.Disillusioned vets sound off on Iraq war
The Ground Truth
(R) Focus Features (80 mins.)
Directed by Patricia Foulkrod. Opens Friday at theaters in New York.
Stars: 3
The phrase "support the troops" takes on a different meaning when the troops are questioning their reason for being overseas.
A documentary, "The Ground Truth" introduces us to soldiers against the war in Iraq. It's an edifying, upsetting film that offers a different perspective on the situation in the Middle East.
While most political movies address the circumstances that led us into the war, this film concentrates on the personal experiences of those who've served abroad. Veterans reflect on various aspects of the military, from the deceptive tactics of recruiters to the red tape of the health care system.
First-time director Patricia Foulkrod delivers harsh truths, with graphic footage from the front and harrowing stories from the fighters. The film opens with shots of body bags and closes with a montage of funerals. In between, there are disturbing first-hand accounts of what's happening in Iraq and at home.
For all of the soldiers in the movie, resuming their lives as civilians has been a struggle. Recovering from the trauma of combat is particularly difficult when the war has such a high civilian death toll.
One of the first people we meet is Robert Acosta, an Army specialist injured in a grenade attack. Growing up poor in Santa Ana, Calif., he believed military service was his best chance for a better future. He enlisted at 18 in hopes of starting a new life somewhere else, "What's the point of staying here?"
Kelly Dougherty joined the Army National Guard as a medic for college benefits, assured by her recruiter that she would not be deployed overseas. She co-founded an antiwar group after spending a year in Iraq. Marine sergeant Rob Sarra remembers idolizing the characters in "Top Gun" as a kid. He decided to volunteer with the Marines because he thought "they've got cool uniforms, and chicks dig them."
The movie illustrates how enticing the military can be for young people, offering college scholarships and the chance to prove themselves heroes. Marine staff sergeant Jimmy J. Massey says recruiters are manipulative, misleading impressionable teenagers with frilly promises and pep talks.
When the U.S. was fighting in Vietnam, veterans formed their own protest groups and joined the peace marches. This documentary centers on a new generation of soldiers-turned-activists.
The film is a bit unstructured. The timeline isn't clear, and it lacks a cohesive core narrative to connect all the anecdotes and images. In the end, however, it gets its message across thanks to the candor and passion of the speakers.
NJ.com
(R) Focus Features (80 mins.)
Directed by Patricia Foulkrod. Opens Friday at theaters in New York.
Stars: 3
The phrase "support the troops" takes on a different meaning when the troops are questioning their reason for being overseas.
A documentary, "The Ground Truth" introduces us to soldiers against the war in Iraq. It's an edifying, upsetting film that offers a different perspective on the situation in the Middle East.
While most political movies address the circumstances that led us into the war, this film concentrates on the personal experiences of those who've served abroad. Veterans reflect on various aspects of the military, from the deceptive tactics of recruiters to the red tape of the health care system.
First-time director Patricia Foulkrod delivers harsh truths, with graphic footage from the front and harrowing stories from the fighters. The film opens with shots of body bags and closes with a montage of funerals. In between, there are disturbing first-hand accounts of what's happening in Iraq and at home.
For all of the soldiers in the movie, resuming their lives as civilians has been a struggle. Recovering from the trauma of combat is particularly difficult when the war has such a high civilian death toll.
One of the first people we meet is Robert Acosta, an Army specialist injured in a grenade attack. Growing up poor in Santa Ana, Calif., he believed military service was his best chance for a better future. He enlisted at 18 in hopes of starting a new life somewhere else, "What's the point of staying here?"
Kelly Dougherty joined the Army National Guard as a medic for college benefits, assured by her recruiter that she would not be deployed overseas. She co-founded an antiwar group after spending a year in Iraq. Marine sergeant Rob Sarra remembers idolizing the characters in "Top Gun" as a kid. He decided to volunteer with the Marines because he thought "they've got cool uniforms, and chicks dig them."
The movie illustrates how enticing the military can be for young people, offering college scholarships and the chance to prove themselves heroes. Marine staff sergeant Jimmy J. Massey says recruiters are manipulative, misleading impressionable teenagers with frilly promises and pep talks.
When the U.S. was fighting in Vietnam, veterans formed their own protest groups and joined the peace marches. This documentary centers on a new generation of soldiers-turned-activists.
The film is a bit unstructured. The timeline isn't clear, and it lacks a cohesive core narrative to connect all the anecdotes and images. In the end, however, it gets its message across thanks to the candor and passion of the speakers.
NJ.com
posted by madtom at 8:15 PM
2 Comments:
This one does sound too good and important too miss, but they just don't play such subsersive fare in my little corner of the world .. oh well .. I guess that's what DVD is for!
For me the DVD is the lifesaver, I hate going to the movies. I would rather watch movies in the comfort of my sofa.
Post a Comment
<< Home