Review of The Invisible War (2012) by Penicillin — 05 Nov 2012

It's hard not to conflate the content with the film itself and its construction. I suppose with investigative documentary film-making, you can name a project a success when the content has been investigated fully, when the process of creation advances the body of knowledge and understanding on the topic, when it is pieced together in a way that is coherent and yet, in a way that keeps you interested, pulls at the heartstrings and tells a fascinating real story.

This film is a good investigative documentary. It is good for being the 21st century last resort for exposure on real issues that are ignored by systems in place. The craft is almost secondary but done well enough not to be noticeable or impeding.

This is a film people should watch, particularly americans. It is a real eye opener not only from the incidences of sexual assault documented in the US military, but more importantly I feel, the effect this has on the ordinary people who do not deserve it, who literally have their psyches devastated.

It is not an easy or fun watch, but an important one. Well put together and illuminating. Much respect to all involved in the project. This film will fill you with anger at the horrendous chauvinism, cultural violence and irresponsibility at the heart of one of american's biggest institutions.

We are nowhere in this world without films, books, music that endeavour to improve us like this one does.