed man.

• Al S

  
  An intense and hard-hitting movie. It's thrilling, riveting and moving. It hits all the right notes with the characters and their emotions. Ryan Phillippe is electrifying. Channing Tatum is riveting. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is teriffic.

• Thomas J

  
  Tough subject to review. The acting is good, but in all political topic movies, it only shows the problem! It makes aware the issue, but sadly knowing the problem doesn't help offer a solution! Can't recommend this movie, but from redbox for $1, definitely a way to pass… More
  Tough subject to review. The acting is good, but in all political topic movies, it only shows the problem! It makes aware the issue, but sadly knowing the problem doesn't help offer a solution! Can't recommend this movie, but from redbox for $1, definitely a way to pass about 2 hours!

• Dean M

  
  Interesting arrest drama of a young soldier who has been 'stop-lossed' in order for another tour of duty and goes on the run. Director Kimberley Peirce previously helmed the equally powerful <i>Boys Don't Cry</i> and continues her commitment to human drama… More
  Interesting arrest drama of a young soldier who has been 'stop-lossed' in order for another tour of duty and goes on the run. Director Kimberley Peirce previously helmed the equally powerful <i>Boys Don't Cry</i> and continues her commitment to human drama and topical issues here. She fixes on those young soldiers that, upon serving their country in Iraq, are forced back into enemy territory for another service of duty. Most, as I can understand, aren't doing a jig about returning to the battlefields - and some even flee so they don't have to.

• Julie B

  
  Fairly well-done look at the psychological devestation of war.

• Bruce B

  
  The Comment I make will be short. This is the REAL DEAL. Anyone who has a loved one in the military needs to see this. Wheather you support the war or not is of very liitlle importance. But always and I mean always support the American Fighting Man & Women. To my brothers who are… More
  The Comment I make will be short. This is the REAL DEAL. Anyone who has a loved one in the military needs to see this. Wheather you support the war or not is of very liitlle importance. But always and I mean always support the American Fighting Man & Women. To my brothers who are presently in the military serving there country, I thank you for everyday that I am allowed to wake up knowing that your keeping me safe. I am also sorry that the Goverment will no longer let me stand by your side. The Movie 5 Stars and yes you do need to see it.

• Bobby H

  
  Stop-Loss is a typical war film from Hollywood. Although it's more focusing on the after-math rather then the, while there. This movie does the best at showing how families may suffer, how homelifes may be destroyed, and what beyond military life could turn out like. This does… More
  Stop-Loss is a typical war film from Hollywood. Although it's more focusing on the after-math rather then the, while there. This movie does the best at showing how families may suffer, how homelifes may be destroyed, and what beyond military life could turn out like. This does not mean that it happens to everyone, but it shows a sacrifice that many are willing to risk - beyond there life's physically but there life's emotionally and as they know it. The actors all do an awesome job and the movie can get very emotional at times. Negatives: From beginning-to-end where does this movie go? Basically right back to the beginning. There might as well be no ending and it does not conclude well. It's basically a shot into there lives and then a shot out. The message the the movie is trying to get out "Stop Loss" really only gets heard during the final credits and a few splurges in the movie. Other then that, it's just a bunch of random events occuring for whatever reasons the writers thought. This obviously keeps it from being a five star movie but if you go into this movie ignoring what you think you may get out of it - and focus on the life that soldiers sacrifice each time one enlist then you may see another top notch war movie.

• Gordon A

  
  Po faced and worthy study of the effects of war on the ordinary grunts with a fine performance from Phillippe. Cornish can't handle a texas accent and Levitt continues his body of tortured souls. Sorely lacking in anything very original to say, unfortunately.

• Dan S

  
  An uneffective, poorly plotted film that starts with a bang but whimpers along down a sad and uncaring road. While Phillippe and Gordon-Levitt give both fine performances, Channing Tatum needs to learn how to act, this guy can't convince a crowd he's for real, and I… More
  An uneffective, poorly plotted film that starts with a bang but whimpers along down a sad and uncaring road. While Phillippe and Gordon-Levitt give both fine performances, Channing Tatum needs to learn how to act, this guy can't convince a crowd he's for real, and I didn't believe in one thing his character said or did. Its too bad a touching and compelling ending is wasted on a movie with such a whiny and typical anti-war message that doesn't hit home.

• Nani V

  
  Touching film.

• William D

  
  [font=Garamond][size=3]"Stop-Loss" has its weaknesses, but it's still the best American film of 2008 so far. Writer/director [b]Kimberly Peirce[/b], who exploded onto the cinematic scene in 1999 with "Boys Don't Cry" (bringing then-unknown actors Hilary… More
  [font=Garamond][size=3]"Stop-Loss" has its weaknesses, but it's still the best American film of 2008 so far. Writer/director [b]Kimberly Peirce[/b], who exploded onto the cinematic scene in 1999 with "Boys Don't Cry" (bringing then-unknown actors Hilary Swank and Peter Sarsgaard with her), waited a very long time to do a second film. Thus "Stop-Loss" was arguably the most highly anticipated film of the winter.[/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3][img]http://www.flickscribe.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/stoploss.gif[/img][/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]I do have to say that "Stop-Loss" is inferior to "Boys Don't Cry." But that's not saying much, because almost every film is inferior to "Boys Don't Cry." Peirce can't be expected to bring a masterpiece or even a near-masterpiece to the screen every time she picks up a camera. But it is fair to ask her to produce a good film every time, and she more than meets that objective here. Despite being a bit shrill and one-sided at times, "Stop-Loss" is moving, heartfelt and important.[/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3][img]http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,5951002,00.jpg[/img][/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]Of the four lead actors ([b]Ryan Phillippe[/b],[b] Channing Tatum[/b],[b] Abbie Cornish[/b],and [b]Joseph Gordon-Levitt[/b]), I'd say Cornish is the best actor. I cannot wait to see how her career develops. I've long felt that Phillippe was a competent but second-rate actor, and this film does nothing to change my view. He just does not seem to know how to convey a rich inner life. I have to suspect that this is because he doesn't have much of an inner life of his own.[/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3][img]http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/080325/080325-stoploss-hmed-1p.hmedium.jpg[/img][/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]The jury's out on Tatum and Gordon-Levitt. They're rather one-dimensional here, but in the hands of a great director with whom they're very much in sync perhaps they could do great things. I found Gordon-Levitt's work in last year's "The Lookout" (a film that [i]far [/i]too few people saw) a lot deeper than his performance here. [/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]Tatum first came to my attention in Dito Montiel's extraordinary and unjustly overlooked "Guide to Recognizing One's Saints." But it wasn't so much Tatum's acting in that film that caught my eye as his profound physical presence. He is huge, very muscular and stunningly beautiful. He has the perfect body to portray a Marine. But of course he's not being paid to be a model, so the body and face are not enough. He's got to bring with him that magical capacity to cross his DNA with that of a fictional character, and so far he hasn't shown much talent for that. He's no Heath Ledger, at least not yet.[/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3][img]http://www.nydailynews.com/img/2008/03/28/alg_stoploss.jpg[/img][/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]Cornish doesn't get much dialogue here, but she invests every glance she makes with a texture and depth that made me yearn to hear her character say more. I wanted to know more about what that young woman was feeling. I think the movie would have been far more interesting if it had been written from her perspective. How must it feel to have your three closest friends all come back from Iraq at the same time like mental patients? How does one cope with this when one has a sixth-grade education? That's what I wanted to learn from this film.[/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]Instead we get one scene after another of the boys demonstrating weird behavior. You never really get inside their experiences. A little bit, but not much. The use of sound is pretty effective to convey the after-shocks of an emotional trauma that was accompanied by loud noises (gunfire and explosions).[/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]You also do get a feeling for how helpless working-class soldiers and sailors feel when caught in the jaws of a politico-military apparatus that they barely understand and that exploits them mercilessly. The title of the film comes from a procedure being used a lot today, whereby the President is allowed to break a soldier's contract and send him or her back to Iraq immediately after their tour is over. "You've been stop-lossed," the young bureaucrat tells Ryan Phillippe's character, ordering him to go back to Iraq a few days after he finally comes home.[/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]This introduces what should have been an absolutely excruciating inner conflict in Phillippe's character regarding how to respond, trying to balance feelings of duty to both self and the military, as well as struggles with his own inner machismo. I imagine that going AWOL is deeply unsettling to a working-class soldier's sense of masculinity. Instead of a deep exploration of this inner conflict, we get a highly external view of it. We watch the character struggle to find places to hide and strive to get people to help him, but we never penetrate his inner sanctum.[/size][/font] [font=Garamond][size=3]Still it's a heart-wrenching experience watching him and his friends try to deal with their intractable situations and it's a tremendous experience to watch working-class soldiers honored by this film, and it's very much worth seeing. I just wish it had been even more.[/size][/font]

Read all 20 featured audience ratings