In the Valley of Elah (2007).

Paul Haggis’ In the Valley of Elah is based on actual events. Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones) is a retired army military sergeant with the experiences in criminal justice. The film begins with a young man’s voice, Hank’s son. Although, there is no visual images but the sound illuminates brilliantly of what the experience could be serving in Iraq under difficult conditions. The film is arguably controversy in its own rights. After not receiving no emails from his son, Hank suddenly packs up for what it seems for several days and drives to the army base where his son is stationed in Texas. Through many emotionally scenes that Jones performs masterly, Hank receives a video from his son days prior to his missing through email.


The video uncovers bits of pieces of Hank’s son experiences serving in the streets of Iraq. Turmoil and no answers to be given by the United States Army, Hank researches every possible detail of his missing son. Detective Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron) becomes involved in Hank’s missing person case when body remains are discovered near the army base. Detective Sanders investigates thoroughly; she soon predicates that Hank’s son was murdered by his own comrades on the jurisdiction on the city’s property and not the army base, which gives the right to law enforcement to inspect on army’s jurisdiction. The film is utterly brilliant and intense.