What Do The Critics Say?

"A passionate plea for honesty, courage and standing up for what you believe in, Lions for Lambs is a powder keg of a film. It's a film to debate and discuss. Tom Cruise is perfectly cast as the immaculately dressed, ambitious politician who has a way with words. The script is wordy and performances are all immaculate with Redford building tension through each story as well as having their cumulative effect. It's an intelligent and affecting film that may not roar, but leaves us with smatterings of hope and despair." Louise Keller URBAN CINEFILE "In Lions for Lambs, Redford turns an excellent script by Matthew Michael Carnahan ("The Kingdom") into a film that's paced like a stageplay which focuses on three stories, each of them showing the interaction between two characters." Edward Douglas COMINGSOON ".. overall I’m glad this movie was made, and if you’re wondering if you should spend the ten bucks to see it, I say sure, if you have ten bucks to spare, absolutely. Because in spite of the clunky package, the film’s message really is a good one. And how many products out of Hollywood can you say that about?" Philip Huang CULTUREVULTURE "If the picture is talky and the dialogue sometimes stilted, that's a small price to pay for a drama that attacks the American public's diminishing sense of commitment." Harvey S. Karten COMPUSERVE "In sober and unemotional fashion, Redford and writer Matthew Michael Carnahan set out the arguments for and against America's military incursions in Iraq and Afghanistan, leaving it for the audience to ponder a response. They leave no doubt, however, where they stand. Clocking in at 92 minutes, the film has three settings, two of which involve discussions on the merits of commitment to activism and politics far removed from the field of battle. The third shows two Special Forces volunteers trapped on a snowy mountain in Afghanistan and surrounded by the enemy." Ray Bennett HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

"Unfolding as nearly a raw, gritty, highly stylized rough cut of itself, Robert Redford's Lions For Lambs is a stinging reality-based dramatic tapestry of interwoven debates, touching on recent US foreign policy and its war on terror. "Lions For Lambs" tugs at the heart and mind, revealing as in a mirror a thirst for logic, compassion and truth, and stimulating a challenging exchange of competing ideas. 3 STARS." Prairie Miller NEWSBLAZE "Those who don't appreciate a lot of political babble will probably get bored quickly with "Lions" slow talky pace, although watching actors on a par with Cruise and Streep going head-to-head drives their portion of the movie and one has can be equally impressed with Garfield's ability to keep up with the far more experienced Redford in their scenes. Cruise's Senator Jasper Irving is the type of charming always smiling snake-in-the-grass politician on the rise we've seen so many times, a role for Cruise on par with his T. J. Mackey in P.T. Anderson's "Magnolia" that allows us to question his motives and whether we should believe him. 7/10" Edward Douglas COMINGSOON "The three-stranded plot is simple. A senator announces a new war strategy for Afghanistan to a veteran reporter. On the other side of the world two soldiers set about implementing those new orders and land in serious peril. And a professor of political science (who taught those soldiers) tries to motivate a young student to engage in classes. The acting is exemplary, and the writing is compelling. It’s a smart, accessible and surprisingly balanced look at our dysfunctional world. 4 STARS." Helen O'Hara EMPIRE MAGAZINE "Redford, Streep and Cruise deliver bold performances that are more compelling for their seasoned professionalism. Newcomers are no less engaging." Colin Fraser MOVIE REVIEW A star-studded cast appears in Robert Redford’s latest film as director, including the man himself. It’s "Lions For Lambs" which comes from a left-liberal perspective on America’s involvement in Afghanistan. Performances are top notch given the material. 3 STARS." Margaret Pomeranz ABC AT THE MOVIES

The Inside Story From Academy Award ® winning director Robert Redford ("Ordinary People") comes this provocative new film that addresses some of the biggest questions about life today in America head-on, yet in a heart-stirring way. What is risk? What is courage? What is engagement? And what does taking a stand really mean when it comes to our media, our politicians, our youth? In fact these are questions that can be squarely aimed at Australians too. "Had this just been a film about the war, I probably wouldn’t have been attracted to it, because I knew the war was going to see a lot of different treatments over time. Instead, what interested me about "Lions For Lambs" is way the story uses the war as a catalyst for three very personal stories about issues that interest me more: the role of the media, of education, of politics and youth in America. It was the idea that these stories could somehow come together, in a dramatic way, to compel audiences into thinking about where we are right now that really intrigued me," says the seventy one year old Oscar winning director, who shot to fame after appearing with Paul Newman in the 1969 film, " Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." Although he hasn’t directed a film in seven years, when the screenplay crossed his desk, it immediately struck a nerve, which Redford considers a vital criterion. "It came out of the blue," Redford says. "I was surprised by it because it was political and there’s so much commercial insecurity about films these days that it seems that only the ones that are safe get made. The ones that are more risky in nature, that maybe make you think or wonder, are harder to come by. And yet, those are the films I’ve always enjoyed making." Risk certainly wasn’t going to stop Redford. If anything, it would serve as inspiration. But "Lions For Lambs" was not just about taking chances for Redford, he also was drawn to the idea of sparking real thought, inciting debate and invigorating young audiences not used to seeing such big issues tackled in an entertainment about college-age characters. "I hoped that this film would provoke audiences to contemplate where we are in this country and how we got here," says Redford. "To me, it’s a story about much more than the issues that are happening right now. It’s really about the deeper factors that lie behind the issues, and how they are experienced on a personal level by real people." The final, irresistible pull for Redford was the fact that Tom Cruise had already expressed interest in coming on board, not only to take the role of the slick yet impassioned Senator Irving but to executive produce the film with his partner Paula Wagner, marking their first project in the renaissance of United Artists. And there was word that Meryl Streep also had the script in her hands. "I don’t think the film would have been made were it not for Tom," says Redford. "The idea of Tom playing a Senator was so different and intriguing, it really got me interested. Then I called Meryl and said 'I’m interested in this, how about you?' and she said, 'If you do it, I’ll do it' and that’s how it came together so quickly." Streep says it was the simple urgency of the subject matter that grabbed her and would not let go. "It’s a story about making the right choices, but it’s also a film about how easy it is not to make a choice at all," the says the two time Oscar winner ("Kramer vs. Kramer" & "Sophie's Choice"). "It’s a film that says it doesn’t matter what you think or feel if you don’t do something about it, if you don’t stand up and jeopardize everything." Tom Cruise said he "thought it was a very powerful script, a very powerful story. It’s a great film to kick off the new United Artists, especially with Robert Redford, a true maverick American director who has changed and defined so much of modern cinema with his championing of the independent film movement. He’s also a magnificent storyteller and it was always a dream of mine to work with him." Cruise says the storyline had an effect on everyone. "Even during production, everyone from Bob to the cast to the crew members found themselves constantly compelled to have complex conversations about these subjects. So I see it as an enormously entertaining film that also is exciting because it invites participation." So where did the inspiration for this thought provoking film come from? While leisurely watching the tube one night, young screenwriter Matthew Carnahan switched away from a harrowing television news story about Iraq to search for sports, then wondered why. Why, in a time when so many people express concern over the direction of our nation, are we tempted to turn away? "It kind of hit me like a ton of bricks that here I was not paying attention to what is really happening in the world around me, not paying enough attention to my countrymen who are giving their lives, and how removed most of us are from the reality of what’s really going on behind the comfortable surfaces of our everyday lives. So I sat down and started writing about this idea of personal commitment, what it is, where it comes from, what it can do." What Carnahan first penned as a play would soon become a movie, played out in real time on the same day. "I really wanted to give the audience the sense that the events in "Lions For Lambs" could be playing out in real time right now," he explained, "because on any odd Wednesday while most people are talking with co-workers, these things are all going on in different parts of the country and the world." When Carnahan finished his screenplay, he joked to producer Tracy Falco ("Rounders" & "Blow") that perhaps he should send it to Robert Redford. He couldn’t believe it when the joke quickly turned serious and then became a reality. "I felt it was unlike any other script I’ve ever read," she says. "I felt like nothing had been done like this before that brought this kind of intimate, personal approach to current events and politics." And how did Redford come on-board. "Matt and I met him in Chicago and it turned into this great meeting," Falco recalls. "We just had a wonderful time talking about politics and art and life and suddenly, he said yes. We were just kicking ourselves at that point hoping this wasn’t a dream." "I think Matthew has a great ear for smart, aggressive talk. It’s like David Mamet in a way, but it’s not. It’s different, it’s very much his own voice and it’s quite unusual to find that," says Streep who last worked with Redford when they co-starred in "Out of Africa" (1985). "I thought the script was like a great play, with both immediacy and power. It’s a strong look at important issues, yet it has the emotional punch of being about people you care about." Redford says, "The good news was that, in directing her, there was already a lot of trust built from what we had experienced before with each other as artists." Three time Academy Award ® nominee Tom Cruise plays Presidential hopeful Senator Jasper Irving. "It was very challenging for me as an actor, and it’s like nothing I’ve ever played before," Cruise explained. "Jasper Irving is someone with a great depth of knowledge about the government and the military and he’s someone who really believes that this is the best way to help. I couldn’t play him simply as a character. Rather, I felt I really had to become this guy, to understand what he knows, to see him from the inside out. It was a role I had to really research and study." And working with Streep? "Everything has already been said about Meryl that could possibly be said about an artist," he offers, "and I think they’re all true. She is an enormously powerful woman and an incredibly generous actor. It was a true dream for me to work with her." And Redford? "I was tremendously honored to work with him." Redford plays history teacher Dr Stephen Malley. "He’s kind of at the end of his rope," says Redford. "He’s a teacher who believes that education is such an important tool for democratic strength and growth, yet he also sees his whole life’s commitment to pushing for that evaporating." When it came to the role of student Todd Hayes, Redford cast an exciting newcomer: Andrew Garfield, a British stage actor with an American father. "He’s very new but very talented," says Falco. "We met every just about every young actor from the ages of eighteen to thirty for the role and we all felt we found the absolute best guy for the job." "He was a real find and, on a personal level, a lot of fun to work with," Redford said. When it came to casting the roles of Arian and Ernest, Redford chose two young rising stars, Derek Luke and Michael Peña. "To play Arian, I was able to draw on my own experiences coming from an underprivileged place in life and being hungry for change," says Luke. "I really liked the journey of Ernest and I have a lot in common with this guy," Peña notes. "I loved how the stories twine together and then reach a common end." The look of the film is exceptional. That can, in the main, be attributed to the work of Academy Award ® winning cinematographer Philippe Rousselot ("A River Runs Through It"). Adding the final subtle touches to a film that is largely about raw words and the deep power of human convictions is the score by Mark Isham. Of the finished product Redford says, "In the end, the questions raised by the three stories in the film go to the audience: What would you do? How do you feel about this? It always comes back to that." Synopsis

West Coast University students Arian and Ernest, follow the inspiration of their idealistic professor, Dr Malley, and attempt to do something important with their lives. But when the two make the bold decision to join the battle in Afghanistan, Malley is both moved and distraught. Now, as Arian and Ernest fight for survival in the field, they become the string that binds together two disparate stories on opposite sides of America. In a Congressional office, Presidential hopeful Senator Jasper Irving is about to give a bombshell of a story about a new war strategy to probing TV journalist Janine Roth, as the two carry out a fierce cat and mouse game of wit, charm and evasion. The once idealistic professor Dr Malley confronts privileged but blasé student Todd Hayes in need of fire and in danger of never fulfilling on his enormous potential. Meanwhile, across the globe, in the heat of battle in Afghanistan, two of Dr Malley’s former students, lay bare the debates and arguments of mentors and politicians in a stark fight for sheer survival. The consequences will reveal how each of these Americans has a profound impact on each other and the world.

The Verdict "While it doesn't offer anything new in the arguement for or against the invasion of Afghanistan, this is never the less, a classy drama. Directed and (amongst others) starring Robert Redford the film does best when it concentrates on the action in Afghanistan and, the energy charged 'interview' which features Tom Cruise as Presidential hopeful Senator Jasper Irving and Meryl Streep as investigative journalist Janine Roth. Both are really 'on the money' and their onscreen time together makes for a most fascinating watch. Redford's role as Professor Stephen Malley is another story. While it is very noteworthy, his protracted 'arguement' with student Todd Hayes (played by Andrew Garfield) won't go down well with a 'younger' audience, probably because it will be seen as too preachy. That is a pity, because there is a well founded message within what he offers Hayes, and it isn't one that can be seen as for or against the U.S.A's involvement in either Iraq or Afghanistan. Not to be overlooked are the performances of Michael Peña and Derek Luke. While both do well, I for one would like to see Derek Luke more often and, in some meatier roles. He has oodles of talent, but like Forest Whitaker, just needs a real breakthrough role. A solid drama well worth having a look at, "Lions For Lambs" will best entertain a slighty 'mature', unencumbered audience, free of political burden. 4 STARS." Cast & Crew Bytes "LIONS FOR LAMBS" stars .......
Academy Award winner Meryl Streep ["Adaptation", "The Manchurian Candidate", "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Rendition"]; Tom Cruise ["Minority Report", "The Last Samurai" and "Collateral"]; Michael Peña ["Million Dollar Baby", "World Trade Centre" and "Shooter"]; Peter Berg ["Cop Land", "Collateral" and "Smokin' Aces"] Andrew Garfield ["Mumbo Jumbo"]; Peter Berg ["Cop Land", "Collateral" and "Smokin' Aces"] and Robert Redford ["The Sting", "The Horse Whisperer", "Spy Game" and "The Clearing"] as Professor Stephen Malley.
"LIONS FOR LAMBS" was .......
directed by Academy Award winner Robert Redford ["A River Runs Through It", "The Horse Whisperer" and "The Legend of Bagger Vance"]; screenplay by Matthew Michael Carnahan ["The Kingdom"]; art direction by François Audouy ["Zodiac", "Spider-Man 3" and "Transformers"]; costume design by Mary Zophres ["O Brother, Where Art Thou?", "Catch Me If You Can" "Intolerable Cruelty", "The Lady Killers", "The Terminal" and "Smokin' Aces"]; production design by Jan Roelfs ["Gattaca", "The Astronaut's Wife" and "World Trade Centre"]; edited by two time Academy Award winner Joe Hutshing ["Born on the Fourth of July", "JFK", "Jerry Maguire" and "The Holiday"]; cinematography by Philippe Rousselot ["A River Runs Through It", "Remember The Titans", "Big Fish" and "Constantine"]; original music by Mark Isham ["Don't Say A Word", "In Her Shoes", "The Black Dahlia" and "Bobby"]. Who's Who?

Robert Redford Meryl Streep Tom Cruise Michael Peña Derek Luke Andrew Garfield Peter Berg

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Professor Stephen Malley Janine Roth Senator Jasper Irving Ernest Rodriguez Arian Finch Todd Hayes Lt Col Falco

Run Time 92 minutes Rated M [AUST] Copyright ©2007 - MGM & UA - All Rights Reserved ©2007 All Rights Reserved - Protected by Australian & International Copyright. Trademark Laws Apply.