When Corp. Mike Deerfield goes AWOL a day after returning from Iraq, his father, Hank (Tommy Lee Jones), a retired career Army officer, travels to the base to find his son.

Clashing with the U.S. Army, an unhelpful police agency and the lack of cooperation from his son’s fellow squadron, Hank finds himself in way over his head. And despite Hank’s training as a crime scene investigator, he cannot find any clue as to his son’s whereabouts.

When the burnt and carved up remains of a body are found, all thoughts turn to murder. Faced with the possibility his son is dead, Hank finds an unlikely ally with Police Det. Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron). Now the pair must find the courage to find the truth behind the events.

“In the Valley of Elah” is another triumph from the writer and director of “Crash,” Paul Haggis. And like some of his previous work, this is a movie with a political statement.

This is just one of several Iraq movies coming out this fall, all trying to convey their views on the Iraq war and the soldiers fighting in it. If you don’t like movies with a message, I advise staying away from this film.

Like “Crash,” Haggis is skilled in getting to the raw heart of humanity and making each of us take a harder look in the mirror each day. Whereas prejudice is a universal theme, this is a movie made by Americans for Americans.

Honestly, as a citizen of Great Britain, this film means less to me than it would to Americans. The issue with bringing troops home is an American issue. I am disconnected emotionally and politically from that aspect of the film, but I am still able to understand its significance. Not because I necessarily agree with the message, but because I understand that this message needs to be heard.

With that aside, the movie is very enjoyable. The dialogue, acting and all other elements are excellent. The story especially appeals to me because of its psychology of humanity.

Much like “Gosford Park,” this is not a real murder mystery. The quest for the murderer of Hank’s son is merely a catalyst for the film to comment on a far more important relationship within the family unity.

“Elah” speaks on camaraderie and hope. It speaks of so much more than just Iraq that most people should find something within to please them. Even the title is fascinating. Taken from the Bible story, Elah is the valley in which David met Goliath.

I have no doubt this will be one of the more important films of the year.

If only for that reason, you should watch it, because come Oscar time, this film has an extremely high chance of seeing some love.

Best scene: Once the body is found, Tommy Lee Jones must tell his wife (Susan Surandon), over the phone, that their son is dead. Sarandon, who already lost her older son to war, displays raw emotion and rage at her husband for always encouraging their boys to join the Army and become warriors. It’s tragic and powerful to watch.

Overall: A very powerful, if bitter, view on the current Iraq war and its effects on soldiers. It’s also given strong wings by an intelligent and witty script by Paul Haggis, and supported by strong performances from the ensemble cast. This is one of the most important films of the year.

– Ellis J. Wells is a senior in performing arts from Portishead, England.