Lions for Lambs

Are movie theatres in Uganda? Yes, and as any normal westerner would do we went to the newest feature playing, “Lions for Lambs.” And no it was not about lions but the American social and political atmosphere of today.

Tom Cruise plays a prideful senator who is telling Meryl Streep, a reporter, the American governments next strategic plan for winning the war on terror. While this is happening in Washington D.C. Robert Redford, a political science professor in California, is doing his best to get the future leaders of America to use their lives to make a difference for good. The last thread to this movie follows the story of two former students of Redford’s who were trying to make a difference. But as minorities from poor families saw their best option as going for a GI bill to continue their education and signed up in the army.

There were no real surprises in the plot in fact it ended quite abruptly with no real resolution. This movie forces you to think about the uncomfortable things about our culture. It challenges our use of media and how much of an influence we let it have in our lives and country. It also makes you contemplate the American dream of continually gaining for a more comfortable life while you turn a blind eye to the world or even your own community that is in need and hurting. It inspires you to question government decisions and whether or not you agree or disagree, to get involved for the greater good.

The title is made reference to by a quote in the movie. They use it as metaphor indicating that the people fighting a battle are the lions and often their leaders are nothing but lambs.

We would encourage you to see this film. The questions that come up in your mind while watching are worth thinking about.