Hell and Back Again [DVD]

There have been a number of films made about men in combat and/or men returning home from conflict. Any documentary feature about our involvement in recent military events may have the tendency to turn the primary topic to political debate. That's fine as subject matter, but sometimes a more simplistic and candid approach can speak volumes louder than any pointed analysis or commentary. Danfung Dennis' intimate chronicle of one Marine unit's presence in Afghanistan places the focus exactly where it should be--on the soldiers. This is about as realistic a glimpse as you're likely to get at the realities of day to day existence in modern warfare. Photojournalist Danfung was embedded with Echo Company in a 2009 assault on Taliban forces in southern Afghanistan. As such, he was privy to film the everyday struggles pursuing the enemy faction while interacting with the locals. As you might expect, he documents a number of firefights, injuries and even casualties. But he also films many interaction with town elders about how to navigate a peaceful and respectful coexistence. Danfung's presence is never intrusive and his viewpoint really makes you understand the social climate the soldiers dealt with.

But far more than just an in-country document, Danfung crosscuts and juxtaposes the Afghanistan footage with the personal story of Sergeant Nathan Harris as he readjusts to home life after returning from Echo Company with a rather traumatic injury. For the most part, Harris is the voice of the piece. Danfung doesn't conduct typical interviews, the men in Afghanistan aren't explored in depth, and what we're left with is Harris. He represents the every man persona, or every soldier in this case. He is the consummate soldier, seeing nothing outside of being able to return to his duties. But seeing him work toward recuperation and deal with the aftermath of being in battle is a sometimes harrowing, sometimes uncomfortable portrait. Harris is both a noble figure and one permanently affected by his experiences and injuries. This psychological examination is all the more potent in that it has no particular agenda. It just puts a camera in front of Harris, and the film lets Harris speak for himself.

I really admired this piece and its extremely personal focus. There is no moralizing or political grandstanding or posturing. This is about every day life for soldiers at war and at home. Different viewers will likely take different things out of the movie. But it successfully conveys a reality and intimacy that distinguish it from the pack. It's a quiet film, a subtle one really, but in this apprach--it really gets under your skin in an affecting way. Not only is it a fantastic picture of the modern soldier, it is also terrific filmmaking. And that should also be noted and appreciated. I know this Sundance Award winner is on the shortlist for Oscar consideration as Best Documentary feature--I certainly hope it makes the cut. KGHarris, 12/11.

I never leave reviews on anything, But this time I had too. To Hell and Back Again gives you an inside look of what it is Like at War in Combat and the Hardships of Coming Home. I served as a Grunt in the Iraq War and am 27 Years Old. Watching this Documentary was like Watching myself, All Over Again. PTSD and Substance abuse is a Serious Matter and this Video Shows how Real It Is.

It used to be that the camera was considered the enemy of war. The Tet Offense was shown on the network news and has often been cited as the dealbreaker for The Vietnam War. Now it all depends where and how you aim and shoot, but with a video camera and some skillful editing, you can make some intimate and informative war films. Of course today's support for the soldier has increased, but point-of-view has become essential in how one perceives any modern campaign.

Such is the case for 'Hell and Back Again,' an honest portrait of gung-ho soldier Sergeant Nathan Harris, and a film which criss-crosses between serving the end of his third duty in Afghanistan and his homeridden rehabilitation from a wound he received just days before his last duty ended. At first we see him as an able commander, barking at and leading his troops through some harrowing campaigns as we see their counter insurgency increase the pressure on the Taliban.

At home Ashley, his wife, is supportive, and many of his fellow North Carolina residents receive him warmly. Rehabilitation takes its toll in the Harris home as we see VA meetings, rehabilitation sessions, trips to Wal-Mart, stops for multiple prescriptions, and home scenes generously provided. As we close in on the battles that led to his injury, the fallout of PTSD becomes more apparent. Even the rucuperating soldier admits that he prefers the rigors of Afghanistan over the little hassles that stress him out so keenly on the homefront. A bullet hit him in the hip, rickocheted through his right leg, and left him unable to walk and in great pain. In Afghanistan we seem him as a brave commander and the best of sometimes a bad lot at persuading Afghanistan citizens. (It becomes clear that soldiers increasingly have become diplomats, not an easy task as Afghanis sometimes view both the Taliban and United States as mutual enemies.) When we close in on the time of his war wounds, both parts of his story seem whole and complete.

'Hell and Back Again' is an unflinching look at a soldier's life both on and off the battlefield. It is a step up from the admirable 'The War Tapes' with Iraqi veterans, Zack Bazzi and Steve Pink, because it is tighter, shows more explicitly the dangers at the front, and more tangibly illustrates the consequences of their sacrifices. (It just amazes me how determined Sgt. Nathan Harris is to be rehabilitated, so he can serve on a fourth tour--probably no better able to do more than limp the rest of his life.) As a worthy recent Oscar nominee, 'Hell and Back Again' is an illuminating film and shouldn't be ignored.