Review of Restrepo (2010) by Patrick F — 06 Jan 2011
I will always have respect for a documentary that lets the subject matter tell itself. This is simply the story of a group of soldiers in a particlar part of Afghanistan for a period of time. It is one of the most dangerous places to be in the war, which makes it interesting.
The discussion seems to paint things much more dire than what is shown. I imagine this is mostly due to wanting to not be disrespectful to the fallen or injured soldiers. toward the end I felt like the "point" that was being made was that these soldiers experienced this horrible life trauma which we cannot see.
As a viewer, while the point is to just show the truth, I felt I needed to "feel" it a little more if the filmmaker is going to end the film with long shots of mentally damaged solders staring in to the camera.
If you are going to play that "card" I should FEEL it. I never did here. I'm not saying manipulate the "news" footage, I'm saying don't use that cinematic tactic and have it feel empty.
I respect the film, but felt it was mostly soldiers building shit and walking around. If that is what "happened" then that is fine... but then why does it merit it's own film? I honor the troops, but I don't know that this was such a great location of interest that it deserves the time given.
A great 60 minutes piece seems more like something this subject matter deserved.
This review of Restrepo (2010) was written by Patrick F on 06 Jan 2011.
Restrepo has generally received very positive reviews.
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