War Machine

Synopsis

"War Machine is a 2017 American satirical war film directed and written by David Michôd based on the nonfiction book The Operators by Michael Hastings. It is a fictionalized version of the events in the book based on the firing of United States Army General Stanley McChrystal. . . . Four-star General Glen McMahon (Brad Pitt) is sent to Afghanistan to bring the war to an end, but finds himself to be the one under attack." [Wikipedia]
Why would a General appointed to command all forces in Afghanistan allow an interview with a Rolling Stone reporter, request that he be put on the cover of the magazine, and invite the reporter into the inner circle of his team for many weeks? The movie is based on the book by the reporter, Michael Hastings, who acts as narrator of the movie. What are insurgents? "Basically, they're just guys who picked up weapons because, so would you, if someone invaded your country. Funnily enough, insurgents are next to impossible to defeat." A soldier asks the General why they are handing out medals for "courageous restraint" which seems to this Marine to be handing out medals for not being a Marine. "This is counter insurgency, it’s a popularity contest." The General tries to convince villagers that "This is the helping hand." One of the villagers speaks up through an interpreter, "He says that he likes roads and schools, but when you leave it will all mean nothing and they will be left in a big mess. And every day you stay here, it will be worse for them when you leave. So please, leave now." The General talks some more and the villager says, "Please leave now."

Genre

Historical

Released

2017

Location

South Asia

Yes