Restrepo (2010)
Directed by Sebastian Junger & Tim Hetherington
This is the kind of movie that should be shown on TV, on all of the major stations-- ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX. They showed Schindler's List unedited on TV at one point, why not this? This is perhaps the most powerful documentary on men at war that I have ever seen. It takes the veil of secrecy off of what transpires in Afghanistan and shoves it right into our faces. The camera never stops rolling as the viewer is taken through multiple firefights, while at the same time capturing the tedium and boredom of holding a position.
What was particularly powerful about this movie was not the war footage (which was shocking) but really, it was the way in which the two directors were able to capture the way in which men behave together. It showed them as they discuss life, communicate, and have an impromptu dance party. While that might strike someone as being relatively insignificant, it shows the audience what these soldiers are- they are kids. They are all 18-25 year olds. They should be at home with their friends trying to figure things out and yet they are bravely serving our country to fight a war that they may not agree with.
I cannot sing this movie's praises highly enough. While simple in concept, it packs a wallop. Go see it as soon as you can.
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