You've mentioned alot if the "facts", but bear in mind its a movie to make it entertaining. I don't see alot of "Hollywood" in that movie. Far far less than Saving P Ryan. SPR had a part where bullets were going through water, far from reality.
Since you commented on how fake the movie was, can you be specific & tell me wasn't true?
Also can you tell me what "actually" happened. I'm actually curious.
I knew going into the movie that some characters would be composites or completely fictional. Furthermore, that time lines and events would probably be altered. All in the name of Hollywood. Mostly, to make the movie as exciting and entertaining as possible. But also to fit the limited time frame that a modern action adventure film needs to be. Berg’s film, “The Kingdom” is one of my favourite suspense, action filled movies for this very reason. Jam packed, sit on the edge of your seat for most of the movie.
I do not know how far into Luttrell’s book you are, (Ghostwritten by Patrick Robinson based on interviews he conducted with Luttrell. I believe much was lost in translation.) but, I’m sure you have already seen differences from that account and what Berg’s film shows. FYI there are least two other books on this; Victory Point: Operations Red Wings and Whalers - the Marine Corps' Battle for Freedom in Afghanistan by Ed Darack and Seal of Honor: Operation Red Wings and the Life of Lt. Michael P. Murphy, USN by Gary Williams.
I’m not sure why you think I’m attacking you but that seems to be the tone of your posts. DO NOT put words in my mouth! I have never said, nor even hinted at Berg’s movies being “fake”. In fact just the opposite. Re read my last post where I give Berg kudos for his realistic fire fight on and fall off of the mountain.
Where I find fault is that the film was promoted as a true account based on Luttrell’s book. Yet it appears to be neither a true account nor does it follow the book.
Some examples. Luttrell did not code in the chopper as shown in the movie. He was not near death when he was rescued and his heart never stopped. In fact he and the Army Rangers took time to have a lengthy debriefing over tea. Some of the villagers including Mohammad Gulab took part in the debrief. Luttrell was never dragged out to be beheaded. And that whole US Forces saves the day by beating back the Taliban just as they are about to overrun the village is pure fiction. Just like Gulab’s house getting blown up and him getting shot in the back. Never happened. Truth is, Army Rangers and Afghan special forces discovered Luttrell in the woods when Gulab and several villagers were moving him to a new location.
I would not be so upset if the movie had been promoted as having been “inspired” by real world events. Though, I would have much better preferred it if Berg had done in-depth research and included info from the other books as well as the official After Action Reports. But it is what it is and that’s why I’ve said what I have said.
