The Messenger (2009)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Melvin W

  
  Captain Tony Stone: I know what you're thinkin'. You're thinkin' shit, I'm a goddamn decorated war hero with three months left to serve, and they draft me into the angels-of-death squadron. I get a beeper, a canned speech, and a lunatic commanding officer to… More
  Captain Tony Stone: I know what you're thinkin'. You're thinkin' shit, I'm a goddamn decorated war hero with three months left to serve, and they draft me into the angels-of-death squadron. I get a beeper, a canned speech, and a lunatic commanding officer to serve a fuckin' ocean of grief. Am I right?  The Messenger is a powerful piece of filmmaking. It never goes over the top with all the sadness that is in the movie. There's never that scene we are accustomed to seeing in lesser movies, where there's a sad score in the background when we are shown tearjerking material. Instead this film remains quiet in the sadness. We follow two army messengers that tell families of their loved ones death. The commanding officer, Stone, is by the book. He wants to go in, tell them, and get out. There's to be no touching of the next of kin. Will is a war hero who has three months left to serve, and is assigned to the job. The movie gives us these two characters whose personalities differ. Watching Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster in these roles is something special.  Harrelson and Foster have great chemistry on screen together, both give amazing performances, and go a long way in making the movie the powerful film it is. Harrelson is a favorite of mine, and we gives a really good performance, like the one here, it is an amazing thing to watch. Foster reminded me a lot of Sean Penn in this movie. I haven't seen to much of him, but he definitely shows that he is an extremely good actor with his work here. What makes this movie the amazing achievement it is though is the direction of Oren Moverman. He doesn't give in to the typical sentimentality and melodrama. He gives us scenes that are sad, but he doesn't try to force us to cry. The material is sad enough in its own right; so he knows that anything else is overkill. The situations the messengers walk into differ greatly. Sometimes their hated, sometimes their respected, and other times they are just their while the family grieves. All of these situations are handled greatly by Moverman, Harrelson, and Foster.  A war film unlike any I have ever seen. It isn't about the actual war, but the toll of the war on the home front. It's sadder and more meaningful then showing the viewer how the kids die, by blowing them up on screen. The point isn't to see how they die, but how their death is handled at home. When a soldier dies that is not the end, as they have family and friends at home who then have to fight a war with grief. The Messenger does an incredible job showing us that.

• Jameson W

  
  An emotional powerhouse drama. Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster are stunning...

• Daniel P

  
  Heavy, heavy stuff. Loved it. A couple of scenes go on a bit long, but overall this is a film with a lot to it. The characters are real, the plot is tight and comes together perfectly, the acting is impressive, and the gritty realist style brings to light just what the Iraq War has… More
  Heavy, heavy stuff. Loved it. A couple of scenes go on a bit long, but overall this is a film with a lot to it. The characters are real, the plot is tight and comes together perfectly, the acting is impressive, and the gritty realist style brings to light just what the Iraq War has meant to so many families, in the service or not. I think in 20 years we'll look at this film like we did Born on the Fourth of July: a touch sentimental, but one that's unafraid to wear its politics on its sleeve. I also think that this one will age better, due to its reluctant partner device and the gallows humour that accompanies it, which allows us to focus our attention on the two shattered lives charged with shattering countless more, daily, with news of a loved one's death in combat. Definitely see this movie: it's like a modern Tim O'Brien story, on screen.

• Chris W

  
  More often than not, when a film that is a wartime drama gets released, it usually focuses on the battlefield, and the horrors of war. Not all, but many. This is one of the few that focuses on what hapens after all that, when the news that no one wants comes, and the men who are… More
  More often than not, when a film that is a wartime drama gets released, it usually focuses on the battlefield, and the horrors of war. Not all, but many. This is one of the few that focuses on what hapens after all that, when the news that no one wants comes, and the men who are assigned to deliver it. Sometimes sad, sometimes bitter, sometimes even a bit funny, but definitely real, this is an excellent docudrama about Staff Sgt. Will Montgomery- a wounded veteran home from Iraq with three months left until his service is up. To finish out his time he is assigned to the Casualty Notification Office where he is sent out under the guidance of senior officer Capt. Tony Stone to notify family members of the deaths of their loved ones. The film focuses on this painful but necessary part of life, as well as the effect it has on both men, each with their own set of issues and the various ways they try to cope with them. At times this can be a very gut and heart wrenching film, and really awkward and uncomfortable, but it is presented in a respectful manner with characters that are very well developed and interesting. The script is very sharp, and the direction, as I said, gives it a feeling of realism that can be hard to endure, but never exploitative. Ben Foster once again proves he is a really talented person to watch, and he gives a fantastic performance filled with pain, emotion, and sympathy. Woody Harrelson shows that he can be brilliant no matter the size of the part he plays, or how much screen time he has. He brings an effective sense of weariness and experience to things. He and Foster have great chemistry together, and I'd love to see them work together again. Samantha Morton (whom I didn't recognize at first) is amazing as a widow who develops an odd rapport with Foster's character after he informs her that her husband has been killed overseas. Jena Malone takes what could have been a one note role ( Will's girlfriend who can't handle being with him anymore so she leaves him) and gives it mroe depth and substance. Steve Buscemi shines as one of several characters (like Morton's) who receive a visit from Stone and Montgomery and deals with it in a way that is very memorable and moving. This film avoids dealing with politics and the validity of war, and instead focuses on the people. It's a very moving indie drama that, as the directorial debut of screenwriter Oren Moverman, could be the start of a very great career for him as something other than a writer.You should definitely give this film a watch. It's quite compelling and kept me interested the whole way through.

• Mark W

  
  War films tend to show you the brutality of conflict on the battlefield; the blood and the guts; the firepower; the fear and the bravery. Few address the conflict at home, which is quite surprising as the ones that do, tend to be raw and personal stories. This one certainly is.… More
  War films tend to show you the brutality of conflict on the battlefield; the blood and the guts; the firepower; the fear and the bravery. Few address the conflict at home, which is quite surprising as the ones that do, tend to be raw and personal stories. This one certainly is. Decorated Iraq war veteran Sgt. Will Montgomery (Ben Foster) is back home and dealing with various ailments. He's assigned to the Casualty Notification Office, where he and his superior Capt. Tony Stone (Woody Harrelson) have the unwelcome task of informing next of kin whenever a soldier dies. A very impressive debut from director Oren Moverman who also co-scripted but also a very bleak and depressing drama, dealing with a part of war that is so often overlooked. Foster and Harrelson (in an oscar nominated role) both deliver intense and solid performances, every time they notify a next of kin, it's unbearably nerve wracking. Each relative dealing with their grief in different ways. Some with anger and violence, some with devestation, some with remorse, but each one as powerful as the next. As the film progresses, it concentrates less on the job they do and more on their own personal suffering, and as a result, loses momentum. However, when the full extent of their own emotional suffering becomes clear we are treated to a masterclass of acting from Foster and Harrelson in what becomes a very personal moment between them. There are periodic lulls, especially when the film branches off into Foster's romantic involvements with Samantha Morton and Jena Malone but these lulls are coupled with sporadic moments of brilliance. Ben Foster is steadily building a reputation for himself with his consistant portrayal of tortured souls and Harrelson - although not always a favourite of mine - is really starting to win me over with his shrewd choice of unselfish roles. Stark and hard-hitting but the performances from the two leads and the raw emotional power it posseses make it quite captivating.

• Jim H

  
  A Iraq War veteran works as a fatality notification officer under the tutelage of an equally damaged officer. The highlights of this film are the performances by Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson who both deliver strong, understated characters who are both deeply hurting and emotionally… More
  A Iraq War veteran works as a fatality notification officer under the tutelage of an equally damaged officer. The highlights of this film are the performances by Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson who both deliver strong, understated characters who are both deeply hurting and emotionally reserved. Though the penultimate, tearful breakdown by Harrelson is Oscar bait (he did receive a well-deserved nomination), the moments when they are delivering bad news to families are captivating if you watch the lines on their faces tense under their own restraint. Foster in particular is able to convey an entire story with a single look. The problems with the film are structural. It is too late in the first act before Montgomery deviates from the ethical boundaries Stone has carefully constructed. I spent the first forty-five or so minutes thinking, "This is a dramatically ripe situation, but not much is happening in the story." Then, the film tries to start a plot about an affair between Montgomery and the widow of a dead soldier, which might have worked had it been used as a catalyst for the main action. However, it comes too late, and I was never sure what the attraction is based on. Are these two damaged souls who find each other? Is his love an extension of his need to comfort? Instead of answers to these questions, what emerges is a sexual attraction that both are seemingly unable to resist, which seems weak considering the possibilities. Overall, this is a good "actor's film," but the story suffers too much to be all that it can be.

• Kristijonas F

  
  The Harrelson/Foster duo blow this one of the water. A very moving, deeply tragic film about the continuing horrors of war back home and the people that are left to pick up the pieces. Superbly directed.

• Jennifer X

  
  Yaya from ANTM is in this! Yaya Dacosta! As the freaked out girlfriend who finds out her bf/husband/I don't remember is dead! YAYA. In all seriousness, the dichotomy between Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson is quite divine, as is the budding friendship/romance with Samantha… More
  Yaya from ANTM is in this! Yaya Dacosta! As the freaked out girlfriend who finds out her bf/husband/I don't remember is dead! YAYA. In all seriousness, the dichotomy between Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson is quite divine, as is the budding friendship/romance with Samantha Morton. It stays taut throughout its running time.

• jay n

  
  The acting is very good by the entire cast but the subject matter makes this a heavy going sad viewing experience.

• Fernando Rafael Q

  
  2009 will go down in history as, among other things, the year when Iraq War movies were good. Oren Moverman's debut is the gut-wrenching (but occasionally humorous) THE MESSENGER. As Sergeant Montgomery, the criminally underrated Ben Foster is assigned to the army's Casualty… More
  2009 will go down in history as, among other things, the year when Iraq War movies were good. Oren Moverman's debut is the gut-wrenching (but occasionally humorous) THE MESSENGER. As Sergeant Montgomery, the criminally underrated Ben Foster is assigned to the army's Casualty Notification service, a.k.a. one of the worst jobs ever. Foster is simply brilliant as Montgomery. Oscar-nominee Woody Harrelson is solid, but definitely not at the same level as Foster, who should've gotten the nomination instead. Speaking of Oscar snubs, Samantha Morton is stellar (as always) and a brief appearance by Steve Buscemi will leave you open-mouthed.

• Mark H

  
  Powerful account of two soldiers who are assigned to the Casualty Notification Office delivering the news to families of people in Iraq who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Captain Tony Stone is the old hand doing this and it's up to him to train Staff Sergeant Will Montgomery… More
  Powerful account of two soldiers who are assigned to the Casualty Notification Office delivering the news to families of people in Iraq who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Captain Tony Stone is the old hand doing this and it's up to him to train Staff Sergeant Will Montgomery to communicate the message properly, without getting emotional. Both Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster and are extraordinary as military men selected to perform a task no one would want. They develop a close bond as both have no choice but to deal with a bad situation. The individuals that must drop a bombshell such as this, prove that war on the home front can also be hell. This theme may not be a deeply original, but the story here feels fresh and is told from a new perspective. There's even an interesting ethical dilemma concerning actress Samantha Morton as a woman whose husband is killed in battle. Indeed it's painful viewing to see so many get such horrible news, but it's handled with sensitivity. These vignettes are the most compelling scenes in the film. It's a testimonial to the script's power that it never seems exploitative. We experience nothing less than genuine emotion.

• Dan S

  
  An honest, emotional look at truly one of the toughest jobs one could do, as a recently returned soldier (Ben Foster) learns the ropes of being an army messenger from his partner (Woody Harrelson), a job that involves soldiers visiting people's houses in order to tell them that… More
  An honest, emotional look at truly one of the toughest jobs one could do, as a recently returned soldier (Ben Foster) learns the ropes of being an army messenger from his partner (Woody Harrelson), a job that involves soldiers visiting people's houses in order to tell them that their son/daughter has been killed in action. The scenes where the soldiers are going up to these people's houses pack the biggest emotional punch, as director Oren Moverman shows very different and unique situations that never for a second feels forced or contrived. There is also a nice subplot involving Foster getting involved with a widowed wife who he visits and feels sorry for, and the fact that Samantha Morton is able to give her character such depth is simply incredible given most movies would have left most of the character exploration process to Foster's. Foster and Harrelson are also quite outstanding, and Woody definitely deserved his Best Oscar nomination for this part, and you could make a case Foster deserved a nomination for Best Supporting Actor as well. The movie begins to go off the rails a little around the 3/4 mark before a timely Steve Buscemi return which sets it back on track. Overall, a very well done anti-war film that avoids the cliches of others ("Stop-Loss", to name one), in order to tell a heartfelt story of soldiers in another form of crisis.

• Cynthia S

  
  I think this film was good, but not great. It had a lot of parts in it that could have been left out, and the story could have been better developed in other areas. However, I loved both Woody's and Ben's performances - very well done.

• Mike S

  
  Superbly directed and engrossing drama. At first I didn't think this would be all that interesting, but it's so amazingly well-written, that I immediately got sucked into it. A lot of positive things can be said about the acting as well, which more often than not, left me… More
  Superbly directed and engrossing drama. At first I didn't think this would be all that interesting, but it's so amazingly well-written, that I immediately got sucked into it. A lot of positive things can be said about the acting as well, which more often than not, left me lost for words. It's genuine, heartfelt and very affecting. I wouldn't class Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson as any favourite actors of mine, but their efforts here are nothing short of applaud-worthy. The supporting cast does a fantastic job as well. Especially Steve Buscemi, who despite his brief appearance, gives us one of his best-ever performances. If I have to point out something negative though, it's that the story runs a little slow sometimes. But on the other hand it supplied room for some truly great character development. All in all, a beautifully crafted drama and one of the best I've seen in recent memory.

• Jeff "

  
  A absolute tour de force of everyone involved. The Messenger is a very important drama film as we follow two casualty notice officers (Harrelson, Foster) who deliver news to bereaved families of fallen soldiers. The Messenger is a powerful film to watch, and sometimes is hard to… More
  A absolute tour de force of everyone involved. The Messenger is a very important drama film as we follow two casualty notice officers (Harrelson, Foster) who deliver news to bereaved families of fallen soldiers. The Messenger is a powerful film to watch, and sometimes is hard to watch. The story is poignant and strikes deep at the heart. You can only think what it must be like for these men to deliver such awful news and how terrible it is for the families that receive such news. This is a terrific film that provokes thought and emotion. A strong cast and story, make The Messenger a film worth watching for its humility alone.

• Tim S

  
  A surprising, well acted, and all around well made film with an astounding performance by Woody Harrelson. I enjoyed the writing very much and thought all of the scenes between the messengers and the people receiving the news were really powerful and worked well. It was really nice to… More
  A surprising, well acted, and all around well made film with an astounding performance by Woody Harrelson. I enjoyed the writing very much and thought all of the scenes between the messengers and the people receiving the news were really powerful and worked well. It was really nice to see acting put on the forefront to go along what could have become extremely preachy. There are even some scenes that when they begun, it had my eyes rolling, but by the end of them, they had me believing (especially most scenes involving the love story and the wedding reception). Ben Foster does a great job as well, but the movie belongs to Woody whenever he's in a scene. The cinematography is also beautiful and had me feeling like I was watching a film from the golden age of the 70's a lot of the time.

• Bruce B

  
  A sad event put into film, Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson are two Army Soldiers who have to notify next of kin about there love ones death. Shows some of different cases that casualty officers run into everyday. Very true to fact. 4 1/2 stars.

• Richard C

  
  great movie. A-

• Aaron N

  
  Capt. Tony: Avoid physical contact. In case you feel like offering a hug or something, don't. Staff Sgt. Will: I'm not going to be offering any hugs. Sir. Some strong performances in a pretty strong character drama. The film could certainly push its way into tearjerker… More
  Capt. Tony: Avoid physical contact. In case you feel like offering a hug or something, don't. Staff Sgt. Will: I'm not going to be offering any hugs. Sir. Some strong performances in a pretty strong character drama. The film could certainly push its way into tearjerker territory, but it manages not to and is all the better for it. Ben Foster stars as Will, home from Iraq after sustaining an injury, with three months left of duty. He is assigned to the Army's Casualty Notification service under Capt. Tony Stone, played by Woody Harrelson. Will and Tony's job involves breaking the news of deceased soldiers to their next of kin. Besides the ethical toll this takes on Will, he must also deal with the loss of his former girlfriend Kelly, who is getting married to another, the stress he is suffering after having come back from Iraq, and also dealing with Tony and the rules he must follow for the job. The scenes of these men doing their job can be tough to watch, or at least certainly bring the mood in a room way down; however, they are still very effective. But as I have mentioned, the film doesn't linger too much in this territory to feel manipulative. Instead, it's almost a buddy film, with some romantic drama thrown in, as Will and Tony bond, and Will also finds time to develop a relationship with one of the next of kin, Olivia, played by Samantha Morton. The performances are all very good. Foster continues to be one of the strongest young actors I enjoy seeing on screen. Morton does fine work as well. Steve Buscemi also manages to come in for a very strong, but small portion of the film. Really, the film belongs to Harrelson, who is perfect in his part. Very well made film, with a dramatic but interesting premise. Staff Sgt. Will: We walk into these people's lives and we don't know anything. Capt. Tony: You don't want to know.

• Drew S

  
  A wonderfully observed film that lays out the many effects of war, both on its participants and the people close to them. More later

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