I don't think the ending implies that Lee has decided that journalism is important or "worth dying for." In the end, she sacrifices her life-not for a photo, but for a person. She finally intervenes, instead of taking a photo of Jessie being shot and killed. That's her arc.

@wowsuchname1939

2 ай бұрын

Especially considering the question Jessie asks Lee about ‘what you take a picture if I’d got shot’ - only to save her in the end. Enjoyed that detail

@vincedurden6446

2 ай бұрын

Yes, exactly.

@lanny2323

2 ай бұрын

@@wowsuchname1939 wow that is so big-brained - great catch!

@whitebread940

2 ай бұрын

@@wowsuchname1939. Basically giving away the ending during the movie.

@kelvinclinkscale6580

2 ай бұрын

Agreed

I think the most telling moment in the movie is actually during the end credits in which a slowly developing picture of smiling Western Forces troops are standing over the dead body of the now deceased former president, like you might find big game hunters showing how proud they are of having "bagged a big one". Rather than showing either remorse for the state of affairs that led to this outcome, I think it is more telling as to how civil wars don't lead toa a new "resurgent democracy" and "rule of law". Instead, acts of violence in the name of democracy taken during the Civil War just lead to yet ***more*** violence in the name of democracy and the rule of law. It is for this reason that Civil War demonstrates that these particular kinds of internecine conflict within a fracturing state, are NOT unifying actions that support the political state, but destructive ones, leading to further yet fracturing of the states remaining after the conflict has culminated. This is what I find most frightening about Alex Garland's movie.

@LibertarianUSA1982

Ай бұрын

ok pog

@DADGAD_Rick

Ай бұрын

@@LibertarianUSA1982 , what do you mean by “pog”? I’ve never heard of that as a word or an acronym.

@urban7514

Ай бұрын

@@DADGAD_Rick People other than grunt

@urban7514

Ай бұрын

Without jumping to conclusions (and I don't know if the person has served) he is suggesting that you haven't served and do not comprehend the mentality of a squad and the nature of combat. Referring to your reaction to the picture, just my opinion, it reminded me of the picture they took when DEA caught Escobar.

@urban7514

Ай бұрын

The callousness of the conflict was hard to watch I agree with you there, some of the scenes were set up so well it felt like it could be just around the corner.

Something I realised about the film is right up until they reach the Western Forces base, you never find out which soldiers/militiamen are on which side. The only time you know which side is which is when the Western Forces attack DC.

@ad_astra5

Ай бұрын

If it’s anything like Yugoslavia, we’d have lots of warlords here so it makes sense to keep it vague

@PetrKrtek

Ай бұрын

Alll war criminals are associated with Western Forces, /Ferderal soldiers are only shown as victims , guys in gas station- rebels, mob attacking some federal building/then executing defenders - rebels ally of western forces , Jesse Plemons character - psychopath but no US insighnia so Western forces ally.

@ChristopherKindred-es3be

11 күн бұрын

True to a certain point. I felt the same way the first time I saw CIVIL WAR. When I saw it the second time, I looked for clues explaining the cause of it all. Then, I noticed the WF labelled on military vehicles, uniforme, flags,etc. You'll see it next time. But the writer/director still does a good job of making the cause of the war ambiguous.

It's crazy seeing how many people are complaining the film never explains the origins of the war or go into the "lore". That's just not what the film is about at all. People complaining the film isn't a completely different thing, like going into Saving Private Ryan and complaining that it didn't cover the lore of Hitler's rise.

@seanguzy9601

2 ай бұрын

Right lol I guess they arent aware that in REALITY we are in a divided country where 10 years ago we were fighting for " womens rights " via 3rd wave feminism. Presently these same " women " are now saying they don't EVEN KNOW WHAT A WOMEN IS. A WOMEN TO THEM IS A WOMEN IS SOMEONE WHO IDENTIFIES AS A WOMEN LMAO LOL OK THAN WTF IS A GOD DAM WOMEN!!?

@istrumguitars

2 ай бұрын

It’s likely due to the way the film was marketed.

@Hack_The_Planet_

2 ай бұрын

@@istrumguitarsno, I think it stems from people wanting their own political beliefs to be overtly validated.

@jw7019

2 ай бұрын

@@Hack_The_Planet_that’s exactly what it is. I’ve seen posts on Twitter of people butthurt about the fact that their side wasn’t portrayed as the good guys.

@ZiaAnnouncer

2 ай бұрын

It’s also funny because the title is actually a double entendre. The Civil War title is directed at the main character, Kirsten Dunst. She is brought to an internal civil war by Cailee Staenley’s character. She had killed off her humanity, but being with a woman who was once her, makes her look at herself and she has a return of the humanity she has killed off.

I watched this in imax and I jumped in my seat whenever guns were shot.

@503thekid

2 ай бұрын

Good thing u are not in the army

@TheOctomasprime

2 ай бұрын

@@503thekid😂😂😂😂

@Palthura

2 ай бұрын

@@503thekidarmy guys jumped harder cause that PTSD hit em in the cranials

@grumpymonkeyenterprises6413

2 ай бұрын

@@503thekid hey buddy, u commenting on everything I post ?😏 but yeah Im not around guns that much. And the movie kinda shows why it would suck to be in the army. Guess u missed that message 😂

@Scrapluv

2 ай бұрын

That’s because the sound design, which was brilliant, made it seem like you felt those shots right in your chest.

This movie hit hard. I was a US Army Combat Engineer, but I always had my camera with me, other than basic and AIT, it was always by my side just like my M16. I've always wanted to be a photographer, although I never intended to be a combat photographer, because I had my camera with me, I was. I don't exactly know how to react, or how to express what I'm feeling after watching this movie. I guess... Actually, I don't know. I've been sitting here fore about ten minutes trying to put into words the thoughts and feelings I have, and yet, I can't.

@deankaras8359

Ай бұрын

Iraq veteran- yeah I get it.

@narfle

Ай бұрын

M4?

@AA-0414

Ай бұрын

Same here. Still at a loss of words.

@archipelago93

Ай бұрын

Although there were some questionable directorial decisions (such as a couple of scenes that played music that was WAY too jovial for how serious it was-ie one of those annoying “hey this film is so indie, look at how indie we are!!” moments)I think it does a good job demonstrating that there are no true “winners” when we are in the middle of killing each other

@HavocQPandemoniumOffical

Ай бұрын

You were 12 bravo?

A lot of people are missing the point of the movie. You can only buy half a tank and a few cans for 300 CAD.

@bridewar

Ай бұрын

😂

@PetrKrtek

Ай бұрын

@@bridewar I suppose Canada is stable economy in this madness (and suppose their 300USD is valued 20USD in our world /300CAD /40-45litres= 6,5CAD/L(nothing extreme for limited suply and war zone)

@theunexpectedua

Ай бұрын

what a... pfftt.

@DrTarrandProfessorFether

Ай бұрын

Canadian is $0.67… or $200 USD now… so what you talking about? Inflation is common in all Civil Wars. Confederate dollar dropped to Gokd from 95 cents to 2 cents at the end… up and down but mostly down. If the USA government was going down, inflation would spike! Union dollar was 97 cents in early 1862 but bounced around 75 to 45 cents on the gold dollar… hitting a low of 34 cents (so $3 paper dollars would buy one Gold Dollar coin.). Losing side of Civil Wars always have massive inflationary pressures.

@Ingydar_

19 күн бұрын

Hidden endin

The film is incredible, and not enough people have praised its cinematography. It looks gorgeous. The scenery while they’re driving after the “what kind of American are you” moment is one of my favorites of the year.

@mattcollins3591

27 күн бұрын

YES! And when the song fades into them heading into the WF base. Chills.

The idea the FBI is a check on the president's power is hilarious

@baddriver7559

Ай бұрын

The FBI honestly should be dismantled. We were built with local law enforcement so a larger federal law enforcement force doesn't have to much power and all the FBI has done since it was created is have way to much power. Federal law enforcement agencies lead to tyranny so the president in the movie doesn't seem all that bad honestly.

@baddriver7559

Ай бұрын

He's basically taking away one of his puppet strings in law enforcement by dismantling the FBI.

@DARTHTORO99

Ай бұрын

They are, whether it is believed or not. They have supreme power when it comes to Federal law. For example what happened with Trump and Hinter Biden

@MrTheTaterMeister

Ай бұрын

@@DARTHTORO99 what are you talking about? The FBI is an independent unelected sphere in the US govt which, like the CIA, only seeks to further its own aims

@SpruceMoose-iv8un

Ай бұрын

@@DARTHTORO99 Trump pays a porn star for a sexy time and he goes on trial, Bill Clinton goes to Epstine island and nothing happens to him, not to mention all the pointless wars started.

The film is doing several things. Its bringing discussion on a serious topic. Its making people think. (Something that extremist on both sides don't want) Its exposing citizens of the possibility It also makes you think about those that is hoping such a war happens.

@gtrdxz

2 ай бұрын

The future is full of possibilities...

@kohtalainenalias

2 ай бұрын

it's also inspirational piece of art

@mikeohawk95

2 ай бұрын

Also depicts if trump wins 2024, a theory

@punchout2418

2 ай бұрын

@@mikeohawk95 🙄 I wouldn't be surprised if you have to have your mommy and daddy check in your closet and under your bed every night to make sure there's no Trumps hiding waiting to come and git ya

@Quetzalcoatl_Feathered_Serpent

2 ай бұрын

@@mikeohawk95 well to be honest it represent any leader that decides to abuse and destroy a system of government in order to take power. As dictatorship doesn't care of political ideology. That being said, yes trump currently is very likely if he were to win the election would try to destroy the system to ensure he stayed in power. Hell if he lost again it's likely he would ca upon his supporters to try to ruin the system to put him back in like what he tried to do back in 2021 Jan 6th

I’ve just came back from Ukraine in Mykolaiv as I was photographing animals there and I can honestly say that watching this movie, it really resonated with me Telling it from the perspective of the photographers and basically watching what I was doing in Ukraine (exaggerated in the movie) I was simply very emotional watching it I thought it was an amazing movie and I’m very very happy it didn’t mention the war and why it started I don’t need to find out why hitler started WW2 every time I watch a WW2 movie The fact so many people are getting upset at why the reasons wasn’t mentioned, this is not really a real conversation that happens in war zones over and over again or views that people are all bad or all good, there is no heroes, there is simply people trying to survive, living day to day, be it fighting in the army or just going to work and drinking coffee War isn’t a movie, war isn’t about twitter arguing, so for people to have complaints about the movie for not mentioning politics etc, is just boring! I’ve been to a war zone, and I can honestly say Civil war is an extremely HONEST depiction of war!

This movie may be attempting to humanize press for those that hate them, but I think the end of this film is an absolute critique on wartime journalism. And not a favorable one. It also feels like a statement on us, the viewer and humanity. In a similar, but much more subtle way than something like ‘Funny Games’.

@offshoresphoto

2 ай бұрын

Yeah i felt that too... Jesse is bankrupt by the end of the movie... And she is a surrogate for us i think and our craving for drama

@that_heretic

Ай бұрын

Vicarious by Tool comes to mind. They were onto something.

@Acme633

25 күн бұрын

Actually, I think the film was a severe criticism of the press and media. All the characters never even expressed any concern about which side was winning, and only cared about able to reach a certain place by a certain time to cover the story. At the end they didn't even care about the deaths of their own teammates. Neither Jessie nor Joel even stopped to check if Lee was really dead. Jessie got the shot she wanted, and Joel got his exclusive coverage of the dying president.

@springrollwang4441

23 күн бұрын

When history is happening, it won't wait for your weeping and humanity. they're desensitized, goal focused when they're near. the film also discussing about ethics, which reminds me of a photo, "The vulture and the little girl"

@sean748

14 күн бұрын

It's definitely a critique of US war journalism - previously creating war as entertainment in distant lands (exemplified by the WF journalist crew) now in their own backyard, finding that separation from their subject is now impossible.

The FBI was never intended to be a "check" on presidential power. It's mission is to investigate crimes over interstate lines and federal criminal statutes. Congress and the Supreme Court are checks on presidential power. The President is the Executive Branch whose duties are to enforce the laws of the United States and Constitution. The FBI is part of the executive branch under the direction of the President. It would make no sense for a tyrannical leader to disband basically the federal law enforcement authority if he were going to tyrannical despot killing citizens, that would be the job of tyrannical leader's police. If there is tyrannical leader, who was able to circumvent the 22nd amendment, then it would have been the failure of the Congress who allowed it to happen. Where does Congress get it's power? Through the electorate in each state and state elections are democratic and the only occurrence of majority rule voting. So if a majority of people voted for their representation that failed to put checks on the Executive branches' power, you get a what you voted for people. Governments based on majority rules will often lead to oppression of the minority, that's the rational of why our founding fathers divised the electoral college and three braches of government and bicameral representation. Ask yourself why the Western Alliance would resort to summary execution instead of bringing the president in this movie to stand trial and answer for his crimes before the citizenry if thier rational were bringing back constitutional integrity and rule of law? Maybe this civil war was agitated by outside influences? Realistically, why not push a country to destroy itself from within, then risk an invasion from outside? Then again, it's only a movie.

@Kronaphasia

2 ай бұрын

Excellent points. This why only citizens of one's country should only vote in person via an official voters list tied to income tax reporting verified by ID in person. Most countries in the western world hold elections this way & it is typically the U.S. who condemns other countries elections that don't support this method (ironic).

@jw7019

2 ай бұрын

@@Kronaphasiathis is precisely why the southern border is deliberately left wide open.

@parkave2406

2 ай бұрын

They just want the people to think that the FBI are the good guys in this political timeline. But then again it’s only a movie. If someone took this movie as anything other than fiction then their worldview is small and very naive.

@satoshimoshi946

2 ай бұрын

Thank you

@bobmoore5043

2 ай бұрын

😂

Todd Aluqist definitely served in the military which is why after his service had no hesitation to shoot drew sharp in order to protect heisenberg business

@nickymo

2 ай бұрын

That’s an interesting thought, if that were the case I bet uncle Jack was also a military man in his past. Never thought about it but it totally fits.

Regardless if the movie did or did not focus in the current political polarization the bottom line is that a US civil war would be disastrous.

@greenghost5009

2 ай бұрын

A war here would make both the Chechen wars look like child’s play

@davidpapay1315

Ай бұрын

A US civil war would be disastrous, but what are people supposed to do when the government censors and violates their civil rights defined in the constitution.

@ehstronghold

Ай бұрын

The movie was very dead accurate on the idea that a civil war along with the subsequent collapse of any kind of authority would unleash the worst demons Americans have.

@greenghost5009

Ай бұрын

@@ehstronghold facts lots of unfortunate war crimes would happen and question is when the smokes clear what the shape of the country will be like after ? It’ll be a lot of missing people photos lots of family members or most the men going to join and fight literally a change to what ? A change for real freedom, it’s not about money or politics down the line it’ll literally be about reshaping the entire country to what ? How will this make bills cheaper or more money in your pocket it won’t it’ll lead to total economic fall and we will have to pay for what some or deep down inside what most Americans ultimately want

@mrconfusion87

5 күн бұрын

​@@greenghost5009 Yup! With the extreme atomization of US society, shitloads of drugs, and of course fucktons of weapons - it is IMPOSSIBLE that it won't cause millions of dead within the USA! And of course ALL OTHER major powers will assist their "preferred" factions!

Is it happening??? Are smart, mature, relevant movies for intelligent, thinking audiences coming back??? Fingers crossed we're at a threshold.

@ryverstyx

Ай бұрын

I highly recommend checking out some more of A24s films!! Overall just an amazing studio with a talent of making movies of any subject matter, no matter how dark, artful and captivating.

i think this is Garland's best work, it was so gripping from start to finish, powerful in it's emotional beats and character arcs, the overall message is haunting and stays with you after watching

Well, OneTake, you killed my reason for posting a review. Spot on, my friend!

@thelemmon

Ай бұрын

Post a short linking this one 🤷

For those who claim that "words are violence", I wonder if the conflation of the two means that the person who claims it is more likely to go from word to violence when words don't convince someone. I thought it was a very good show

You brilliantly articulate my thoughts on the movie, thanks man. For Garland to have explicitly furnished us with more details would've just gotten us into the weeds, and inevitably into thornier debates or the risk of putting his thumb on one side of the scale. Of course he'll get flak for being a cowardly centrist or something, or not understanding American politics or whatever; and more deranged people will see what they wanna see in it anyway. But (as an Australian, at least) I felt this was responsible, non-exploitative, impactful filmmaking. Bluntly graphic but also restrained, thoughtful but not cynical to the point of callousness. As cautionary a cautionary tale as can be told, really. Just asking "can we PLEASE not do this?" And as you point out - as quotes from Garland support - it's a sort of call to individual responsibility in these times, a call to de-arm, to de-escalate, because the solution probably won't come from top-down, it needs to come from the ground up. Great point about the journalists. Though being flawed human beings, they always do their job of dispassionately showcasing the truth of the situation. I initially wasn't sure how to take the film in this regard, sometimes. It doesn't seem entirely uncritical of its protagonists or the media, either. There's something a bit unseemly about never ever getting involved, and there's a shot of Cailee Spaeny towards the end where she seems a bit too cold for what is happening in front of her. Like pointedly so. Whether that's speaking to what that line of work does to you, or something else, I wasn't/am not sure. It's hard not to read some of that as metaphor for his own work, too; when Lee says something about how she used to think she took photos of external conflicts and sent them home as a warning, yet 'here we are', it's easy to imagine Garland wondering whether his own movie, a warning from elsewhere, is also useless. Maybe even interogating, himself, whether he's making the right choice being impartial and not weighing in? But I agree he does weigh in where it matters, in a broader philosophical sense. I loved the movie, a few nitpicks about formal things like staging etc aside. I'm Australian not American and I can't imagine how hard it must hit for you guys. Some bouts of sharp shocking violence really hit me in an emotive way they rarely do in movies. I hope many people go see it. Wanna shout out to how you spoke and delivered this essay too; most 'video essays' I can't stand cos people either go the hyper fast-talking route with lots of cuts and non-jokes, or the pretentious caricature-of-NPR style that is just as bad. This was nicely and clearly read nand emphasised, but NORMAL hah

@dustinfurlow4701

2 ай бұрын

well said.

@Etcetera_Etcetera_

2 ай бұрын

Love your thoughts on this, so very well said. Saving your comment somewhere cause it expresses my same feelings so well!

@Dr.MantisTobogganMD

2 ай бұрын

It’s not about centrism. It’s about logistics and strategy, this movie makes no sense, who cares about politics; militarily this move is dumb.

@ad_astra5

Ай бұрын

@@Dr.MantisTobogganMDit’s supposed to show the horrors of civil war and holding values, not about the protracted, very bloody campaign

@Dr.MantisTobogganMD

Ай бұрын

@@ad_astra5 Yeah well it wasn’t even that either. The film literally had no other message than; “Journalists tell the truth” which in reality *they don’t.*

Just saw it. A brutal, viceral film. It won't break box office records or win an Oscar, what it will go down as an important, seminal cinematic work. It will win critical acclaim and maybe a cult following. That said, the Battle for DC should have been more total, more of an epic historical event akin to the fall of Berlin. Where was the siege? The struggle for the sky? The aerial bombing of the capitol? The cruise missiles? The drones? The use of chemical weapons? Why was the power still on? The movie should have ended in a bunker or on the tarmac of Andrews AFB.

@gzer0x

2 ай бұрын

I mean they said very well “[the regular military has surrendered and withdrawn]. All that is left are secret service and do-or-die soldiers.” There is no real military left to defend DC, or rather, the president himself. “This isn’t Berlin” is a whole line in the movie Even in WWII, the nazis said that the Soviets and Allies were there to erase Germany, so every man woman and child must fight “us vs the world”- in Civil War, everyone is aiming for the president, even the “loyalists” know that, and most people don’t care one way or the other, it will all blow over soon, or they die.

@user-dm2nx4yu5o

2 ай бұрын

I understand why you say this, but just remember it’s told ONLY from the perspective of the photographers and so I understand why it was what it was, it was a very singular story and for that, is why I thought it was great

@MoviesAtTheBar

2 ай бұрын

If you research you'll see it's smashing it at the box office and against a 50 million dollar budget, it's going to be a big success.

@TMendocino

2 ай бұрын

I just got back, see it in Imax, The cinematography is great. It is epic.

@12thparsec

2 ай бұрын

The film opens with the president rehearsing a speech where he’s lying about the state of the war. He’s struggling to project bravado in his rehearsal because he knows the Western Forces are actually gaining on him. I think having it close with him in the White House instead of a bunker helps close the loop. Despite the obvious, the president remains there because he’s delusional. Like most dictators, he thinks his power is absolute. Why go to a bunker? He’s “untouchable.”

I’m wondering what the intention was of making this movie

The movie was very good. That it didn't take a hard left or right approach was such a plus.

@henrytong8707

19 күн бұрын

There is no hard right or left in this movie, just the idea of what happens if a Fascist President get elected and what it takes to get him out.

I can only imagine how most Americans must feel after watching this film. As a French guy, I found it deeply gut wrenching and it’s not even about MY country. It was an outstanding piece of cinema.

@omgitschris

9 күн бұрын

Mexican American here. I liked its apolitical approach to the story, and its pushing of the idea of the terrors of war, as well as the way war journalists are willing to die just to tell the story they want the world to know.

It’s great to see at least one person online who still has proper media literacy. Great job on the video.

This comment section is why he united Texas and California- cause both of y’all are in here calling each other commies and fascists, unable to grasp the concept that maybe there’s a bigger threat to our daily lives than each other.

What was Joel’s final line in the movie? My friend heard “that’ll do” or “they all do”?

@funopticongaming

2 ай бұрын

I'm pretty sure he said "That'll do."

Basically what's happening in Haiti rn... Media is painting the gangs as bad but when you look into the comments in those videos, Haitian people are giving the correct translations for many of the interviewed civilians. Most people in Haiti are in support for the gangs and are pissed about the acting president delaying elections repeatedly... Their cause in the revolution is good but without having new elected leaders pre selected and put into place it just remains chaos.

That opening is exactly why it shouldn’t be called civil war, it’s an uprising against a military coup.

@shadedwulf

2 ай бұрын

Yeah It's very disappointing in the fact it conveys several valid points. But is lost by Garlands and whomever else wrote it's lack of understanding in the military the united states governement and a general understanding of American Values as whole.

@OB.x

2 ай бұрын

true. but at the end of the day, what do you think gets more eyes on a topic? "Civil War" or "The Coup"?

@Bread-nx9fo

2 ай бұрын

@@shadedwulf It's a movie, its not about the sides involved, its about how war journalism works, decrying realism about things that don't matte.

@bubbalouu6325

2 ай бұрын

⁠@@shadedwulfLmao it’s a movie about war journalists, not a fucking play by play of how an actual civil war would happen. Grow up

@SusCalvin

2 ай бұрын

Coups leading into civil wars are not odd. A coup wants to be fast an establish a new government.

This is by far the best analogy I have heard regarding such an amazing piece of cinematography. Thank you for taking the time to dissect this movie to even deeper than what it may appear to be at face value. Subscribed!!!

I haven't heard the director say that CIVIL WAR is apolitical. The plot does not attempt to blame one side or the other. While the President becomes an autocrat, the film does not make it clear that he did so PRIOR to the war. When APOCALYPSE NOW was released, it was a statement about the horrors of war. And yet, it was a contemporary retelling of HEART OF DARKNESS, a colonial era story written by Joseph Conrad, about a soldier sent to Africa to assassinate a crazed Colonel Kurtz. The journalists in CIVIL WAR embark on a journey together to document the action. But they are ambitious and motivated to get the hardest story available. Creating a state where journalists are murdered makes for high stakes drama. Story-telling 101. It is definitely a callback to old school journalism, where news was news and not news commentary. I admit, I long for the days of Walter Cronkite struggling not to be impressed by the first moon landing or show his pain at the sheer numbers of soldiers dying in Vietnam. There are precious few outlets for fair news reporting.They're out there,,,all three or four of them. But they're not on cable. I saw CIVIL WAR two times. I looked for Easter eggs and other clues that suggested why this war was happening... What started it. There are none that I can easily find.. There is much to explain recent events that setup how these particular forces are moving of the fact that division and frustration have led to conflict. But CIVIL WAR does a good job of avoiding laying blame politically or socially. Still, to say apolitical is a misnomer. There is political action in the film, but it is neutered by a plot focused on truth and not spin. The whole THEY'RE SHOOTING AT US, WE'RE SHOOT AT THEM vibe may make the key point of the entire film; namely, that any civil war in America would be terrible. A civil war in the States would quickly devolve into an u directed fight for survival, resulting in people along the same sociopolitical lines killing each other out of fear or betrayal or a fight for resources. American civil war is maddness! We may never get there, hopefully. But if we get close, my hope is that we decide that the UNITED in United States is something more valuable and worthy to pursue than whether or not our candidate is in office.

Really looking forward to watching this in IMAX… Thank you my friend.

@OneTakeVids

2 ай бұрын

Definitely see it in IMAX if you can! Great experience

@mbcchase

2 ай бұрын

Ive seen the movie today. I only liked 2 scenes, i thought the last scene at the white house was badass. But it seemed rushed and low action throughout the movie which sucks. The movie focuses too much on the characters than what is going on in the government and it isnt explained why they are fighting in the first place. At least 2 of the characters suck, the 23 year old girl and the old man. In the end, the movie is NOT worth it.

@jacksonscott690

2 ай бұрын

@@mbcchaseI just knew I’d find this comment. This movie was fantastic, and I see point for point how it went over your head 😂

@ScrewedUpMusic

2 ай бұрын

@@jacksonscott690it just felt like a roadtrip movie I got zombie land vibes from it only with less action and a worse ending

@hardiannatale8422

2 ай бұрын

I was not ready for how intense it was in IMAX

Interesting enough perspective and analysis. Thanks.

This is a very smart review and absolutely spot on! This is the review I was working on articulating

The black op 2 music in the background is so iconic

I just saw this film it is good and requires multiple viewings.

@robertortiz-wilson1588

2 ай бұрын

No.

@DannyVdesign

2 ай бұрын

I’ll see it again, but was wondering what was the jist of the opening monologue by the President? (I had to get the manager to turn the lights off and missed it)

@estebanguerra2573

2 ай бұрын

@@DannyVdesignI believe he was rehearsing a speech to inform the public that the “western forces are about to suffer a grave defeat… etc”

@woodbridgesfinest1904

2 ай бұрын

@@DannyVdesign If I had to guess he was psyching up his side of America against the WF (Western Front) and or Florida alliance. I might catch it again, I love A24 stuff.

@istrumguitars

2 ай бұрын

I thought it was excellent, like everything Garland makes.

Interesting analysis. I'd say none of those messages resonated with me, however. I usually pick up on the themes the movie makers are trying to convey, but with this one I was left with very little. Maybe it was my state of mind on that day, or maybe the execution could have been better... I don't know. What I got was mostly that we should protect democracy because it's fall would lead to horrific chaos and violence, wich is a very simple message. I think maybe I tend to expect the themes to be developed through the actions and experiences of the characters, and I couldn't really latch on to any of the characters. I'm not saying it's the filmakers fault, but what I got were kind of shallow archs from the main characters. Lee abandoned her objectivity to save another person, Jessie overcame her fear to turn into a full carrer-adrenaline chaser and Joe... Well, I didn't catch any arch from Joe. My review to my girlfriend after we left the movie was just something on the lines of: "Well, it's a very well made movie, but I didn't get much from it. I'll have to look up some analysis on the internet because I really can't tell what the big fuss was about".

16:00 This movie made me think of Napalm Girl too. I was maybe 8 and some teacher or student or someone snuck in a Time Magazine with that. It was just there one day in 1972 or 3. A kid my age, a GenX kid as a matter of fact totally unprotected and caught in war, experiencing something neither I nor my friends could comprehend but also we never forgot. Being a kid in the 70's was traumatic at times.

Lee was a hero, her arch was to save Jesse and in turn Jesse picked up the camera and got the photos of the President being killed.

I feel the director was trying to convey the tragedy of war by exploring its drug-like effect through journalists, multiple uses of dialogue from the protagonist throughout the film support this, emphasizing how alive it makes them feel. The adrenaline fuelled motivations are emphasized through the soldiers, as they are so caught in the moment, driven with blood lust, and ultimately the cause for war crimes, additionally touching on outlets in Human Nature. However I felt like the final action scenes were shot and executed badly. They only struck out as cheesy and cliche rather than surreal. A good example of a similar act that was executed brilliantly, was the final act in "Children of Men".

The journalist today are nothing near the likes of Pyle or Cronkite. Pyle was in the heart of the fighting in the Pacific war against Japan and was killed doing his job. Cronkite was in the European theatre starting out flying with the bomber crews filming other bombers being shot down around him during the bombing raids over Europe. He went on after D-day to being with the troops on the ground. He also was in Korea during that war and also did live broadcasts from Vietnam.

@marcusflatt9084

Ай бұрын

Cronkite also admitted, on film, of a meeting where he and eight other television anchors colluded to "make America ns hate the war in Viet Nam." That means 'The Press" has been aware of its ability to manipulate popular opinion for over fifty years. In the early 20th century, we called it "Yellow Journalism." Today we call it "managing disinformation."

1:49 "cudgel" is the word you were thinking of, and it's a good one. Nice review, again.

The sadness I feel knowing that although the first American Civil War was fought for mankind and the rights of all men, the next one will be fought over the pettiness of political ideology and a weak, transparent belief in honor.

@aviongreen9105

Ай бұрын

I agree! The country has become extremely selfish and shameless!

@that_heretic

Ай бұрын

I mean, so was the first one. In very abbreviated form, the North gave the South a way out and a path towards slowly phasing out and then incorporating former slaves into society. Those with power in the South decided their culture(and not coincidentally their power) was more important to them than peace. The idea that black people should be treated as their equals offended their sensibilities. It's actually quite similar to today's situation. The really dangerous divide in US politics has always been between those that want to impose their will on others, especially on others that look or act funny, and the rest of us who just want to make the most of our lives while we have them. And it always will be. It's also why checks on power are so critical to stop the nation from Balkanizing, and all our lives getting worse as a result.

@mrconfusion87

5 күн бұрын

​@@that_heretic Yup! One of the BIGGEST differences between the 1860s and nowadays is 1) Society is so much more atomized, 2) A "drug culture" where substance abuse is rampant, and 3) Way more weapons and POWERFUL ones at that!

all empires collapse

@edwinrodriguez1173

2 ай бұрын

True, but I don't want to be involved, only read it in history books

@Brando-wc8fz

2 ай бұрын

I was hoping I would live through life without it,l

@dh7164

2 ай бұрын

Yeah, most of us wanted to live at home and for other people to stay off our lawn. We didn't want an empire, just a home. All those empire people can go live in Brussels if they like. Take their bank with them. Leave us alone.

@nickdavis5516

2 ай бұрын

But Moe’s Tavern will live for eons

@maxjohnson8659

Ай бұрын

@@dh7164 the problem is that bank is what keeps us prosperous (dollar dominated global financial system)

I’m glad I already saw the movie last night before seeing this. You might wanna retitle this with ‘spoiler alert.’

Thank you. That was my first takeaway, the actions of the president in the opening. Not presenting a good guy/bad guy just presenting the facts of the situation. You walk out stirred or shaken yet thinking and conversing about the state of the Nation. Brilliant!

I think that is very powerful that in most scenes with conflict, you can't tell which side the men in uniforms are on, like the scene with mass grave.

@urban7514

Ай бұрын

I thought that was one of the most interesting elements. It was well down, chilled me to my core, but well done .

The FBI is not a check on Presidential Powers. The FBI is actually subservient to the President under the Executive Branch. The checks on Presidential Powers are the Constitution, The Legislative Branch, and The Judicial Branch.

@alros1212

Ай бұрын

Yeah that’s why none of the presidents made a move on that chickenhawk Hoover- cause he was subservient to them Lol

Thanks for your input. It’s obvious a lot of the negative criticism comes from those who have not served in the military or likely do not have any experience in war planning or fighting because their reviews are all based on superhero movies that they grew up watching instead of being actually deployed to a poor, ravaged foreign country and being looked at with great vitriol, threatened and/or shot at just because they’re an American. My perspective comes from someone who’s been used around the world to satisfy the goals of our empire and who believes that as a result of our global expeditions and campaigns, we’ll eventually experience those pains in our homeland someday and I’m not happy about that, but I am a realist who knows enough to prepare for difficult times ahead. Many people may not think the events depicted in the film could ever happen but think of this, the U.S. is structured like a large version of Europe with states that mimic individual countries held together by the state’s promise to uphold the Constitution in which the mentalities of 21st century political leaders and citizens have clearly concluded, is just an old piece of paper. This format once proved that a massive civil war could and did occur and often history repeats itself, whether people want to believe it or not. Sure it’s just a movie, but it’s a serious one and there is a major message in it for us which is, war is truly hell and it’s not something that we should glorify nor something that we should ever hope occurs in our communities. Critics should stop trying to analyze this film like they’re watching some make believe superhero movie, an Oscar contender’s review or some political circus commentary akin to the events of the 2020 election. I suggest we watch it like we’re analyzing potential future “real world” events because the premise of this movie might be much closer than some of the many naive Americans think. From a military (not militia or political) perspective, often wartime strategic alliances form strategic partnerships which are not necessarily based ideological similarities. States like Texas and California both are very large populations (30-40 million residents), massive police and national guard forces and GNP’s that are comparable or larger than some of the current top ten percent of wealthiest countries on the globe. Texas was once its own republic and has governed that way since. An alliance of these to states and perhaps a third one of similar status and structure would be a major problem for DC politicians. Given today’s times, we need to hope for the best but only those who can’t see or hear won’t prepare for the worst. Most Empires haven’t lasted more the 500 years throughout history so, I think it’s very important for people to accept their possible future or that of their children, grandchildren or great grandchildren because we are definitely heading for a major change down the path of U.S. history. This fate is even foretold in the book of Revelation and in greater, specific detail in the “extra-biblical” text of 2nd Edras. Time and experience has proven the old Mark Twain quote that, “truth is stranger than fiction” I thought it was brilliant. It reminds me of a realistic Christopher Nolan movie with hints of an Apocalypse Now style vibe. The music took me to the post Vietnam era. Many wanted to know the cause of the war but the context of the war is not important. Most 21st century Americans (except the naive) know how this could happen. Overall, this movie was an essay warning us (Americans) to not let our politicians lead us in this direction because…, in a war everyone loses. A future cult classic movie for sure!

You nailed it on the fact that the movie is not about sides but the polarization itself. But you missed, or at least failed to mention the fall of Jesse's character where by the end of the movie she basically becomes the villain.

@imnotsadipromise

18 күн бұрын

I think she becomes Lee at the end. just like she was Lee "when she was her age"

@mrconfusion87

5 күн бұрын

I do NOT believe Jesse was deliberately malicious in her actions! She was just being an opportunist who wasn't letting any potential opportunity to get an "iconic shot" go to waste...

Great review! Thanks for your time

What American are you? Central or south?

@benjamindover4337

2 ай бұрын

Worse.. Canadian

@peezhead

Ай бұрын

@@benjamindover4337 300 dollars

@CarlosArizona

Ай бұрын

ALL AMERICAN! OoooRah.

@Shundazz

17 күн бұрын

@@benjamindover4337😂😂😂 that’s where BBL Drizzy from 😂

And it makes me think about the "western forces"

The reviewer-narrator has nailed it from every angle in his review. I watched the movie yesterday and would attest to his reading and analysis of the film. Alex Garland has given us a masterpiece that leaves everyone thinking and reflecting

Best review ive seen. I dont want a sequesl but maybe a ten minute artificial.news broadcast from the perspective of the different factions just to conclude

Could not have done a better job explaining the movie. And yeah, rouge militias are just sadistic murders under cover of war.

@mrconfusion87

5 күн бұрын

Also the Rednecks at the gas station had to be cruel to defend what they believed is rightfully theirs'...

I think this has a lot of potential especially if it's made into a miniseries for streaming

@nakkie326

2 ай бұрын

That’s what my bf said too. We need a series that leads up to the movie

Dear OneTake, This was a brilliant analysis. Ty so much. Completely agree.

Thanks for this take. The story was a bit more ambiguous to me as I don't know enough about politics and bipartisanship in the USA. So I didn't pick up the nuance you've mentioned when I watched the film. So cheers for that. Also, I'm just sitting here waiting for the black&white negatives to develop that I shot recently in my Nikon FE2 😅

Great video! I love watching breakdowns after movies to get a better understanding. Will be checking out your other videos. Cheers!

@OneTakeVids

2 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words! 🙏

A very brilliant breakdown, I also agree with your 28 days later breakdown. That said I think a lot of people are missing a huge point about this film that was conveyed at least 4 seperate intentional times. This movie is about Secessionist forces, feeding propaganda and not even trying to listen to the government of the US. The USG in the movie on multiple occasions was broadcasting if not begging for a ceasefire and peace talks. This movie is about the complete and utter breakdown of any communications and how Violence becomes power. The WF weren't rebelling against a tyranny at least at the point we join the movie. They may have started their secession because of those reason's but the entire plot of WF vs USG puts failure of people with too much power to communicate costing the lives and the fundamentally destroying the ways of life of every American even those not fighting or intentionally sitting it out, Front and center. I challenge you to rewatch it and take account how many times "Pretending like its not happening", is mentioned or that theme is brought up as well as the extremely intentional sniper scene of Who is even giving orders anymore. This movie is about people with power or the ability to take power doing it without regard for anyone else's lives. The WF were roaches, the barbarians at the proverbial gate, this is highlighted by their indiscriminate killing of everything.

@brewmastermonk9356

2 ай бұрын

The WF weren't killing everything in their way though. The war between the WF and the Feds created a chaos that was being exploited by multiple militias and groups with their own agendas. The "what kind of American are you" guy was not the same as the Boogaloo guys and they were not the same as the snipers.

@klnrklnr4433

2 ай бұрын

hmm, 3 term potus not a good look for the gov

@sebastianbillings7807

Ай бұрын

This is ,at the very least , by far the most interesting interpretation of this movie that I’ve seen. I did catch one radio /tv snippet with the usg reaching out several times for peace talks - and I didn’t think much of it. I remember starting out thinking the WF were probably the “good guys “ until seeing them execute unarmed soldiers .. the way they just drag the president out and shoot him was brutal. We didn’t even do that to Sadam H., did we ? Something else I thought of.. supposedly the president ordered air attacks on civilians. But that happens in real life to other countries , and that’s ok ? I mean even if it wasn’t supposed to hurt civilians, they often do. But I hadn’t considered that maybe that was false info or accidental.

@ad_astra5

Ай бұрын

@@sebastianbillings7807yeah I’d be very surprised if both sides weren’t doing executions of enemy prisoners. That tends to happen in modern civil wars

@mrconfusion87

5 күн бұрын

​​@@sebastianbillings7807 The guys who killed the unarmed soldiers were Boogaloo-types! And their politics were quite vague (except the part they obviously hated the Feds). Yes the film focused on the journos and the WF, but they weren't the only ones against the Feds as the promo map also shown the existence in that universe of the Florida Alliance and the Maoist-style New People's Army as well!

This concept would work great as an ongoing series

Best analysis for the film I've seen

lotta folks confused to why the civil war started in this film. thought it was crystal clear - 3 term prez. Regardless of the title, the film isn't about that. Thats just the window dressing for a fantastic film. If you're looking for john wick style cartoon violence and storytelling, look elsewhere.

@DickNonya

Ай бұрын

Basically a trump type tyrant

@citizenvulpes4562

Ай бұрын

Most people went into this movie wanting something that validated their political beliefs. They wanted political propaganda over what we got.

@brainspin7518

13 күн бұрын

@@citizenvulpes4562 You get it. For better or worse.

@mrconfusion87

5 күн бұрын

​@@citizenvulpes4562 And the fact people on both sides of the aisle were getting pissed off at the film just vindicates Alex Garland's point about our inability to have a conversation anymore! Prolly he shook his head disappointed that this issue manifested with the way a sizable chunk of the audience took the film...

If you’ve been paying attention to the current “state of the union” you will see the political bias from beginning to end. It portrayed the horrors of the potential future well though. Good food for thought. 🇺🇸🦅🎆

@JackieChan-rk7mc

Ай бұрын

There was no political bias. Lots of people crying the prez was a trump figure. When really he looks VERY similar to gavin newsom even had the same haircut

@mrconfusion87

5 күн бұрын

​@@JackieChan-rk7mc And he stutters like Biden (at least a younger version of him before his mental decline became impossible to ignore or explain away)!

I don't really think about the depth of the story when I watch this movie. Photography is my hobby so all I could think of the whole time was how beautiful the 'photos' are, and even the movie itself is like a long photo essay.

I 100% agree... you took the words right out of my mouth

I felt a great sorrow towards the end when the Western front was closing in on the President. I saw brother fighting brother and the implosion of the dream that was America. It was like seeing all the destabilization we've caused throughout the World coming home to roost. She's far from perfect but i walked out being thanks to be American.

@drorshamiramargea3901

Ай бұрын

Yes….. The bombing of the Lincoln Memorial really got to me.

@BibleSamurai

Ай бұрын

@@drorshamiramargea3901 definitely man

I’m about to go in to see the movie right now. I’ll circle back to this video when I get out!

@OneTakeVids

2 ай бұрын

Enjoy! 🙏

@jacksonscott690

2 ай бұрын

It kept getting better and better. This movie was effectively disturbing. The scene with Jesse Plemmons… man. My theatre was completely silent.

@Raptorlake

2 ай бұрын

Jesse plemmons is perfect in this movie, they pulled his character straight out of Breaking Bad and it made this movie fantastic!

@RonaldLadao

2 ай бұрын

@@jacksonscott690 Lucky that you had a completely silent viewing... I had a guy moan about kirsten dunst and spider man... lol

@urban7514

Ай бұрын

@@jacksonscott690 mine too, ok one guy waas tweaking so I guess I can't blame him for that. Otherwise it was chilling .

I just saw it in San Diego. I thought it was GREAT.

9:04 people who dont trust corporate media are very careful to distinguish between journalism and propagandists.

This misses the point - it’s a character study showing how this kind of war is soul-destroying to everyone involved, even those reporting on it. The reasons for the fighting are irrelevant.

@tailsonrails

Ай бұрын

YES!

@arboristartist-treeevan8910

Ай бұрын

I believe Civil War is not a soul destroying event, destroying everyone involved. On the contrary, our souls are being destroyed already and for those who will truly fight on the side of restoring this nation to what it once was and was always meant to be, to Us, it will be a soul restoring event.

@DrJoy-cw7lt

Ай бұрын

That is exactly how it is.

Garland definitely took a side, but I absolutely love that almost no one realizes it. One of Project 2025's primary objectives is to dissolve the FBI

@robertortiz-wilson1588

2 ай бұрын

Sort of. Its main goal is to clear its personnel. Which should be under the control of the executive in the executive branch. If Congress doesn’t like it, they could simply work with the executive branch, to get rid of, or seriously review and reform the FBI themselves.

@Lindsey_Lockwood

2 ай бұрын

Only leftist film critics think this is a movie that "doesn't take sides". Why they feel like they need to pretend it's unbiased I have no idea as it's not filling anymore with the bag you over the head "orange man gun destroy americuh" messaging.

@KnightOfNewColu

2 ай бұрын

Pretty clever way of fitting that in if it’s the case. Seeing it this weekend. I loved 28 Days / Weeks later and Annihilation so I’m excited.

@f-86zoomer37

2 ай бұрын

So how's that his fault? If conservatives want to take the side of authoritarianism, then we can't both-sides our way out of this. conservatives are the enemy of america.

@f-86zoomer37

2 ай бұрын

@@robertortiz-wilson1588 "Its main goal is to clear its personnel." Yeahhh not even close. Its main goal is to stack every single branch of government with trumpist lackeys and to erode the system of checks and balances. Why would a president need to respect the separation of powers when he controls all the branches?

The most shocking scene was when Lee witnesses and photographs someone being necklaced.

Best explanation I’ve seen

This is outstanding video.

@OneTakeVids

2 ай бұрын

Thank you 🙏

GREAT accurate REVIEW of a GREAT MOVIE. ❤️

Great video. Thanks!

Honestly I liked it. The urban combat scenes were decently good. The horrors of war coming to a 1st world country is disturbing to imagine. I just wish it was a bit longer and the ending wasn’t so…abrupt. A post credit scene on what happens to the states now or where the journalists will go from here would have been nice.

@Quetzalcoatl_Feathered_Serpent

2 ай бұрын

I think ending abruptly is a good thing cause it means the film can expand with other films.

@SubToJoeygaming

2 ай бұрын

​@@Quetzalcoatl_Feathered_Serpent making sequels to Civil War Is probably going to ruin the message of the first film. The film is supposed to be vague.

@Quetzalcoatl_Feathered_Serpent

2 ай бұрын

@@SubToJoeygaming The first film is vague. The others could flesh it out. Of course this depends on the producers of each film. More than likely Civil War will be the only one.

I would like to know what journalists that have been in war assignments feel about this movie and how the characters portrayed them. I thought the movie was a mess myself.

This movie seems to be preoccupied with journalist rather than a civil war

Excellent review! You actually understood the film…

No spoiler warnings there before the “final sequence” talk?

My Second favorite movie of 2024 after “Late night with the devil” I’m surprised a lot of people hate it or think it’s “mid” I lean right myself (still consider myself independent) but don’t care if a film leans left as long as it’s not far left garbage or far right - Greg (the OG)

@dangersuede

Ай бұрын

I think alot of people arent liking it because deep down they see resemblances of the movie characters and people they know and are.

If this really happens it won’t be like this movie there will NO peace or truce until Americans will be extinct. Some of our external enemies are already here with the help of internal enemies. Imagine a civil war where it’s not just Americans fighting Americans other nations will be here too fighting over the resources that we presently refuse to use for ourselves to save our economy. criminals and terrorists and mercenaries pillage and plunder and do other unspeakable acts while we are fighting amongst ourselves. I admit I haven’t seen this movie, I’m not sure I want to. The director of this movie is telling us what we already know, that war is horrible. I don’t know how this movie ends, but if this happens in real life it will be uglier than any movie can be and there will be no truce or peace only extinction or damn near it. I can understand our external enemies wanting this to happen after all they are our enemies. The sad truth is there are people who were born here who want this to happen, they are willing to burn down and demolish everything here that enabled them to be successful and are doing everything they can to set this up. Crazy isn’t it. I hope I am. I hope I’m wrong. I don’t want to see this happen but if we don’t wake up to the fact that this can happen…

@drorshamiramargea3901

Ай бұрын

🎯 🎯 🎯

I haven’t seen the movie, but just watching this, it looks like it was filmed in the same place as TWD

@kevenmcginn5406

17 сағат бұрын

Agree! And I saw the film.

Ok this review gave me perspective. It’s not about left or right of the political aisle, but it’s the people versus tyranny and authoritarianism regardless of political affiliations. I still think they could’ve done a bit more with that unless that’s just what it is. It kinda did feel like what it would be like for regular people in these actual situations. The actors’ stardom didn’t take centre stage they felt kinda human throughout it.

Its okay id say wait til its on dvd

@klnrklnr4433

2 ай бұрын

they still make dvd's?

Very well produced video. It saddens me when people immediately couch this as a shallow film with a motive for either the current right or left wing political landscape--it is an anti-war movie at it's core, and the directing was masterfully done. In my world, good photography and film have to make me feel something. If that means revulsion then so be it. This movie made me sick a few times, and that was absolutely the point.

Got to get that quote at all costs

Ditto. The last part if the movie was really good. It will be really cool if HBO or Netflix develops a miniseries where it explains what was tge cause if the conflict.

I saw this movie last night it's an absolute masterpiece!

This movie would look like Disney cartoon comparing to real thing. Second Civil War would be most apocalyptic event in human history, besides the cost of human lives here in USA it would have global domino effect….

Well, thanks for giving away the ending.

@maxotto9877

23 күн бұрын

Naw, that's your fault for watching a video analysis gor a movie you haven't seen

This was a great review.

Just watched it an hour ago. That’s a great take. Good job

So it a fantasy, with unbiased neutral journalists! I don’t think there’s any journalists that still believe in unbiased reporting.

@warrennicholsony.fernando4513

2 ай бұрын

Question is if they are unbiased.

@Kapita_Lismus

2 ай бұрын

Nobody is unbiased. The point is to be aware of your own biases.

@billystage

2 ай бұрын

Unbiased journalism is a fantasy and always has been a fantasy.

@Kapita_Lismus

2 ай бұрын

@@billystage Yes, but that doesn't mean journalism is useless(everybody is biased). Just make sure your media literacy is high.

@casualsuede

2 ай бұрын

This movie is a portrnt.....and (you are right) a cautionary tale.

It's good to see someone who has media literacy having a take on this movie

In my opinion, you nailed this movie and the director's intent. It's a narrative of the near future, a very tangible "what if"; this movie is THE documentary of the future. It's going to happen but on a global scale and sooner than we think. To put it succinctly, the world is heading towards total anarchy because no human can perfectly lead, humans can't come to any agreement when no one really knows what the answers are, and no one wants to tell the truth, let alone, know the truth. Thus, society delves deeper into individualized, personal opinions and creates their own truth. In turn, they enforce that truth on those around them, violently, passionately, and erroneously. The only outcome of it all is death and destruction.

Nice analysis!