Staff Sgt. William James (Jeremy Renner) puts his life on the line every time he goes to work — and he wouldn't have it any other way. His job is defusing bombs, and he's terrific at it. The possibility of being blown up at any moment is just an occupational hazard.

James plies his trade in the streets of Iraq, with Sgt. J.T. Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) on the lookout for snipers. Sanborn, who'd like to put in his time and go home in one piece, is annoyed that James disregards the rules. But in the middle of madness, James has found a method that works — so far, anyway.

"The Hurt Locker" is at once an unforgettable war film and a brilliant character study. James is an action junkie who's willing to do his duty anywhere and anytime, but would only be bored by the comforts of home.

Working from a screenplay by Mark Boal ("In the Valley of Elah"), director Kathryn Bigelow — whose films include "Blue Steel," "Point Break" and "Strange Days" — keeps the action tense and the story riveting.

"The Hurt Locker" is a visceral experience that transcends politics — and is therefore likely to do far better at the box office than previous films set in Iraq.

It's also likely to make Renner a star.

Not since Russell Crowe has an actor so intriguingly combined macho bluster and heartbreaking sensitivity. Renner plays James not as a hero, but as a man who just happens to have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world and takes pride in it.

Mackie is also impressive as a soldier with a long memory and a short fuse. And fans of Ralph Fiennes ("The English Patient"), David Morse ("Disturbia") and Guy Pearce ("Memento") should be on the lookout for their cameo appearances.

"The Hurt Locker" is one of the best films of the year.