Indeed it’s likely that the only reason The Wall is getting a general release in Australia at all is because it stars John Cena, the American professional wrestler, rapper, actor and reality television show host (with thanks to Wikipedia) as one of two US snipers trapped near the remaining wall of a former Iraqi school while pinned down by an Iraqi sniper.
Like all war films, The Wall is a morality play (but not quite an actual play) but at a personal level. Some of the dialogue between the trapped soldiers and the Iraqi sniper is emotional, difficult and insightful. All soldiers face these dilemmas and this trauma, and many deal with it dreadfully and with devastating consequences.
But if you want an Iraqi war film with tension, complexity, excellent acting and more than one scene then you’re better off catching The Hurt Locker (2008). And if you want a striking war film that is beautifully constructed and stunningly shot then go see Dunkirk (in cinemas now).
