Review of Restrepo (2010) by Stella D — 19 Apr 2011

An embedded doc about a year in the life of a platoon stationed at the furthest outpost of the korangol valley, afghanistan, considered the most dangerous post in the world, where they literally come under fire every single day. it's a wild and beautiful country, known as the graveyard of empires, that hasn't changed much in a thousand years. the battle for 'hearts and minds' is conducted at weekly shura councils, where our troops try to maintain a working relationship with local elders. it's rough going at best. no film can truly give the experience of being in a war zone but this is certainly an impressive attempt. ultimately the seeming futility is maddening.

Edit 4/20/2011: tim hetherington, british photojournalist and filmmaker, was killed today in libya. he was 41. rip.