War takes many forms. Not all heroes, villains and battlefields are created equal. This week I had the pleasure of seeing two films that painted very different pictures of what it means to take, or save, a life and the harrowing costs of doing so.

“American Sniper” tells a tale inspired by the real heroics of Navy SEAL marksman Chris Kyle who is credited as the most lethal sniper in US history. Bradley Cooper delivers a powerful performance that is a worthy tribute to a man who was called “Legend” by his fellow soldiers.

The film is at its best when it’s asking the question – who is the enemy? The world isn’t black and white – titanically less so for a Navy SEAL deciding who lives and who dies in a war against a collection of radical ideas. Director Clint Eastwood builds the surrounding tension with precision and lets the audience experience it through Cooper’s heart-pounding performance.

This is a film that sticks with you. Chris Kyle’s story is recent history, not all that long ago it wasn’t even history, it was still news. A story like this, one which is so near, is still being examined under a microscope rather than in broad strokes. As a result, pieces of this film feel unsatisfying, largely by design and partially due to the nature of the story.

All in all, “American Sniper” is a chilling look at the price tag of greatness. Everything is well produced, there’s tension and power aplenty and it’s certainly not for nothing. That said, there are some editing and general structure choices that kept “American Sniper” from its fullest potential. Nevertheless, I imagine that this film, more than most films in recent history, will affect audiences very differently. I think everyone can appreciate the power of this story, but the final message is both open to interpretation and hasn’t been completely written yet.

5 of 6 stars