In this video, James delves into the gritty world of modern warfare, as portrayed in some of the most compelling films from recent times.
Starting with 'The Hurt Locker' (2008), a tense and thought-provoking portrayal of bomb disposal units in Iraq, James discusses the film's authenticity, and the psychological toll of war.
Moving on to 'Beasts of No Nation' (2015) he analyses the depiction of child soldiers in West Africa and the ethical dilemmas faced by those involved in such conflicts.
With 'American Sniper' (2014) the focus shifts to the story of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in US military history. James examines the film's depiction of the sniper's role, the psychological impact on soldiers, and the wider implications of war on individuals and society.
'Eye in the Sky' (2015) explores the ethical challenges of modern warfare through a drone strike operation. James dissects the complexities of remote warfare, collateral damage, and the moral decisions faced by military personnel.
Lastly, in '12 Strong' (2018) he analyses the portrayal of the US Special Forces' deployment in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. He provides historical context and evaluates the film's accuracy in depicting the intense combat situations faced by the soldiers.