American Veteran

American Veteran is a gripping 2017 feature-length documentary that offers a poignant, in-depth insight into the life of a quadriplegic war veteran, Sgt. Nick Mendes. Directed by Julie Cohen and produced by Betsy West, the film paints an intimate and compelling portrait of adaptation, love, and challenge, while providing a real perspective on the human cost of war.

Sgt. Nick Mendes is brought forth as the chief protagonist of this narrative. He was paralysed on his neck down during an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) explosion in Afghanistan in 2011 while serving in the U.S Army. The result left him a quadriplegic and this is where the story starts, shedding light on the aftermath for our brave men and women once they've left the battlefields.

The narrative is shifting in its focus, weaving the reality of his everyday routine, threaded with episodes of his past, constantly reminding us of the dramatic change that has taken place in his life. Through unvarnished footage captured over a five-year period, the film delves into the near-crippling challenges that Sgt. Mendes faces on a daily basis, from mundane day-to-day tasks to the broader ramifications of living with a disability, including his struggle with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and depression.

The raw narrative explores how Sgt. Mendes demonstrates exceptional courage and resilience in choosing to roll with the punches, as he constantly battles odds stacked against him. He retains his sense of humour and motivation to lead a fulfilling life while showcasing his unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. His hard-headed determination and spirit spring from his military background, but it is his heart and character that truly shine in this story.

Apart from focusing on the military veteran's physical challenges, American Veteran also lays bare the emotional battles that Sgt. Mendes continues to face. Throughout the film, his love story with Wendy Eichler, his compassionate and dedicated caregiver, unfolds in parallel, starting from their first online interaction to their eventual marriage. Their relationship paints an especially affectionate and touching picture of the film, a lifeline of support and love that Mendes clings onto in his toughest times.

Wendy's transition from a friend and caregiver to a significant other teaches us about compassion, empathy and the ability to brave adversity. Her struggle is as poignant, facing her own set of challenges while caring for a person with serious disabilities. She epitomises courage and strength against the backdrop of incredibly demanding circumstances. Their love story is not just captivating but also powerfully illuminating, smashing stereotypes associated with the care relationships.

The director employs a respectful and sensitive lens while dealing with the subject matter of this documentary, exercising a nuanced treatment that further humanizes the narrative. The film employs a narrative structure blending Mendes' past and present in a seamless tapestry, interjecting interviews with his family, friends, and therapists to furnish a holistic perspective. The film is further enriched by the use of Mendes' own videos and photographs that leaven his back-story with a sense of relatability.

American Veteran as a film is not just a war narrative, it is also a testament to human endurance and perseverance in the face of life-altering adversity. It underscores how willpower, love, and support can overcome life's most formidable barriers. This movie finds its strength in its characters, mainly Sgt. Mendes and Wendy, highlighting the power of the human spirit, the strength of love and determination, and the ability to reset one's life amidst the ruins.

While the documentary is a brilliant portrayal of a wounded soldier's life, American Veteran extends beyond individual experience. It delves into the life of every serviceman and servicewoman who returns home after sacrificing so much for their country, primarily addressing the more significant issue of how society perceives and accommodates its veterans. It poses serious questions on the emotional, physical, and mental health care provided to these brave souls and the support structure that exists for their care and rehabilitation.

In essence, American Veteran is a poignant and moving saga that juxtaposes the harsh realities of war and its aftermath with the power of love and the indomitable human spirit. It's a bittersweet symphony of life, a love story, a tale of heroic resilience, and a meditation on the eternal human spirit that refuses to yield – a unique piece of cinema that will leave you moved, humbled, and inspired.