In the Valley of Elah [2007] Movie Reviews on CinemaClock

Tommy Lee Jones face grows even craggier throughout this spiral into despair and disillusionment. An excellent performance - perhaps his best. It is a grueling tale but he delivers an Oscar worthy interpretation with grace and dignity. Charlize Theron excels with steely resolve as a crusading detective. Both are committed parents dealing with a complex, challenging situation where hierarchical bureaucracies strangling in ambiguity hide the truth. Susan Sarandon delivers a riveting, understated performance as a grieving mother facing the worst imaginable circumstance. The real nemesis is unjust war and the resulting loss of heroic integrity. However, an ancient hero does survive to raise the flag: a very American motif that may seem grandiose and overstated to many Canadians. But the film ends in an act of conviction and judgment that rings true while challenging those raised blindly pledging allegiance. The symbolism is powerful. All humanity is in distress and we cannot resolve it ourselves. We are globally stuck waiting for the next world-wrenching act of terrorism. And what we fear most we attract. Just like David facing Goliath in the Valley of Elah.