Lions for Lambs

Those who know Robert Redford's life trajectory know well the important role that civic engagement and political activism play in his life and value system, in terms of protecting human rights and independent critical media, and above all, sympathizing with ordinary people on the street. Redford is one of the relics of the social and creative atmosphere of the 70s. Lions for Lambs is not a war or psychological film, but distinctively political. Three locations alternate in it more or less evenly - the office of an influential senator who tries to manipulate a well-known journalist to popularize the government's plan to expand military operations in Afghanistan. The second is the office of a university professor who has a dispute with a student about his passive approach to studying and the world around him. The highlight of the film lies precisely in these scenes, where conflicts of ideas and attitudes take place. The third location is situated in the high mountains of distant Afghanistan, where the lives of two soldiers surrounded by Taliban fighters are at stake. This part serves as a dynamic adrenaline-filled insert into an otherwise rather intimate film based on dialogue. Redford is stirring up the public: the media has been tamed and the younger generation has withdrawn from public life into the realm of consumerism and entertainment. Lions for Lambs is a good, decently cast, and intelligent film, perhaps only somewhat predictable and less remarkable. Overall impression: 75%. (26.01.2013)

Delicious acting performances (Cruise would sell his own grandmother), a topic that I enjoy (like few other people) and an interesting mosaic-type arrangement of three slightly connected stories. The screenplay is precise and Redford’s directing too; it’s a shame the masses weren’t interested... (28.05.2013)

Robert Redford is a smart guy and is very aware of what he is talking about, but he treads so cautiously that he hardly gets heard. The story from Afghanistan is technically poorly done and lacks atmosphere, the interview is too staged and the conversation in the cabinet is not credible. Occasionally, Redford manages to make an impressive point, but it is definitely not a knockout. (05.10.2008)

What can be said about Robert Redford is that he is capable of excellently building up individual scenes. However, the whole somehow eludes him and his film, at least in this case, becomes strongly political, which simply doesn't sit well with everyone. The idea presented here is quite interesting. In the end, it's actually what you take away from it. Will you just continue living, or will you do something to change your life? Can you be active and try to contribute to changing the world for everyone, not just yourself? Well, it's quite... political. On the other hand, Meryl Streep once again demonstrates why she is one of the greatest actresses in history. (03.03.2014)