The Hurt Locker (2008)
Kathryn Bigelow's Oscar-winning war thriller puts a reckless bomb disposal sergeant at the center of Iraq's most dangerous streets.
The Hurt Locker - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Hurt Locker
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Thriller, War
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 11m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Arabic, Turkish
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 10, 2008 (Italy - T), July 31, 2009 (United States - R), July 10, 2009 (Canada), August 28, 2009 (United Kingdom - 15), August 13, 2009 (Germany - 16), September 23, 2009 (France - U), April 9, 2010 (India - A), April 1, 2010 (New Zealand - R16), February 4, 2010 (Australia - MA 15+), February 5, 2010 (Brazil - 14), February 12, 2010 (Mexico - B15), January 29, 2010 (Spain - 16), April 22, 2010 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Démineurs (FR), Tödliches Kommando (DE), Guerra ao Terror (BR), Vivir al límite (AR), Atrapados en Irak (BO), Vivir al límite (PE), ハート・ロッカー：2008 (JP), Echipa de foc (RO)
- Production Companies: First Light, Kingsgate Films, Voltage Pictures, Summit Entertainment, Grosvenor Park Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America, United Kingdom
The Hurt Locker - Plot
During the Iraq War, a Sergeant recently assigned to an army bomb squad is put at odds with his squad mates due to his maverick way of handling his work.
The Hurt Locker - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension unfold wire by wire:
You don't have to be a hero to do this job. But it helps.
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The Hurt Locker - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kathryn Bigelow
Main Cast
- Jeremy Renner
- Anthony Mackie
- Brian Geraghty
- David Morse
- Guy Pearce
- Evangeline Lilly
- Ralph Fiennes
- Christian Camargo
- Christopher Sayegh
- David Gueriera
Writers
- Mark Boal
Producers
- Kathryn Bigelow
- Mark Boal
- Nicolas Chartier
- Jenn Lee
- Greg Shapiro
The Hurt Locker - FAQs
What is The Hurt Locker about?
The Hurt Locker follows Staff Sergeant William James, a reckless and fearless bomb disposal expert deployed in Iraq who clashes with his squad over his adrenaline-fueled disregard for protocol. The film is a raw, tension-soaked portrait of war addiction and the psychological cost of combat.
Is The Hurt Locker based on a true story?
The film is inspired by journalist Mark Boal's firsthand experiences embedded with a real U.S. Army bomb disposal unit in Iraq. While the characters are fictional, the situations and atmosphere are drawn directly from Boal's reporting, giving the film a striking sense of authenticity.
Where can you stream The Hurt Locker?
You can stream The Hurt Locker on Netflix or fuboTV. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Free viewing options include Plex Channel and Fawesome.
Is The Hurt Locker worth watching?
Absolutely. The Hurt Locker earned near-universal critical acclaim and won six Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director — making Kathryn Bigelow the first woman ever to win that award. It's widely regarded as one of the finest war films ever made.
Who plays the lead role in The Hurt Locker?
Jeremy Renner plays Staff Sergeant William James, the film's volatile and fearless bomb disposal expert. The role launched Renner to international stardom and earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Anthony Mackie and Brian Geraghty round out the central trio.
Does The Hurt Locker have a post-credits scene?
No, The Hurt Locker does not have a post-credits scene. The film ends on a quietly devastating note — James back in Iraq, walking toward another bomb — and the credits roll without any additional footage. That final image is powerful enough to linger long after the screen goes dark.
How did The Hurt Locker perform at the Oscars?
The Hurt Locker dominated the 82nd Academy Awards, winning six Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing. It famously beat Avatar — the highest-grossing film of all time — for the top prize.
Where was The Hurt Locker filmed?
Despite being set in Iraq, The Hurt Locker was primarily filmed in Jordan, with locations around Amman standing in for Baghdad's streets. The production also shot briefly in Kuwait. The desert landscapes and urban environments gave the film its authentic, immersive look.
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