The war drama ‘masterpiece’ is being compared to cult classics like Black Hawk Down and Saving Private Ryan, with viewers hailing it as ‘the best war film ever’.

MARK WALHBERG and ERIC BANA in Lone Survivor

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Viewers are comparing it to Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down(Image: Universal Pictures)

A lesser-known war film is being praised as the ‘best war drama since Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down and anyone worth their salt knows that’s tremendously high praise.

Within the war drama genre, this film often remains underappreciated, yet those who have experienced the epic masterpiece cannot cease praising its excellence.

Featuring Mark Wahlberg in the principal role, accompanied by Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster, and Eric Bana, the film is being celebrated as amongst the most gritty, harrowing yet authentic, and emotionally powerful offerings available.

Lone Survivor is a 2013 action war drama adapted from the 2007 nonfiction book of the same title, penned by former United States Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, with assistance from thriller author Patrick Robinson.

LONE SURVIVOR STARRING MARK WALHBERG , ERIC BANA FREE FILM STILL / UNIVERSAL PICTURES W

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The film has left a massive impact on viewers(Image: Universal Pictures)

Indeed, Luttrell and numerous other Navy SEAL veterans even served as technical consultants on the film, alongside various branches of the US Armed Forces that supported the production. With such extensive first-hand knowledge available, it’s unsurprising viewers are commending the film’s ‘authenticity’ and ‘realness’, reports the Express.

Taking place during the Afghanistan conflict, Lone Survivor is a dramatic recounting of the United States Navy SEALs counter-insurgency mission, ‘Operation Red Wings’, which involved a four-person SEAL surveillance and reconnaissance squad assigned to locate Taliban commander Ahmad Shah.

Written and directed by Peter Berg – who has garnered tremendous praise for his war epic since its premiere – Lone Survivor amassed $154.8million globally against a $40million production budget. The film even secured two Oscar nominations – Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing – at the 86th Academy Awards.

Achieving an impressive 87% audience approval rating calculated from over 100,000 reviews, it’s evident Lone Survivor resonated profoundly with audiences.

One critic said: “Lone Survivor is an amazing war film that explores the idea of brotherhood and sacrifice in some of the best ways we’ve ever seen, while another reviewer declared, “The most harrowing combat film since Saving Private Ryan.”

Still from Lone Survivor

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The film is based on a real-life incident during the US war in Afghanistan(Image: Universal Pictures)

While yet another comparison to Saving Private Ryan by a critic noted: “Small in scale but just as intense, Lone Survivor’s extended battle recalls the opening of Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan. like its hardy protagonists, it is determined to get the job done.”

Meanwhile, a different reviewer drew parallels to another iconic war epic: “Not since Mark Bowden’s Black Hawk Down has there been such a vivid account of a mission gone wrong.

“The picture may not be in contention for Oscars but it’s a first-class modern war film: visceral, exciting and thought-provoking.”

Audiences proved equally captivated, with one viewer succinctly stating: “Unbelievable. Movie rips your heart out.”

While one audience review reads: “War, action, history, American; those are my absolute favorite movie genres and Lone Survivor delivered all of them in the most powerful way.

“It’s not just a war movie, it’s a raw, emotional tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and brotherhood of those who serve. Gripping, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. Lone Survivor is a must-watch.”

Mark Wahlberg in Lone Survivor

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The film stars Mark Wahlberg in the lead role(Image: Universal Pictures)

Yet another fan said about the film: “My favorite film of ALL TIME! I couldn’t tell you how many times I have watched this film. The story of these soldiers is truly inspiring. Seeing what they had to go through portrayed by insanely talented actors that played their part PERFECTLY. The Directing, Acting, Casting, Editing & EVERYTHING is just excellent. If you have not seen this film. You NEED to watch it. You will truly be inspired.”

One IMDB reviewer declared it the ‘best war film since Saving Private Ryan’: “Easily the best War Movie since Saving Private Ryan, only an actual story. If you read the book and heard the interviews with the actual “lone survivor” you know that this movie got as close to the real events as possible.

They added: “This movie is also the most visceral experience since Saving Private Ryan. After all is said and done this is a must see if there ever was one.”

Another glowing IMDB review reads: “An emotional powerhouse film. This film is as good as Black Hawk Down and Saving Private Ryan, it is absolutely worth seeing on the big screen and I highly recommend it.”

Lone Survivor is available to stream on Netflix.

SOURCE: https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/unforgettable-war-film-masterpiece-netflix-37213581