| Soldiers With Cameras | ||
| The War Tapes | ||
| Review by Ross Anthony | ||
|
This documentary follows three US soldiers for about a year in Iraq. It includes interviews with them prior to their leaving the States, and after arriving home. Thoughts and comments of family and friends are also captured. While out of the US, most (if not all) of the footage is shot by the soldiers themselves. I guess I was expecting the look and feel of this to be like other self-filmed projects I'd seen, but I was surprised to find this production a bit fuller and well rounded as a presentation. That is to say, content aside, I expected jittery poor-resolution imagery. And while there is some of that, there is also a lot of good camera work, better resolution and premium skilled editing. I expect that the film's editors were professionals in their field as the production enjoys a nice arc, it builds and works emotionally as well as universally -- not just as a documentary on this war. But as a documentary on this war, I think it's quite interestingly balanced. Both pros and cons are included; there are those in support and those not. And, I feel, as a citizen of the US a duty to watch and listen to comments of the young men and women we send over. A quote from the film: "I love being a soldier. The only bad thing about the Army is you can't pick your war." |
||
|
||
|
Grade..........................A- (3/4) |
||
|
|
||
|
||
|
Copyright © 1998-2025 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 helps others tell their stories with words and video. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books, 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, thoughtful experienced help telling your stories through words or video, or to schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186.
Dig into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. 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. |
