Father Soldier Son

Father Soldier Son is a profound, heart-wrenching, and enlightening 2020 American documentary that exclusively centers on the life of Sergeant First Class Brian Eisch and his two young sons, Isaac and Joey. As a feature-length documentary offered by The New York Times, this film embarks on a journey through the trials and tribulations faced by a military family over ten stirring years. Regarded as an intricate tale of love, values, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of family, this film takes audiences on an emotional and unforgettable voyage set against the backdrop of war, homeland, and a journey towards self-identity.

Directed by the talented duo of Leslye Davis and Catrin Einhorn, the narrative of Father Soldier Son primarily delves into the intense and captivating gravity of military service, illuminating its far-reaching effects on those who serve and their families. The viewer is first introduced to Brian Eisch, a valiant single father and Third Squadron soldier in the US Army who is posted in Afghanistan, far from his two sons, Isaac and Joey. The bond between the three despite the geographical distance becomes immediately apparent - a bond built on love, respect, and mutual longing.

The portrayal of Eisch's life as both a dedicated soldier and a loving father indeed paints a multidimensional picture of the personal and professional challenges faced by those serving in the military. The camera unflinchingly captures the critical moments— both the strength needed to soldier through and the vulnerability that begins to surface when Eisch is gravely injured.

One of the inherent themes that resonates powerfully throughout the course of Father Soldier Son is the idea of 'legacy'. Eisch's ambition to see his sons follow his military footsteps brings forth a compelling exploration of inherited masculinity, duty, and the concept of patriotism. With deeply entrenched military roots, Isaac and Joey grapple with their aspirations, familial expectations, and the omnipresent specter of their father's military service.

The film navigates through a complex maze of emotions, such as sorrow, courage, resilience, hope, and paternal love with grace. These ten years provide a prism through which a wealth of human experiences are explored. Alongside the narrative arc of Eisch and his sons, the film also crafts a broader commentary on the American Dream, the influence of military culture on individual identity, the larger society’s view of war, and the often overlooked costs of service.

What sets Father Soldier Son apart as a war documentary is its tight focus on its subjects rather than the battlefield. It’s the silence between the words, the expressions on the faces of the boys missing their father, and the undying resolution in Eisch's eyes - that's where the film finds its rhythm.

Stunningly filmed, narratively engaging, and emotionally profound, Father Soldier Son takes a leap beyond the conventions of a standard war documentary. The film’s strength lies in its candacity, its willingness to let the narrative unfold organically over years, lending an authenticity to the protagonists' lives that a briefer snapshot could not have captured.

The cinematography, performed by Leslye Davis, is an eloquent blend of intimate close-ups and scenic landscape shots that beautifully encapsulate the dual essence of personal struggle and external influences. The musical score by Nathan Halpern adds depth to the narrative, subtly encapsulating the somber and poignant essence of the film.

The filmmakers navigate complex paths with assured deftness, balancing the poignant with the uplifting, the tragic with the hopeful. They handle the raw, emotional encounters with sensitivity, never straying into the realm of melodrama or sensationalism.

In essence, Father Soldier Son is a story of sacrifice, resilience, and familial bonds - a film that attempts to offer an insight into the lives of those who serve their country and the profound, often heartbreaking impacts this service has on their families. It is not just a war documentary but a poignant investigation of the human spirit, an intimate portrayal of a father and his sons, and the power of love that sustains them through trials and tribulations. Through the powerful narrative of the Eisch family, this film reminds viewers of the silent sacrifices of military families, carving a niche in the viewers' hearts and minds.