Eye In The Sky (2016)

A British Colonel (Helen Mirren) is in charge of a mission to track down and capture an Englishwoman and her Islamic husband who are known terrorists. When the couple are found in Kenya, capturing is no longer an option but a strike is. The problem is that the strike not only could cause an international incident, but there are moral, ethical and legal questions which must be addressed. Directed by Gavin Hood (the underrated RENDITION), this is a sensational political thriller. In fact, I don't think I've seen a political thriller  so edge of your seat intense since Costa Gavras' Z. Remarkably, Hood doesn't attempt to sway us either way (one can imagine the mess Oliver Stone would have made with this). He presents the dilemma to us and leaves the rest to our conscience. The military aren't portrayed as conscienceless war mongers, Hood gives them their due even though we may not approve of their ultimate action. The issue of saving one innocent life when placed against the possibility of many more lives being taken if that one life isn't sacrificed isn't a burden any of us would want to bear. I hope I'm not making it sound like a preaching to the choir film when it's anything but. The excellent ensemble cast includes Alan Rickman (in his final film role), Aaron Paul, Barkhad Abdi (CAPTAIN PHILLIPS), Jeremy Northam, Iain Glen, Michael O'Keefe and Aisha Takow.