Review of Battle for Haditha (2007) by Lars P — 05 Nov 2014

This film has some really great cinematic moments, and a powerful, brutal story to tell, but it's a rather spotty viewing experience thanks to how it's told. I think the documentary style works against the film, which would have been better with a cinematic tone to drive home the emotional empathy and power of the story.

It's greatest weakness, though, is a preachy expositionary tone, which works against the documentary style. Too much is explained by characters in unnatural dialogue and the horrific war crimes, impactful enough on their own, are followed by clunky monologues to drive home the point, robbing scenes of their power.

Also, mediocre acting doesn't help the shaky dialogue. It's a real shame, because "Battle for Haditha" makes a valiant effort to humanize *all* involved in the tragedy, but these nagging issues of form prevent it from reaching the heights it could have.