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The Messenger (2009)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:81
Fresh:73
Rotten:8
Average Rating:7.5/10
Consensus: A dark but timely subject is handled deftly by writer/directer Owen Moverman and superbly acted by Woody Harrleson and Ben Foster.
Theatrical Release:Nov 13, 2009 Limited
Box Office: $623,689
Synopsis: Co-written by Oren Moverman and Alessandro Camon, THE MESSENGER is a powerful and tender story about a returned war hero making his first steps toward a normal life. In his first leading role,... [More]
Starring: Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson, Samantha Morton, Jena Malone
Director: Oren Moverman
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Reviews for The Messenger
| Tomatometer | Critic | Review | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
 7/10 |
Valiantly brings all wars to their ultimate endpoint: death and its effects on the fallen's loved ones. Full Review |
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4/5 |
This is the kind of film people might skip due to the preponderance of war movies out there, or forget in the wake of flashier end-of-the-year output, but The Messenger is one to watch for great performances. Full Review |
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86/100 |
Powerful and resonant, this is a film that asks us to look at the human cost of war. Ben Foster is a revelation. Full Review |
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B |
In an indirect sense, this film is also about the reality of war as opposed to the illusions about war. Full Review |
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5/5 |
An emotionally affecting drama about the birth of compassion in an Iraq war hero assigned to work for the Casualty Notification Office. Full Review |
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3.5/4 |
Foster is a revelation, while Harrelson has arguably never been better. Full Review |
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 2/4 |
Beyond the interesting subjects, Moverman doesn't have a definitive place for his film to go. Full Review |
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8/10 |
It's hard to believe that an actor of Ben Foster's caliber is just now getting a leading role. Full Review |
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At its center lie three accomplished performances, by Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson and Samantha Morton, that are not to be missed. Full Review |
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4.5/5 |
Yes, you're going to have to look for The Messenger. But the fact it's one of the best American films of 2009 makes that search worthwhile. Full Review |
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8/10 |
This is a powerful war film that never needs to enter the battlefield for you to be fully absorbed. Full Review |
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Like "The Hurt Locker", calculated to sell tickets to tea-baggers and Moveon.org alike. Informed by the Clint Eastwood/Paul Haggis school of bad didactic screenwriting. Full Review |
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4.5/5 |
This is the type of original film that should be pulling in the box office numbers. Harrelson and Foster deliver completely natural and raw performances. See this movie now! Full Review |
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3/4 |
I used to think working at the Salt Lake City Hooters was the worst job in the world. Boy was I wrong. That dubious occupational honor goes to working for the Army's Casualty Notification Service. Full Review |
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3.5/4 |
The best war movies don't preach against war: They remind us of the costs for soldiers and families and ask us to consider whether those costs are worth paying. Full Review |
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B |
Gripping but uneven home front war drama. Full Review |
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9.5/10 |
The miracle of this film is in its insistence on finding a way back home -- to fragile new beginnings giving way to new friendship, perhaps even new love. Full Review |
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B+ |
Harrelson gives what might be a career performance as a jaded mentor who tries to conduct each notification using a well-rehearsed set of rules of engagement. Full Review |
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3/4 |
Co-screenwriter/director Oren Moverman slowly peels back the layers to the characters, with the game cast helping considerably in that regard. Full Review |
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8/10 |
...[The Messenger] highlights the gulf between those who have served in Iraq and nearly everyone else they deal with after returning home. Full Review |
CommentLatest News for The Messenger
November 29, 2009:
Satellite Awards Nominees Announced
Signaling that the awards season is about to begin, the International Press Academy has announced the nominees for its 14th annual Satellite Awards. More...
November 12, 2009:
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This week at the movies, we've got a global catastrophe (2012, starring John Cusack and Chiwetel Ejiofor) and some rock 'n' roll rebellion (Pirate Radio, starring Philip S.... More...
October 25, 2009:
Trailer & Poster review
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