Is We Are Stronger Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

We Are Stronger, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Master Sergeant Victor Raphael is nearing the end of his military career when an explosion in Afghanistan leaves him injured. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Master Sergeant Victor Raphael is nearing the end of his military career when an explosion in Afghanistan leaves him injured. Back home, he is thrust into battle once again, but he hasn't been trained for this type of warfare. With his career behind him and painful physical therapy ahead, he finds himself without a purpose and in a war with his own mind. Having spent years with an ocean between them, his wife, Michelle, is distant and their marriage seems to be held together only by her sense of duty. From leading troops into battle to being unable to leave the house, Vic finds himself isolated in more ways than he ever thought possible, until the unexpected happens. Through the help of two kids and some unlikely heroes, Vic must face the trauma and the wounds on his soul to save his marriage and to help his fellow brother in need. To succeed he must discover the true source of strength and realize he can't do it alone if he is going to win this war and emerge STRONGER."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The performance by Ulises Larramendi is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Ulises Larramendi captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Robin B. Murray is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 125 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is We Are Stronger truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 9.5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, We Are Stronger explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Robin B. Murray respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, We Are Stronger is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Ulises Larramendi or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, We Are Stronger is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.