Restrepo is the story of an Army unit’s tour of duty in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley. It’s a remarkable documentariy about what it’s really like for the men fighting in the remote outposts on “the war on terror”.
Only it’s not about the war on terror for the men at Restrepo, not really. It’s about staying alive and having each other’s back. That was how Sebastian Junger described the dynamic in the companion book War, and it comes across pretty much the same way in the film. The larger political debate isn’t really an issue for them.
There’s quite a bit of shaky-cam action in this movie, which is understandable, considering how it was filmed. There are intense firefights but scenes of blood and guts are very minimal. In fact, the enemy fighters aren’t really seen at all. They’re either hiding or too far off in the distance.
It’s appropriate that the movie was released on the 4th of July weekend. After seeing the movie I came away with a renewed respect for the men who volunteer to fight our wars. They put their lives on the line every day at places like Outpost Restrepo.
Bump to say that this is a terrific movie that should really be seen. It’s sobering, but also funny and entertaining in parts as well. Easily the best documentary I’ve seen in ages, and one of the best movies I’ve seen this year. It doesn’t look like it’s gotten wide distribution yet (just one or two theaters in New York City, I believe?), but well worth searching out.
If you don’t believe me, check out A.O. Scott’s review in the New York Times.
This really needs another bump. I just watched it and as an Army Vet, I am …aghast.
If you don’t care to watch, here’s the NY Times recap (and please with any tl:dr shit) and its a compelling read.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/magazine/24afghanistan-t.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1
Its long-ish but in a website sorta way. I encourage you to read it. Maybe this was already posted. If not, apologies.
Please also keep in mind that this is from 2008…some things have changed.
I have no personal experience with being a soldier, but this seemed to me the closest in feel to what modern warfare must be like. Even though the current situation is not exactly like that it really is less of a newsreel and more of just a documentary about war, as American soldiers are fighting it. Just the fact that such a thing is possible to make today makes it a fairly impressive thing.