RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

If you want a tense courtroom drama that takes the moral pressures of combat seriously, this is a strong choice for an adult audience. The film honors American service members while asking difficult questions about split-second decisions, civilian deaths, military justice, friendship, and loyalty.

The cost is substantial. The movie contains more than 75 strong obscenities and profanities, along with very violent combat footage. Its treatment of Muslim protestors and brief religious references may also trouble some viewers.

So, adults who can engage this material thoughtfully may find the film rewarding. For children and young teens, choose something else.

During the Vietnam War, two Marine platoon leaders make decisions that bind their lives together. Decades later, one has become a Marine colonel and the other a Marine attorney.

When a rescue mission at an American embassy ends in the deaths of many protestors, the colonel faces court-martial. His old friend agrees to defend him as the military, the government, and public opinion turn against him.

Four stars means this is an excellent, highly effective drama. The acting talents of Samuel L. Jackson, Tommy Lee Jones, and Guy Pearce are ideally suited to the material. Their characters project convincing military bearing, and the performances give the moral questions emotional weight.

William Friedkin creates tense, exciting drama, while Stephen Gaghan’s script intelligently explores the moral ambiguities of war. The film’s excitement seldom flags, and its examination of soldiers’ character and difficult combat decisions is provocative without becoming simple. A couple of abrupt scenes near the end are the film’s main weakness.

The film presents military service as honorable and treats the people who serve in the United States Armed Forces with respect. It is strongly patriotic, but its questions about justice, duty, friendship, and the burden of command reach beyond one nation.

The movie also leaves difficult moral questions for viewers. Is it ever acceptable to fire on civilians who may be firing back? Should soldiers give warning first? Can combatants who control an attack be treated as prisoners, or do their continued power and opportunity matter? The film does not offer easy answers.

It avoids substantial religious content, though it includes a few very brief references to Islamic religious slogans and Islamic terrorism. Some Arab or Muslim groups may be upset by this material and by the film’s portrayal of the conflict. The movie’s moral worldview is strongest when it examines responsibility, truth, and the character of those entrusted with force; it is less developed in its treatment of faith.

The film’s concern with justice and moral responsibility connects with Scripture’s call: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT is a well-made, gripping drama with serious moral questions and strong respect for military service. Its heavy profanity, violent combat, and sensitive religious and cultural material make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For discerning adults, it is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For a family-night alternative, see.