Restrepo

I do not consider myself to be a film connoisseur or by any means versed in what makes a film great, meaningful, popular etc.  But.  I do have my opinions and while my favorite movies are generally limited to “feel good” classics like When Harry Met Sally, Steel Magnolias, or the always hilarious Just Friends and Nacho Libre, I’d like to suggest that you all see another.  Last night I saw the documentary Restrepo.  It was amazing.  I think every single American should watch it.  I had never even heard of it before I watched it so if you’re like me and way out of the loop (my life is incredibly boring and with each passing day I get less cool, and more clueless about pop culture) I’ll fill you in.  It’s a documentary following a group of soldiers as they are deployed in Korengal valley in Afghanistan for 15 months.  It’s very real, and very insightful.  From the reviews I’ve read a lot of critics think that there is a huge political agenda, and looking back I can kind of see it, but that’s definitely not why I recommend it.  I think the makers of the documentary wanted to highlight the pointlessness of the war.  I disagree and while watching it that's not the message I got (maybe that's because I almost never interpret art, film, music etc in terms of politics).  What I got out of it was a true understanding of what the military does for us and the selflessness it requires.  It makes me appreciate the men of the armed forces on a whole different level and watching it was one of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had.  Go watch it.  Now.