| Iraq War Vets Speak | ||
| The Ground Truth | ||
| Review by Ross Anthony | ||
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Technically, the production is smooth. The images are crisp, in focus, good resolution, stable. The audio is clear and level. Structurally, the documentary is pretty much a steady flow of interviews with about 15 to 20 veterans who have returned home -- many from the Iraq war, but some from other wars. Some of the Iraq War vets interviewed have returned from the war with major permanent physical injuries. Nearly all of those interviewed speak frankly about their Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The news in the US regarding the Iraq war seems to be quite at the whim of what news sources believe is interesting to us (or worse, entertaining). Our politicians on both sides tend toward the extremes, leaving us all to wonder where the truth lies. Perhaps on the ground in Iraq. And while, unfortunately, this documentary does not include interviews with vets that come back 100% pro-Iraq war, it still does a very good job of presenting the views of soldiers who on our behalf went over to Iraq and fought. They speak with stark honest frankness. They're sincerity is powerful. The documentary (and soldiers) point out that PTSD isn't necessarily a combat induced disorder, but a trained-to-kill mentality that doesn't go away when soldiers return home. Here are some interesting quotes from the film's press kit: 35% of Iraq veterans have already sought out mental health services. Over 18,000 U.S. wounded have been recorded since the war began. According to the National Priorities Project, the $150 billion spent on Iraq reconstruction could have provided over 7 million students 4-yr University Scholarships, or fully funded global anti-hunger efforts for 6 years, or ensured that every child in the world basic immunizations for 51 years.
The film was produced in association with: |
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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. |
