American Sniper’s award-worthy acting and tear-jerking story about pride in our country caused it to soar to the top of the box office charts.

The movie follows Navy SEAL Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) leaving his hometown in Texas to serve four tours in Iraq. He goes overseas with one mission — to protect his country and his brothers in the military. His astounding shooting ability earns him the title of “Legend.”

Coming home in between tours was never easy for Kyle. As the film moves on, the audience sees the strain the situation puts on his marriage and his children. Sienna Miller, who plays the role of Kyle’s wife, Taya, does a good job portraying a woman who struggles with accepting her spouse’s sense of duty, while sacrificing his time being a husband and father.

Early in the film, we hear Chris’ father, Wayne Kyle (Ben Reed), reference the three types of people in the world: the sheep, the wolves, and the sheepdogs. We see a young Kyle inspired by his father’s analogy becoming the sheepdog for his country–protecting his family, his brothers in arms, and millions of Americans. Bradley Cooper does an excellent job showing Kyle’s humility and respect for the flag and his fellow soldiers. His portrayal earned him a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actor.

American Sniper explores many different themes. Kyle struggles with his morals and values for human life, as the war slowly desensitizes him. His good heart and love for his country show the importance of Kyle’s personal duty. This is an excellent movie, and definitely one that fulfills movie-goers’ desires: hope, suspense, and love. Although this movie is rated R for war violence and language, the epic true story of American hero Chris Kyle is a must-see.

This incredible film deserve 4.5 stars out of 5 because all who watch it will be on the edge of their seats and as the credits roll, they will sit back and realize how blessed they are to be protected by the sheepdogs who fight for our country and our freedom every day.