Robbins dedicates film to US soldiers

Actor Tim Robbins has dedicated his forthcoming film The Lucky Ones to the armed forces.

The movie sees The Shawshank Redemption star playing a US trooper on leave from a tour of duty in Iraq.

The Hollywood liberal, who has been an outspoken critic of President George W. Bush's administration, spent time with soldiers at Fort Dix, New Jersey, to prepare for the role.

He told the New York Daily News: "One soldier said 'I don't agree with your politics but I want you to know there was a guy I served with. He and I didn't see eye to eye politically on a damn thing, bit I liked his character and if there was anyone next to me in a hostile situation, it would be him'."

Robbins added: "I wanted to make a picture for these troops, something they could enjoy. Right now we need healing. We need to understand the experience of what it's like for the troops to come home."

The Lucky Ones, directed by Neil Burger and written by Dirk Wittenborn, is due for release in the US on September 26.