Cast
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Joe Alwyn
as Billy Lynn
Kristen Stewart
as Kathryn Lynn
Chris Tucker
as Albert
Garrett Hedlund
as David Dime
Vin Diesel
as Shroom
Steve Martin
as Norm Oglesby
Makenzie Leigh
as Faison
Ismael Cruz Cordova
as Sgt. Holliday
Arturo Castro
as Marcellino 'Mango' Montoya
Ben Platt
as Josh
Deirdre Lovejoy
as Denise Lynn
Tim Blake Nelson
as Wayne Foster
Beau Knapp
as Crack
Bruce McKinnon
as Ray Lynn
Stro
as Lodis
Crew
Director
- Ang Lee
Producer
- Ang Lee
- Stephen Cornwell
- Marc Platt
- Rhodri Thomas
Reviews
Reno
**Game, music, celebration, romance, emotion, family, friends and the war!**
After giving the career best, the director Ang Lee returned with this which is quite a long gap for him between the films. He has fallen back to the average, like usual whenever he gives a masterpiece. Most directors do that. This film was adapted from the book of the same name. It was not a full fledged war film. It has soldiers, but one day event theme where they are on the short break to homeland to participate in the felicitation programme for their victory.
The story closely focused on the young soldier, Billy, Lynn. He was the centre of the event, a war hero. During his stay, he recalls the original event. What really happened and what else he could have done. Apart from that, enjoying the day with a game from the stadium, dance, musics and many more. Meeting family has a sub-plot that reveals about his choice to join the army. Overall, a memorable day with happy and sad incidents.
So my first thought in the initial stage was like it is another film similar to the 2009's 'The Messenger'. No, it was not. It was completely different than anything I've seen so far. Refreshing, but not captivating. If you are okay with simple, yet want a feel strong, this is it. It is kind of like mixed result film. Great casting and strong performances. Wonderful debute for the lead actor.
On the other side, mix of colourful, full of music, emotional, romantic, thrilling presentation. A bit Americanised, like the film events and the patriotism. So, a much better suitable film for the domestic audience than the rest of the world, perhaps excluding western world. Even though, watching it once is no harm or not bad.
_7/10_
Jun 15, 2017
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ang Lee brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $40.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 113 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 166 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Elmer Gantry, which focuses more on action than character development, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Lymelife and Against All Odds explore similar territory, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 10, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- Budget: $40,000,000
- Revenue: $30,930,984
Where to Watch
