Breaking (2022)

Breaking (2022)

 

7/10

 

Starring

John Boyega

Nicole Beharie

 

Directed by Abi Damaris Corbin

 

I’m not American, so I don’t know much about how veterans are treated in their country. But judging by the number of movies that highlight the unfair ways veterans are treated when they leave service, I think the country may need to make some serious reforms. Movies are what they are, though, and may not be as true as they seem. But this one is based on the real-life story of Brian, which took place not long ago, back in 2017.

Story- and acting-wise, this movie melodically keeps the tension hot and cold in a way that soothes you, and you just watch peacefully. It’s well-directed with good pacing, and I never expected to see such an excellent acting range from John Boyega.

This is a solid performance from him, taking his acting skills beyond the character that runs around when everything gets hot, to one who owns the show. In this movie, he takes control and is able to communicate his character’s challenges in a way that makes you feel what he’s going through.

This dramatic thriller tells the story of Brian, a veteran whose disability check was taken to pay off some of his loans and debts. Now, I’m not in the government system, but this is a disability check and should not be touched. In Brian’s case, he claims the money was taken fraudulently because he doesn’t agree with the VA’s accounting. He says what he owes is being paid for and that doesn’t give the VA the right to take his money and make any payments on his behalf.

He decided to do something about it by bringing the VA into the public eye.

His way of handling it is something I would call an over-do.

Here is where the movie (which is based on a true-life scenario) loses me: If the VA is the problem, why not just go to the VA and hold them accountable instead of taking things to a hostage situation?

Brian’s actions in this choice, and later in the bank, expose his mental state. It also shows the messed-up way the country chooses to handle things concerning veterans, though hostage situations might be a bit too heavy-handed. But you could say it’s easy for me to say this because I’m sitting far from the case and not close enough to the matter at hand.

Anyways, he decides to hold up a bank with a bomb until the VA refunds his money.

How the movie ends is something you’ll have to watch yourself to see.