The Hurt Locker
This was one of the most suspenseful movies I have ever watched. I watched this movie previous to viewing it in class, however it never ceases to amuse me and keep me on edge. This film is definitely one of the top films we have watched this year and I'm glad I was able to watch it again. The bomb-disposal scenes are by far the most suspenseful and interesting scenes in the movie. This film showed the reality of the war in Iraq and the daily life of the bomb-defusal squad. I can't even imagine going through what they do on a daily basis, let alone even once. It takes a unique person and a brave mindset to be able to complete these difficult, life threatening, tasks. One thing I can't understand is the fact that in these modern times, humans are still the ones defusing the actual bomb. I could be overestimating today's technology, but drones and robots should be the main contributors in defusing and getting rid of the bombs, contrary to the small part they play in the film. This would decrease the chances of human casualty, but may also take more time and skill. This movie is based on a bomb squad in 2004, so drones may not have been as influential as they are becoming today and in the near future.

In my opinion, the most memorable scene is not one of the epic bomb-disposal scenes, but the scene in the hummer when two of the soldiers (don't remember exact names) had a conversation about their lives back home, specifically about their wifes and kids. One of the men did not have children, but the other did. This scene was so memorable because it really made me appreciate what these men are doing and the emotional costs that come with their job. These men are away from home for a very long time, sometimes with families of their own waiting back at home, hoping they come home alive. It was a sad scene, but I think it captured the reality of the situation. This applies to all wars in general. Many soldiers do not make it home alive to see their family and friends again. The last they see may be the dessert ground and this thought really stuck with me.

Its difficult to provide a specific definition of what I think is meant by "the hurt locker", however I do think it means a place no one wants to be. The hurt locker may mean being in the position where danger is present and you are trapped in that position to fend for yourself. Whatever a "hurt locker" may be, it is not a place anyone wants to be in.