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Movies / In Cinemas / The Messenger
The Messenger

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The Messenger (2009)

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Reviews Counted:5

Fresh:5

Rotten:0

Average Rating:8/10

Consensus: A dark but timely subject is handled deftly by writer/directer Owen Moverman and superbly acted by Woody Harrleson and Ben Foster.

Runtime: 1 hr 45 mins

Genre: Dramas

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,... 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, Foster stars as Will Montgomery, a U.S. Army officer who has just returned home from a tour in Iraq and is assigned to the Army’s Casualty Notification service. Partnered with fellow officer Tony Stone (Harrelson) to bear the bad news to the loved ones of fallen soldiers, Will faces the challenge of completing his mission while seeking to find comfort and healing back on the home front. When he finds himself drawn to Olivia (Morton), to whom he has just delivered the news of her husband's death, Will’s emotional detachment begins to dissolve and the film reveals itself as a surprising, humorous, moving and very human portrait of grief, friendship and survival.

Featuring tour-de-force performances from Foster, Harrelson and Morton, and a brilliant directorial debut by Moverman, THE MESSENGER brings us into the inner lives of these outwardly steely heroes to reveal their fragility with compassion and dignity. --© Oscilloscope
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Starring: Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson, Samantha Morton, Jena Malone

Starring: Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson, Samantha Morton, Jena Malone, Eamonn Walker, Steve Buscemi

Director: Oren Moverman

Director: Oren Moverman
Screenwriter: Oren Moverman, Alessandro Camon
Producer: Mark Gordon, Lawrence Inglee, Zach Miller
Composer: Nathan Larson
Studio: Oscilloscope Pictures

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Reviews for The Messenger

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1 - 5 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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Foster leaves you hoping that Will finds his way home.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment Comment
11/20/09
Betsy Sharkey
Betsy Sharkey
Los Angeles Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The Messenger knows that even if it tells a tearjerking story, it doesn't have to be a tearjerker. In fact, when a sad story tries too hard, it can be fatal.

Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | comment Comment
11/19/09
Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
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Oren Moverman’s sober and satisfying drama shows how the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have created a fissure in American society.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
11/13/09
A.O. Scott
A.O. Scott
New York Times
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A penetrating assessment of post-war readjustment.

Full Review Source: Hollywood Reporter | comment 1 Comment
10/26/09
Justin Lowe
Justin Lowe
Hollywood Reporter
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The Messenger manages to be both practical and patriotic in the same breath, zeroing in on one of the most painful aspects of wartime.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
10/26/09
Peter Debruge
Peter Debruge
Variety
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Latest News for The Messenger

November 29, 2009: Satellite Awards Nominees Announced Opens in new window
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