Veteran Reflections
Body of War
Review by Ross Anthony

This documentary by Phil Donahue and Ellen Spiro is both a very personal look into life after war of paralyzed vet Tomas Young and a reflection on those elected officials that elected to go to war with a country that had not attacked, nor had intentions of attacking the USA. But, it is mostly the former, accented by the later. (I couldn't help be reminded of the film "Born on the Fourth of July" with Tom Cruise.)

Tom Young was moved by the events of 9/11. He wanted to fight those who attacked the United States. He voluntarily joined the army expecting to be sent to Afghanistan, instead was sent to Iraq. But that's just the pre-story, the majority of this doc is Tom's life after war. With ample time to think it over, Tom decides to dedicate himself to protesting the war he voluntarily signed up for.

The doc gets up-close and personal. It shows one injured man's reality after war, the side most people much prefer to skirt under the couch. Donahue and Spiro name the leaders most citizens of the USA simply trusted to make good decisions. Senator Byrd is highlighted as one of the more passionate of those 25% opposed.

-- Books by Author/Illustrator/Speaker Ross Anthony --


  • Body of War. Copyright © 2008.
  • Directed by Phil Donahue and Ellen Spiro. Starring Tomas Young and his family.

Grade..........................B+ (2.5/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Tuesday, 18-Nov-2008 10:24:07 PST