Redacted is filmed in a ‘faux documentary’ style (read: hints of Cloverfield) and focuses on the American occupation in Iraq and an ugly incident in Samara. The movie stands out from otheres of the genre in the way it confrontings the subject in a raw uncut fashion. Certainly De Palma was trying to be very poignant and the film certainly makes the point that everyone is both the victim and the aggressor in times of war. One of the most memorable scenes is near the end of the film; when the soldier is telling his friends back home about the Samara incident, his pain, and how he didn’t do anything about it. What did everyone do? Ignore what was just said, more the conversation along, then Cheer him on as a war hero.
The acting wasn’t anything to write home about, and many times was very over-done. I could never really connect or get interested in any one in particular.
Lots of language and offensive ethnic slurs, and a vew very graphic and disturbing scenes.
This is where the film style works the best: If you ignore the cheesy acting, the film definitely has a realistic feel to it.