„Lone Survivor“ brings to the screen the experiences of a Navy SEAL team during a dangerous mission in Afghanistan. In 2005, the team led by Michael Murphy receives orders to capture Taliban warlord Ahmad Shah. The SEALs, including Marcus Luttrell, Danny Dietz and Matthew Axelson, encounter unexpected obstacles. After an encounter with locals, the situation quickly escalates and the team has to assert itself against a superior number of Taliban fighters.
Lone Survivor [dt./OV]
- Amazon Prime Video (Video-on-Demand)
- MARK WAHLBERG, TAYLOR KITSCH, EMILE HIRSCH (actors)
- Peter Berg (director) – Peter Berg (writer) – Peter Berg (producer)
- Target group rating: Approved for ages 16 and up
As they flee through the rocky terrain, every step becomes a fight for survival. A risky radio message from Murphy finally attracts reinforcements – but they themselves find themselves in a deadly ambush. With few resources remaining, the SEALs have no choice but to fight on and do their best. Can they withstand the extreme conditions and attacks, or will the mission change their lives forever?
Cast/actors, direction and filming locations
„Lone Survivor“ is an intense war film from 2013 Peter Berg Directed and wrote the screenplay. The plot is based on the experience of former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, written by Mark Wahlberg is embodied. Taylor Kitsch plays Michael Murphy, Emile Hirsch appears as Danny Dietz, and Ben Foster takes on the role of Matt Axelson. Other roles include Eric Bana as Erik Kristensen and Yousuf Azami as Shah. It was filmed in the picturesque mountains of New Mexico, which represent the Hindu Kush Mountains. The production received a 25% tax credit and resulted in several injuries among stuntmen as risky scenes were filmed without backups.
With a budget of 40 million dollars and box office receipts of 154.8 million dollars, the film was also commercially successful. “Lone Survivor” was nominated for Best Sound and Best Sound Editing at the 2014 Oscars and won several awards, including Best Stunt Ensemble at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. The film also won Best Action Film at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, and Mark Wahlberg was recognized for his acting performance.
Plot and story of the film “Lone Survivor”
In 2005, Taliban warlord Ahmad Shah was identified in the Korangal Valley as the mastermind of several murders of US Marines and locals believed to have supported US troops. A Navy SEAL team consisting of Michael Murphy, Matthew Axelson, Danny Dietz and Marcus Luttrell is ordered to capture Shah. After a nighttime helicopter mission, the team heads to Shah’s last known location. The difficult mountain terrain makes communication with the base difficult. When the SEALs identify Shah, they are discovered by villagers who may be Taliban sympathizers. After a moral debate, Murphy releases the locals.
The team then continues its retreat and prepares for evacuation. However, the released villagers alert the Taliban, who pursue the SEALs. The initially superior SEALs are finally harassed by the numerically superior Taliban. In a hopeless situation, they jump into a ravine to reach safety, but a rocket seriously injures them. Dietz is killed while Murphy climbs a high rock to send a radio signal to the base. His action mobilizes the rapid reaction force, but he is killed shortly afterwards.
Luttrell’s rescue
Reinforcements in the form of two Chinook helicopters reach the SEALs, but without the protection of Apache helicopters. Luttrell and Axelson hope to be rescued, but watch as one of the Chinooks is shot down. The second helicopter withdraws and the two soldiers are left to fend for themselves. Axelson is killed in an ambush by Taliban fighters, while Luttrell, despite being seriously injured, escapes an explosion and hides overnight. He survives and the next day drags himself to a stream where he meets the Pashtun Mohammed Gulab.
Gulab takes in the wounded Luttrell and hides him in his village, where he protects him from the Taliban. He sends a messenger to the nearest American base to report Luttrell’s whereabouts. When Shah reaches the village to execute Luttrell, the villagers resolutely defend him. Although Shah withdrew, he returned with fighters and attacked again. The villagers continue to defend Luttrell until US Rangers finally rescue him and thank Gulab for his help. A montage at the end of the film shows images of Luttrell and his fallen comrades, accompanied by an explanation of the Pashtun code of honor, Pashtunwali, which motivated Gulab’s actions.
Conclusion and reviews of the film “Lone Survivor”
„Lone Survivor“ is a gripping war film that depicts with shocking intensity the survival and sacrifices of a Navy SEAL team in the Afghan mountains. Peter Berg’s directorial work stands out for its uncompromising portrayal of the harshness of combat and allows the viewer to feel how dangerous the soldiers’ mission was. Mark Wahlberg’s portrayal of Marcus Luttrell is particularly impressive, giving the viewer a deep insight into the exceptional situation of a soldier who has lost everything. The remaining actors, including Taylor Kitsch and Ben Foster, contribute significantly to showing the group realistic and vulnerable.
The production emphasizes the SEALs’ unwavering perseverance and camaraderie in a hopeless situation. Intense camera work and careful choice of music reinforce the oppressive atmosphere that runs through the entire film. Despite the haunting depiction of war, the film avoids exaggerated heroism and therefore appears particularly authentic. Although some scenes are difficult to endure, the film succeeds in deeply moving the audience and making them think about the price of war.
Last updated on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
