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The Martian (2015)
The Martian Review
"Help is only 140 million miles away"
As a film buff, when you see Ridley Scott has made another film set in space, you find yourself wondering "Wow, could this be as good as Alien?" or will this be a flop like Prometheus? Well, I was sat on the fence regarding the outcome of this particular movie, but was always intrigued and none the less excited to see this, especially when there is such a fantastic cast. However, there is always going to be the debate and pre conceptions about any movie with such "out there" subjects as this. Challenging Religion, can man survive else where?, are there alternative life forms out there? blah blah But, to divulge and debate subjects like this, we would run out of room to review this particular film.
Based on the best selling Novel by Andy Weir ("The Martian") which has been expertly adapted by Drew Goddard and directed by Ridley Scott to turn a fictional story to seem like, dare I say it, A seemingly True Story. A Botanist/Astronaut named Mark Watney is on a scientific mission on Mars with a team of astronauts, to make discoveries, and find information regarding the possibility of potential life and travel to this neighbouring planet. However, due to a drastic change in the weather the team are forced to leave earlier than expected, but in a mist of the storm an areal antenna is flung towards a dazed Mark, and sends him into the dark, and his crew are forced to make the decision of leaving Mark behind as he is assumed dead, due to the amount of oxygen in his tank. (Already this movie will spark great interest, and debate as in a few decades from now there is likely to be missions to Mars, as America has just discovered there is Water on Mars). Mark is in fact not dead, and finds himself stranded 140 million miles away from home, running low on Oxygen, and has to head back to base camp, where to add insult to injury he has the sudden realisation he will have to find a way to survive for four years as that is when the next excavation of Mars is due.
Immediately the film sets it self up for a "Cast away" like storyline, where one mans drive to survive will create his way home. However, gladly The Martian is not like this and is entirely different due to a relaxed and informal relationship with a video diary Matt Damon is able to inform the audience of all the complex experiments he is undertaking to survive. For example, Mark finds Potatoes the crew had been saving for thanks giving, and creates a Potato farm in the base, due to being a Botanist... Furthermore, by bringing in contact to home through a drone that was left on Mars in the 70's this "Cast Away" like storyline is made to be different, as he is still narrating and keeping the audience up to date, but Mark is in fact addressing the nation and his potential "past" self.
When first watching the movie, I was sceptical as to how this would keep the attention and follow a narrative arch throughout, as we all would immediately expect him to survive and then go home.. 'Standard' Hollywood story, I mean lets face it, it is Matt Damon after all and we want Matt to get home safe (Because he always finds away home, look at Saving Private Ryan, it just seems to always cost the American Government money. Although we are promised happy endings within major Hollywood epics, this still engages you throughout and certainly doesn't disappoint. Ridley Scott has masterfully encapsulated the vast scale of the planet, making the audience really feel the lonesome nature of life so far from home, due to some fantastic cinematic moments of "scale" that really drive this home. As an audience member, I really enjoyed these particular moments, because unlike most of these "space" films as of late, we are constantly focusing more on the mise-en-scene and how many special affects can be thrown at us. But what Ridley has done (along side special effects don't get me wrong) he has really used and the dialogue the dialogue from the story and allowed Matts character to explain literally everything the character is feeling, and really emphasising how human this "Martian" is. Furthermore, you are welcomed in to the mind, perspective and reality of what is happening in this characters head, day by day, ALONE.
Unlike other Sci fi films, this ironically enough doesn't seem to be so "sci fi" and becomes more about a mans drive to survive, with a fantastic solo performance from Matt you really want this man to succeed, and believe his struggle. One of the defining and real thought provoking aspects of this film was the notion of being 'first'. It was surreal to imagine that his character was literally experiencing, touching, walking, seeing etc everything for the first time as a man but also as man kind. To think that every grain of sand etc the character is walking on has been untouched by man. You can obviously look at the underlining capitalist debate, and Americanization of this film, looking at how one nation will spend millions to voyage back and save one man, but will not invest that money in abolishing poverty globally etc, but thats when people need to remember this is a fictional story, and should be enjoyed entirely for this reason. the notion of being the first
Fury (2014)
Fury Review
"War Never Ends Quietly"
To survive where there is no chance of survival, how can you? it seems the only way is to believe you can, but more importantly believe the man next to you can ....A Sherman tank lead by Don 'Wardaddy' Collier (Brad Pitt) and his brothers in arms, we follow their journey through Normandy to push the enemy further back into Germany, with seemingly one final effort to win the war. A film inspired by the shear brotherhood of the tank regiments who fought during World War 2 comes a story of brotherhood and friendship in their finest and darkest hours.
BRAD PITT AND TANKS would be enough to sell any movie, but is this film any good? is this film just another Hollywood adaption and glorification of war? And will people be comparing this to 'Saving Private Ryan' because oddly enough it seems to be the case when we mention a war film, Saving takes the biscuit....Well there is certainly no comparison, and this is definitely a stand alone film, that combines some sterling performances, and a heart wrenching reality check on this tragic war.
A story set during the later days of World War 2, about a group of men who have fought through thick and thin together, from places as far away as Africa, and have now found themselves in Normandy ever closer to Berlin, and hopefully closer to home. This group of men are the Sherman tank crew of 'Fury' (a title and name we are constantly reminded throughout may I add, as David Ayer persists to include this name in most shots, a name which is written on the tanks turret). This team is led by a war hardened veteran played by Brad Pitt, who's character throughout is the tough leader we want to hate, but find ourselves understanding why he is the way he is, and respect him as this 'father' figure to these men.. A classic case of American 'high ho silver', but what a character he is, with an unmistakable performance from Brad (well obviously, would you expect any less?).
Charging into battle with Brad, are three other men, a religious gunman played by Shai LeBeouff (who regardless of the critics opinions, gives a enthralling, tear jerking performance), lead driver Michael Pena and the lose cannon ammunitions man played by the Walking Dead star Jon Bernthal. Fury is missing a second driver/machine gunner as he was killed in action (which we are horrifically shown, as the deceased drivers face is cleaned off the inside of tank). We are introduced the final member of the team, a young type writer drafted in to the unit due to lack of men and equipment, the characters name is Norman 'Machine' Ellison (played by Logan Lerman), its his welcome to the war that draws on the inhumane, vicious reality of war, as this young scared boy has to join the war effort at the hands of a machine gun, to which he has had no training and no experience before.
As a history fan it is always nice to know the story is not pretending to base itself on 'real' life, but is a film paying homage to something that happened in some way. World War 2 especially is a topic that Hollywood gets hold of, and will add moments of fiction to something claiming to be entirely real. The story of Fury however, does not do this as there is no reference to this being a real story. On the other hand, it does lacks some detail, and will jump between narrative moments, which can prove a bit confusing and difficult to know where as an audience you are, and at what moment in the story you are in. But what fury lacks slightly in structure, David Ayer allows this film to make up for it in cinematic battles, and heart felt stories between friends. David Ayer has really tried to emphasise the importance of these tank units throughout this war, showing the viewer how at the front of everything these heavy metal shells had to be there first, and always were.
As impressive and moving as this film was, there are some areas of fault where the film becomes a bit too 'Hollywood' and far fetched. For instance, at the end of the film our valiant tank 'Fury' roles over a land mine and the tracks are blown clean off one side of the vehicle, causing the tank to become immobile. Norman is sent off to scout the surrounding area whist they try to mend the tank, upon doing so, Norman is met by a three hundred strong unit of SS soldiers armed with panzerschreck's and armoured vehicles. Together five men and a tank survive the night, fending this entire unit off, until all ammunition has ran out. Although they have heavy weaponry mounted on the tank, and a few shells to suppress the onslaught, it is hard to imagine them practically wiping out this highly trained unit of soldiers (especially as they are SS soldiers) and only really losing due to supplies running out.
Overall, David Ayer combined with this all star cast has fantastically and emotionally brought to our screens, a depiction of the world surrounding a small unit of men who together saw things that we cant even begin to imagine, and their dream was staying a live just to get home. David Ayer has masterfully captured scenes that will horrifically and brutally remind us all of the reality of this tragic war.... And yes, this film is not perfect, and yes, the film could do with a more tightened storyline. When a film is so brilliantly acted, well written and is cinematically pleasing you will in turn leave the cinema thinking about life during those troubled times, and really appreciate how lucky you are, and question is your job "The best job I ever had".
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Saving Private Ryan
Summary: 4,413 men recorded dead in what is known as the turning point of World War 2, the day of days, D-day.... Until Saving Private Ryan there has not been a film that has come close to showing an entire audience through a cinema screen just how tragic, terrifying and real this war was. Saving Private Ryan is story about a group of eight men led by Captain Miller (Tom hanks) who have been assigned to bring one man home to his mother. A mother who has lost three of her sons due to this war, and to lose a forth is inconceivable. A story of courage, bravery, friendship, brother hood and belief there is hope for humanity where all hope is lost.
Until Saving Private Ryan there have been countless film adaptions of World war 2, but few have attempted to bring the harsh reality of war home to the viewing audience, and make you feel as if you are there. Well, Spielberg has certainly achieved this. For the first 27 minutes of the film, we witness one of cinemas most historical openings to a film, but also one of histories most tragic and important moments - D-day. You find yourself stunned into silence once the landing crafts door spins open, as instantly you see young men mowed down by German mounted machine guns, the sound of land mines, mortar fire and screaming all adds to this horrific moment. Ignorantly you find yourself questioning, and wondering why people are drowning? not running? and not firing back? But then you remember you are sat in a cinema or at home and will never experience the shear fear and loss of humanity in moments like that.
Like all directors, Spielberg is certainly not perfect, and there are moments throughout this film that 'lack' information, and are in some respect "Hollywood" such as we only witness the Americans running up Omaha beach (but never hear about Juno, Sword, Gold, Utah), and granted the majority of the soldiers storming Omaha were Americans, but where are the rest of the Allies who assisted in the Omaha landing (after all U.S.A won the war didn't they?). Regardless of some minor factual eras, this opening is none the less a cinematic master piece (which won him the Oscar for Best Director). Steven Spielberg not only aimed to show the needless, countless and horrific violence of this war, he also has tried to show us as an audience that in these dark times, humanity will find a way, and that is the basis of our story (although a fictional story, it is a heart felt and beautiful story, that will leave you on the edge of your seat throughout).
Saving Private Ryan is a film that has been noted, and criticised as being needlessly violent, bloody and chaotic. You cannot argue that violence, blood and chaos are entirely apparent from the get go, but you certainly cannot say it is needless. Spielberg has masterfully encapsulated a time in history where everything that was 'right', was most definitely not.
Cpt Miller, played by Tom Hanks, who in an Oscar nominated performance (which lets face it, you wouldn't expect any less) will embark on the mission of finding Private James Ryan (Iowa) the fourth brother, to bring him home to his grieving mother. Tom hanks is accompanied by an all star cast of seven men: Sargent Horvath (Tom Sizemore), Private Reiben (Edward Burns), Private Jackson (Barry Pepper), Private Mellish (Adam Goldberg), Private Caparzo (Vin Diesel), T-4 Medic Wade (Giovanni Ribisi), Corporal Upham (Jeremy Davies). If this cast alone isn't an incentive to see the film, the story of their journey for humanity, justice and to risk eight lives to save one will have you by the throat throughout. As far as war films go, I can honestly say there has never been one so close to the bone that you are left speechless, and feel as if you are a witness to something you have only ever read or heard about. Each characters struggle for survival and to simply make it back home will remind you how lucky you are, but find also make you feel like you are part of this mission. One of the most powerful moments in this film, comes early on when the head of the US Army hears about the mothers loss, and decides it is right to bring the fourth brother home. Spielberg has included a letter Abraham Lincoln once wrote to a "Mrs Bixby, in Boston" during America's most tragic of wars, the Civil War. Although a letter written years before World War 2, it is written by one of Americas most iconic and notable presidents who's vocabulary and inspirational writing is still ever apparent today. The letter gives us a sense that somewhere in the mist of all war and unspeakable violence it is the families of these young men and women who are giving their lives that really matters.
"Executive Mansion, Washington, Nov. 21, 1864. Dear Madam,-- I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle.
I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,
A. Lincoln"
The Imitation Game (2014)
The Imitation Game
Summary: One of the biggest, 'best' kept secrets of British history, if not the world's history.... A tragic, heart felt true story of one mans struggle for acceptance, an acceptance that to this day has never been entirely granted. For without this man, we would not be living in the world we know. Without this man, history would be entirely different. We as people owe all we have to this man, a true hero.
The Imitation Game is the story of Alan Turing a mathematical genius who had a passion and obsession for solving puzzles, riddles, clues and was a proud Cryptanalyst. In 2013 Britain formally under the royal family apologised and pardoned Alan Turing for the inhumane, and horrific way he was treated. Alan Turing was, due to his sexuality chemically castrated, and forced in to loneliness, sorrow, depression and segregation. In short, he committed suicide under a sentence given to him of 'Gross Indecency'. As tragic as this was, worse then all of this, he was never credited for the hero that he was.
Although a film based on the horrific real life account of one mans struggle, need and desire for a life of acceptance and peace, this film is not entirely Tragedy, but more a story of appreciation that should have been given every day. We first are introduced to Alan Turing during his last remaining years alive, where he was broken into by the police in his home in Manchester, and harassed regarding a noise disturbance from the neighbours. Following an investigation Turing was brought in for questioning due to a number of accusations and clues that didn't collate. Turing was, due to no record accused of War Crimes, and being a Soviet spy. However, it is not this that is the crime, Turing is found to be a Homosexual and arrested. During questioning, our film and story really begins, as it is here where the police want to know why there is no record of his service during the war, and what he really did.. "Are you listening closely?"
Alan Turing was brought to Bletchley Park under MI6, and sworn secrecy to embark on the seemingly impossible task of solving the "unsolvable" Enigma, a machine that was being used by the Nazi's to send combat instructions across radio waves, and orchestrate attacks in the ocean and sky's.. If decoded and broken thousands would be saved. But there was the small task of breaking this code, a code which is changed daily. Apart from his shear genius It is Alan's shy, awkward and social inability to deal with people that allowed him to succeed the way he did, as through an ignorance and belief of his ability we see Turing take over a team of some of the best mathematicians, code breakers in the country and with one swoop fire two of them, take control and demand £100,000 worth of materials to build a machine, to defeat the Enigma machine. Morten Tyldum tells a life story of Alan through three time periods during his life, when he was at boarding school, during Bletchley park and a short time before his death. During Alan's time at boarding school we learn about how one child's seemingly loneliest time, was one of his happiest times, it is where we meet his friend and first love Christopher. A love that was so strong, and important to Alan it created a Frankenstein esque relationship with his Enigma machine, which in turn stems back to his first love, he names the machine Christopher.. This became Alan's obsession and drove his genius to question the power of technology, and where in the future will the 'computer' and man be? Furthermore, Alan went on to write his thesis "The Imitation Game" (hence the title)
Benedict Cumberbatch has been nominated for a Golden Globe, Oscar and Britt award for his portrayal in this film of the genius that was Alan Turing. And may I add, it is completely clear, and obvious as to why he has been nominated for all these prestigious awards. Although beaten by Eddie Redmayne for 'best actor' (which is a fair defeat as Eddie's portrayal of Steven Hawkins on "The Theory of Everything" is perfect) his performance is breath taking, and a its as if we are watching what we would imagine Alan to be like. Cumberbatch catches this man's inability to relate to people, to admit to defeat and to show a need for help. Furthermore, Cumberbatch who is assisted by a cast of fantastic actors really shows a struggle and 'need' for love to be real. One actress in particular is Keira Knightley portraying the character and genius 'Joan Clarke' , who was Alan's rock, support and real friend throughout his time at Bletchley, but more importantly was Alan's fiancée (who helped disguise his homosexuality).
Without ruining the entire film for my readers, I would say that this film is an incite, like those films before (Enigma, 2001) into the life of one man who was forgotten, and never remembered for how he changed the course of history forever, and rid the world of tyranny. I found this film to be a story you as a viewer struggle to forget, and really feel that some things in life are unjust and humanity fails to prevail. They say that due to Alan and his team solving the Enigma and the horrendous choices that followed for them, they shortened the war by at least two years, saving thousands. Morten Tyldum has really focused on the story, and the choices made by a small group of people, who were normal like you or I. It is however, the later years after the war that really hit home in this film. Due to Alan's sexuality he was forced into Chemical Castration, exile and a life without Christopher. In turn, forcing suicide upon a hero.
Raging Bull (1980)
Raging Blogger
Directed by: Martin Scorcese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Jo Pesci, Nicholas Colasanto, Theresa Saldana. Budget: $18. Million Gross: $10 Million in box office, at the time Martin feared for a future in film making.
Summary: A Martin Scorsese boxing classic, that unlike other 'classic' chin hitting, floor bouncing boxing films, this one shows you the whole twelve rounds of fame, the price of one man's journey through the four corners of a ring to stardom. But always asking, is it worth it? and at what cost?
In the corner of a small dressing room sits a large figure of a man, with a thick nose (like its been broken countless times) stumpy body, smart suit, cigar in hand, drink on the dressing table. He begins to speak with a thick New York accent, you question in your mind, is this Robert De Niro as he looks like a broken large gangster from New York with a face that seemingly represents the staring actor of this film, but again so different. Who you are in fact looking at, is the character by the name of Jake La Motta (Played by De Niro), it is Jakes story we as audience follow throughout this film. At this point, Jake as described above is a washed out, "bin had" broken man, who has resorted to comedy in small town bars reminiscing of a past life, fighting (quite literally) for fame and glory within the world of glass jawed, iron fisted, feet skipping boxing legends.
Scorsese is well known for his use of violence and gritty story telling nature. Allow me to expand: within Raging bull Scorsese has masterfully incorporated the use of a black and white cinematic film style. As an aesthetic (which was a bold step for a director to take within modern film) this use of (for lack of a better word) 'lack' of colour allows the audience to divulge, empathise and 'feel' the struggle and story of Jakes life as a rising boxing champion. Furthermore, when filming the opening credits, Scorsese was convinced something was missing. We see Jake in the ring warming up whilst the theme tune plays, jabbing, stepping, dodging, ducking but there was no gritty nature of this pre match ritual. Therefore, Scorsese felt by removing all colour you will invite the audience to focus on this ritual, as a pose to the colour of the gloves, the ring, what time of day it is etc. Moreover, the 'lack' of colour really focuses attention to the impact of each punch, and was a way that Scorsese could really draw attention to the blood being drawn from the faces of each competitor, during the earth shattering jabs being made.
I have watched numerous boxing films, and as you would all probably agree the novelty has clearly started to wear off. But Raging Bull is by far superior to all your 'classics' like 'Rocky' etc. Robert De Niro provides arguably one of his best performances within a film, and that is a big statement. De Niro's performance takes you on a journey through despair, fame, heart break, isolation and loneliness. You will follow a man who struggles to distance himself from life within the ring, and outside of the ring. We see Jake push his family away, quite literally, constantly battling with paranoia as he believes his wife 'Vickie la Motta' is having an affair (a young Cathy Moriarty) with every man she comes into contact with. And the breaking point, is when he accuses his brother Joey (played by the fantastic Jo Pesci) of having an affair with Vickie (who also is a married man), and from this he cannot contain the balance and attacks Vickie. This moment is the turning point of the movie, we see Jake remember what is important in his life, and slowly you are led to believe maybe there is hope for Jake, maybe he can find away to 'hang up the gloves' and live a happy life.
Like the title suggests, this film demands masculinity, violence, misogyny and desperation. And all of this you are given, as from the moment go you are forced to understand a mans desire to achieve. But throughout you see the 'Bull' of Jakes nature, in both his boxing but also his personal life. Vickie (just like in a lot of Scorcese's classics) is perceived as the virgin or the whore, there can be no in between, and Jake will always find this out to late, the Love is what is important, not the lifestyle.
I found this film to have a very enthralling storyline, and is a fantastic insight to the life of a sportsman but also to the life beyond the fortune, fame and strain of the ring. Furthermore, you are given the perspective and feeling of what family life is like for an Italian American family within New York during the early years of world war 2, and what things like boxing, comedy and clubs were like. However, the jump between years as they pass within Jakes life are sometimes unclear and sporadic. Also, it is clearly a key part of the story the relationship between Jake and Sugar Ray as this drives Jake further into his 'bull' like nature, and I think this wasn't emphasised enough.
Not all films have happy endings, I guess this could be a metaphor for both life and this particular story. Greed, fame and fortune can take over even the best of us. Sure enough Jake cannot, is not able to notice what he has, had, needs, and therefore you are left with a man who had it all, but lost it. A man who really went the full twelve rounds.
Ratings:
IMDb: 8.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 98% MovieMAster: 7.8/10
The Hornet's Nest (2014)
The Hornets Nest
2014 American documentary, filmed and narrated by wartime journalist's father and son, Mike Boettcher and Carlos Boettcher.
Summary: In real life there are no re-spawns, this is no call of duty. A fantastic real life account of the ever present war on terror being fought in Afghanistan. A film that takes you deep into 'The hornets nest', deep into situations you wouldn't even dream about, situations where all hope for humanity is lost, where words cannot describe the horrors that are present, where all faith is questioned. We follow father and son journalist's Mike and Carlos Boettcher as they spend a year with the real heroes the 101st airborne in Afghanistan. This is not based on a true story, this is a true story.
A sight we always see, a report we always hear in our every day lives, but do we ignore it? or is it seemingly not real that there is a war going on? That is just one of many questioned posed in this real life insight to the ever present war on terrorism.
Although stated as 'directed by' David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud "The Hornets nest" is filmed entirely by father and son Mike and Carlos Boettcher, and is an eye witnessed account of their experience living, breathing and doing everything these soldiers of the 101st airborne do day in and day out in Afghanistan. Mike Boettcher is a journalist who has spend the best part of 37 years reporting from some of the worst war zones in history, he has spend the majority of his reporting life in the deep end bringing people at home the truth of war. As well as being an account of the war in Afghan, we follow Mike's quest to build a lost relationship between him and his son Carlos, who in attempt to rebuild this relationship embarks on this journey with his father.
The journey is narrated by Mike throughout, as he gives a step by step as to what he and his son were witnessing and feeling. This however, proved to be a bit misleading, as the film suffers a lack of time line, because we forget that they were based in Afghan for over 12 months, and the jump between story is rather sporadic. However, this is understandable as there is clearly a , countless amount of footage, but clarity mixed with overtly dramatic music throughout proves to be a bit confusing. Although this does not detract from the fact that what we as an audience are viewing is real, and actually has actually happened. The reality of what is occurring in Afghanistan is emphasised early on, when we are with Carlos interviewing a couple of soldiers regarding a road block, it is at this point soldiers are fired upon.
The film is predominantly based in the notorious 'Korangal Valley' known by the locals as 'Death Valley', a fitting and obvious title. Mike and Carlos both follow a unit who are sent out to clear the pass of snipers as this pass is used to transport non lethal supplies to the soldiers. Almost instantly the soldiers are fired upon, and also both Mike and Carlos receive heavy fire and must continue to film whilst taking cover. It is at this point that Carlos must move to better cover up at the top of the hill as they cannot ascertain where fire is coming from, we follow him running up the hill, only to fall down whilst fire is still coming over head, and to our horror he stops moving. There are moments throughout this documentary that the relationship between father and son (Mike and Carlos) is really drilled home, and the notion of parent and child, which allows us as an audience to understand how these soldiers are someone's friend, father, husband/partner.
The climax of this story is when Carlos leaves Afghan ahead of his father, and Mike stays on to follow the 101st airborne into "The Hornets Nest", the Hornets nest is a term used to describe an ambush where you are surrounded, and the centre of an ambush. For 9 days the 101st stand and fight back against Muslim militia. Although as a film there are many cinematic mishaps, and areas where the continuity and narrative arch are complicated, it is the reality of war that makes this documentary award winning.
Finally, it is the end of the documentary which draws all glamour, fiction and Hollywood of war away from this documentary. And with one final bullet wound to the viewer, Mike Boettcher shows us the real loss of war, as we witness the funeral of the fallen men who died during this nine day battle of 'The Hornets Nest', a truly moving sequence.
Clint Eastwood : I want the troops from Great Britain and the U.S. to be successful, but by the same token, Afghanistan has always been a screw-up.