Review of Restrepo (2010) by Ryan O — 30 Nov 2010
Restrepo is a documentary film about the Afghanistan conflict that is honest, raw, and doesn't deal with any type of politics or policy. Its an unflinchingly look at a year with the Second Platoon deployed to "the most dangerous place on Earth" -- the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan.
I'm having a hard time to put into words my thoughts on this film. This is a film that will stay with me for days and weeks to come. I can say that it should be REQUIRED viewing for every American citizen. It details the life of platoon in a war zone, with out the interference of Hollywood special effects, romanticized views of war or a sugar coated view of the soldiers that risk their lives for their country. This is the BEST film to come out about the conflict in Afghanistan or Iraq for that matter. I suspect this will be nominated for a Best Documentary Oscar and will and SHOULD win it.
Its not an easy film to watch.
Sebastian Junger, author of The Perfect Storm, teamed with photographer Tim Hetherington to spend a year embedded with the Second Platoon in Afghanistan, documenting the hard work, fear and realities of war in the 21st century.
This is a portrait of war that you won't - nor will you ever see on the nightly news or the one-hour news shows (20/20, Dateline, etc.). This is it - the real thoughts and feelings from the soldiers about their comrades and brothers, the enemy, life in camp, and the actual war. You'll see the actual firefights and the risks associated with them. This is a testament to why we as citizens need to continue to support our veterans - past and present - for the sacrifices they make each and every day.
This is an outstanding film that SHOULD NOT BE MISSED.
I caught it on the National Geographic Channel - first aired on 11/29/10. The DVD release is slated for 12/7/10. Go find it. Get it. Watch it. Discuss it. Then thank your veteran for their service.
**Thank you to my friends who have served, are serving and to those who are considering serving.
A fantastic and worthy film.
This review of Restrepo (2010) was written by Ryan O on 30 Nov 2010.
Restrepo has generally received very positive reviews.
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