Core of this film is by no means a shallow Revenge theme, as you know it from Action Klopper shooting movies a la Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Segal and co. Revenge is practiced - but this is not in a brutal, exploding showdown. Instead, the audience is just as hopeless and sad left as the main actor. No "nice" feeling of satisfaction or the righteous (self) justice, but sadness and the feeling that there just are not a happy ending at the end of the day.
Christian Bale's presentation is absolutely unique. Far from any joy or a colorful optimism. All the other actors play their roles brilliantly. Add to this the incredibly subtle details that combine to create a 100% coherent overall picture. The dreary autumn scenery of the area, rundown houses and abandoned factories. The only employer, the steelworks that is also closed and therefore blows away the last remnant of a halfway intact life content. War depression and trauma of an ungrateful country that those who want to forget the most, who have risked their skins for their country.
Conclusion: Anyone who wants to make itself a hopeless realistic impression of probably now 70% of the average American population, should look at this film.
But beware: the neither an action is not a feel-good movie! Instead, you should try to time to look behind the superficial images and also thinking along quietly.
Welcome to Marlboro Country!