Such a frustrating disappointment

Not even bad in a good way

A Major Disappointment

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

'MURPH: THE PROTECTOR': Two and a Half Stars (Out of Five) A documentary about the life of LT Michael P. Murphy; a Navy SEAL who lost his life, in 2005, fighting Taliban soldiers in the Hindu-Kush mountains (the incident was the basis for the popular 2013 war film 'LONE SURVIVOR'). This documentary was written and directed by Scott Mactavish, who also directed another documentary on American troops (in 2008) called 'GOD AND COUNTRY: UNTOLD STORIES OF THE American MILITARY'. This movie features archive video (and pictures) of Murphy, as his family and friends tell stories about him. I found it to be a very nice and inspiring film; not great filmmaking (in any way) but a nice tribute to someone who appears to have been a great modern hero.The documentary begins with Michael's parents (Maureen and Daniel), and other family and friends, telling of Michael's past; growing up in Patchogue, New York. Michael was called 'Murph' by his friends and known as 'The Protector'; for defending people that were often attacked or picked on (like a special needs student in 8th grade). He went to Penn State and graduated (in 1998) with degrees in political science and psychology. He joined the Navy SEALs after college and went to War in Afghanistan. He eventually became the leader of a four-man SEAL reconnaissance team (in an assignment called 'Operation Red Wings'). They were surrounded by Taliban troops on June 28th, 2005, when Murphy was killed. Michael posthumously earned the Medal of Honor in 2007.Like I said, the movie is a great tribute to someone who appeared to be a great man. As a film it's not really that interesting or compelling; it's basically just a lot of Murphy's friends and family telling stories about him and saying what a good guy he was. That's really nice for people that knew him but for people that never met the guy it doesn't really tell us that much about who he really was. The director can definitely use a lot more experience in filmmaking (and a bigger budget). It's also odd that Michael's buddy (and fellow Navy SEAL), Marcus Luttrell, isn't interviewed in the movie. Luttrell was the 'lone survivor' of Operation Red Wings and is the only guy that really knows what truly happened to Murphy. I know Luttrell was busy making 'LONE SURVIVOR' (as a technical adviser) but you'd think he could have found time to help out with this movie too. I think this documentary would have been much more fitting as a special feature on a 'LONE SURVIVOR' DVD (rather than it's own feature) but it is a decent tribute, all the same.Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6LTWP49XBs

This movie is a great insight into a man who gave so much for his fellow SEALs and his countrymen. It shows the sacrifices and hardships that he went through to ear the right to wear the golden Trident that a select few can accomplish. If you know the real back story of why these men were there doing a recognizance mission to capture a man who was butchering soldiers as well as his fellow Afghanis then you know these men are all heroes. The movie gave you a great insight into the type of person he was from the words of family and friends. Sadly some review without knowing anything on the actual topic at hand. Highly recommend it to anyone. There is also a book written about him that if you enjoy the movie you would enjoy the book as well. It also conveys the heroic acts that are talked about in the movie.

The movie was stirring, painful and brought home the war and the heroes who are fighting it. Our young ones need to know the true value of their freedom and the cost that many pay for us to have it. To the nay sayers, all I can do is direct your thoughts to the fact that you can freely say the things here that you do because of Murph and men and women like him. Though I find it a bit strange some are unable to correlate that simple truth...most of us can. Thank you to all who served and serve for our freedom. It filled me with pride to see the selflessness of these men, the heart and the willingness to put others first. The movie it appears did a great job of bringing the intensity, struggle and tragedy to our attention.

Excellent tribute to a true American hero. I would recommend this movie to anyone who has or would like to see Lone Survivor. It's a great compliment to that movie and vice versa. Lt. Murphy was a true American hero and an example to what every Infantryman should be (Yes, I understand he was a SEAL but he's still an Infantryman in my book.) Truly a selfless man who cared more about his team, his Country, and his mission above himself. This movie gives you an insight to the man that Lt. Murphy really was. To all the people who are writing reviews criticizing the war, this movie is not about the war. It's about the man Lt. Murphy was. Whatever your feelings are toward the war, You should still respect the men and women who sacrifice themselves for their country.