Review of Dirty Wars (2013) by Thomas W — 25 Oct 2013

Not only is Dirty Wars an excellent piece of documentary filmmaking, it's also a fantastic and thorough piece of investigative journalism. It's gripping, and clearly states information that could easily be jumbled and impenetrable if it was handled the wrong way.

The film involves investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill as he looks into a botched raid on a family home in Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of 5 civilians, including 2 pregnant women. From there, he ventures to explore America's covert affairs in Iran, Iraq, Yemen, and Somalia; as he explores America's "war on terror" that is actually creating more terrorists than it's eliminating.

The film presents itself without bias, only as an investigative piece; which is extremely refreshing. It relies on hard fact, and interviews with eyewitnesses, just how journalism should be. The result is eye-opening, as these facts and interviews provide views on subjects that are truly terrible and deserve to be exposed.

In terms of sheer filmmaking, the film is very well made. The cinematography is especially impressive.

Overall, this documentary should be required viewing. It's on Netflix Instant and iTunes, so you have no excuse. Watch it!