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Review: 'Eye in the Sky' shows political buffoonery and moral ambiguity

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Lieutenant General Frank Benson (Alan Rickman) in “Eye in the Sky.” (Shaw Organisation)

Marcus Goh is a Singapore television scriptwriter. He’s also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. He Tweets/Instagrams at Optimarcus and writes at marcusgohmarcusgoh.com. The views expressed are his own.

Secret ending? Not exactly, but there’s something to look out for as the credits roll.

Running time: 102 minutes (~1.75 hours)

“Eye in the Sky” is a British political thriller about a military drone mission in Nairobi. When complications arise, political interference threatens to jeopardise the entire operation. It stars Helen Mirren (Colonel Katherine Powell), Aaron Paul (2nd Lieutenant Steve Watts), Alan Rickman (Lieutenant General Frank Benson), Barkhad Abdi (Jama Farah), Jeremy Northam (Brian Woodale), Iain Glen (Foreign Secretary James Willett), and Phoebe Fox (Carrie Gershon). It is rated PG-13.

“Eye in the Sky” derives its name from the spy drones that provide an aerial view of where they are surveilling. Much of the drama comes not from the actual military operation, but the higher level politics involved in the possible consequences of the operation. The film deals mostly in hypotheticals and estimates that, unfortunately, have rather tangible ramifications for all involved.

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Helen Mirren is Colonel Katherine Powell in “Eye in the Sky.” (Shaw Organisation)

Highlights

Juxtaposition of the children in both countries

The opening scenes contrasts the hard life of a young Nairobi girl against the luxury that a British girl gets to enjoy, being the daughter of wealthy parents. Alan Rickman, who plays Frank Benson, gives an entertaining performance as a father who has much difficulty selecting the appropriate gift for his child. But this differentiation is what sets the tone for the whole film, as it shows how much we take for granted, and builds empathy for the faceless but innocent Kenyan victims of the operation.

Spy camera angles

The emphasis on the film is on drone warfare, and the different technologies used such that the British soldiers don’t have to physically be in the country to engage in military operations. It delivers the key scenes from the perspectives of the drones, giving us the shaky, unrefined footage that would come from such camera angles. It’s an immersive experience because you truly feel like you’re on location, and the aerial views from on high are a sly nod to how the government and military are, in effect, playing God with their actions.

Depiction of political buffoonery

Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren) has to seek authorisation from a small gathering of politicians when the rules of engagement change. But it’s clear that the politicians are all unwilling to take responsibility for a decision, resulting in the decision being pushed to escalating levels of government. It’s the ultimate game of taichi in the civil service, and it strikes a chord with anyone who’s ever had to deal with the bureaucratic farce that comes with being in a large organisation.

Sense of moral ambiguity

Of course, any military drama inevitably drags up the theme of moral ambiguity, the cost of war, and other such tropes of fictional warfare. Thankfully, “Eye in the Sky” also has this moral ambiguity play heavily in the political drama as well, with multiple opponents weighing in with their statements. It leaves you with the sense that this was a moral battle that could not have been won by any side, and you gain a higher regard for the price of peace.

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Jama Fara (Barkhad Abdi) in “Eye in the Sky.” (Shaw Organisation)

Letdowns

The stakes are virtually inconsequential

The second half of the film boils down to one key conflict that polarises all of the main characters. The problem is that the stakes for this conflict are miniscule in the grand scheme of things. These are characters who routinely make decisions for the greater good and understand the cost of politics and war. It’s ridiculous to see so much angst over a very minor issue. They behave like inexperienced government officials, and you want to tear your hair out at how they rationalise issues.

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Katherine Powell contemplates in “Eye in the Sky.” (Shaw Organisation)

“Eye in the Sky” is a compelling drama that show us the dangers of inept bureaucracy.

Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Yes.

Should buy the DVD? No.

Score: 4.0/5

“Eye in the Sky” opens in cinemas 7 April, 2016 (Thursday).