Lions for Lambs

Lions for Lambs, though a work of fiction, is a commentary about the war on terror which America is presently engaged in. It presents varying opinions on the subject and encourages the viewer to take a stand.

The senator portrayed by Tom Cruise represents the politicians of America who battle in the war against terrorism in the safety of their offices. He is presented as an ambitious senator who, though skilled in intelligence, lacks experience in the frontlines. He uses the war on terror to advance his personal agenda.

Meryl Streep is the journalist whom the senator handpicks to sell his agenda to the public. She represents the media who is critical of the entire situation, an entity who can always change opinion. The senator reminds her that the media is not necessarily just an observer. In the course of its duty, it also forms the minds of its audience and so contributes to history.

In the course of the movie, I thought that the leads could have exchanged roles. But age and experience played a role in the movie. Meryl Streep is the veteran journalist who has seen more while Tom Cruise is the newbie politico who has seen little. The journalist draws from a lifetime of experience dealing with war and its failures. Case in point the Vietnam War.

In a separate setting, a professor played by Robert Redford challenges his student to shake off his indifference and to take a stand. Through this bit, the director, who also happens to be Robert Redford, reaches out to the audience, makes them think and hopefully, empower them to fight for what they believe in.

A number of issues are raised in the film - inequality, love of country, love of self, the role of media in putting out news or propaganda, brotherly love, popular vote, etc.

While watching the movie, I was once again struck with democracy in America. For democracy permits differing opinions. And that is what the movie is all about.

lions for lambs, robert redford, tom cruise, meryl streep, movie, war on terror

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