Michelle Obama praises 'American Sniper'

US First Lady Michelle Obama has praised Oscar-nominated film 'American Sniper'.
Michelle attended a panel at Got Your 6 event which helps expand understanding regarding military veterans through pop culture.
At the event, which was also attended by the film's star Bradley Cooper, the First Lady urged people in the entertainment industry to "change the conversation about our veterans and military families," before offering praise to the Clint Eastwood-directed war movie, reported USA Today.
"Just look at the latest box office numbers. The number-one movie in America right now is a complex, emotional depiction of a veteran and his family. And I had a chance to see 'American Sniper' this week on that long flight we took," she said, referring to the recent flight to Saudi Arabia, and prompted audience to laugh.

"And while I know there have been critics, I felt that, more often than not, this film touches on many of the emotions and experiences that I've heard firsthand from military families over these past few years.
"This movie reflects those wrenching stories that I've heard - the complex journeys that our men and women in uniform endure. The complicated moral decisions they are tasked with every day. The stresses of balancing love of family with a love of country. And the challenges of transitioning back home to their next mission in life," she added.
"And here's why a movie like this is important: see, the vast majority of Americans will never see these stories. They will never grasp these issues on an emotional level without portrayals like this," she stated, adding that TV and movies are the "best way we have" to show the stories.

'American Sniper' is among contenders for Best Picture trophy at the upcoming Academy Awards. It faces off 'Birdman', 'Boyhood', 'The Grand Budapest Hotel', 'The Imitation Game', 'The Theory of Everything', 'Selma' and 'Whiplash' at the annual awards show which is set to take place on February 22.