Cinema Montreal

Not needing much of a description because the premise is simple: this is simply amazing raw footage from a platoon deployed to the Koregal valley in Afghanistan, one of the most dangerous assignements for the U. S. army. It's so authentic because it is all actual footage and there is no narrative or soundtrack at all. It speaks to how authentic it is given that people can't decide if this is a pro-war or anti-war movie. In essence, it's neither because it's not trying to make a statement at all. It serves brilliantly its purpose of communicating to the audience what it's like being deployed to this region. However, it's hard not to think during the movie (and afterwards, believe me) how much the situation is similar to Vietnam and you question why these troops are putting everything on the line. Especially watching a couple of heart-wrenching scenes. It will be difficult to enjoy hollywood fictionized war movies I think from now on. Even ones as quietly stirring as Hurt Locker. After you've seen or experience the real deal, how can you adjust to anything else? Definitely recommended. Strong, strong film. Must be a shoe-in for best documentary this year.

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