Review of Hell and Back Again (2011) by Todd B — 26 Sep 2012

A disorganized and lackluster documentary that attempts to convey the difficulties soldiers face in returning to civilian life. 'Hell and Back Again' never effectively builds a connection with its marine subject and the viewer, instead spending half of its running time on boring clips with US marines arguing with Afghani farmers.

The film only seems effective enough to convey the physical troubles of returning from war to 'normal' society, not the mental. Furthermore, the HABA's main subject is unlikable at best and downright dull and off-putting at worst.

This is one of the most disappointing documentaries I have ever seen.