review: 'zero dark thirty'

9/10  So I finally caught up with director Kathryn Bigelow's follow up to her Oscar winning Iraq set drama 'The Hurt Locker' (not only did it win Best Film, but Bigelow made Oscar history by being the very first woman to win Best Director).  Her new effort 'Zero Dark Thirty' deals with the 10 year man hunt for Bin Laden after the tragedy of 9/11. Despite the controversy surrounding this film (with many in power disputing the scenes of harrowing torture displayed by the Americans to be true), I found this movie to be thoroughly gripping and absorbing. It is a true credit to Bigelow that even though we know the outcome of the search, there is a real sense of danger and suspense throughout. The intelligent script, by Mark Boal, who also wrote 'The Hurt Locker'  takes us on a journey that has to be seen to be believed. The central performance by Jessica Chastain as the lead agent seeking out America's Public Enemy No. 1 is outstanding and increases her chances of picking up a Best Actress Oscar after her recent nomination. The final section of the film which deals with the actual raid on Bin Laden's compound is a tour de force of action, dread and nerves. Overall I felt 'Zero Dark Thiry' reinforced my belief that without doubt Kathryn Bigelow is one of the best directors (of either gender) working in Hollywood today.