Parables of War

Parables of War is a moving and evocative 2015 documentary, which navigates the delicate subject of the emotional devastation caused by war and the profound healing power of art. Directed by Lisa Bergman and featuring Josh Bleill, Marjani Forte-Saunders, and Liz Lerman, the film leverages dance and performance art to explore the intersecting paths of healing, adaptation, and coping for veterans returning from active service.

Josh Bleill, a former Marine Corps corporal who lost both his legs in Iraq, shares his journey of recovery in a very intimate and intriguing way in this movie. His story takes center stage, allowing the audience to gain an insight into the unimaginable trauma of coming to grips with such a catastrophic change in physical ability and identity. Alongside Bleill, we also hear from Marjani Forte-Saunders, an acclaimed dancer, choreographer and performer, and Liz Lerman, a legendary dancer, choreographer, and MacArthur "Genius Grant" Fellow.

Parables of War effectively showcases the power of dance and movement as a route towards transformation and recovery. It thoroughly explores the concept of 'post-traumatic growth' and the surprising resilience of the human spirit under extraordinary circumstances. The film captures the confluence of three distinct experiences and perspectives on war, trauma, and recovery through the lens of an arresting narrative dance fusion.

One of the key narrative voices in the documentary besides Bleill is choreographer Liz Lerman. Lerman, known for innovative dance-theater works dealing with history, science, and social issues, guides audiences through a journey that mixes bleeding-edge performance art with deeply human stories of survival and adaptation. Drawing on her skills as a dancer, she helps to confront the pain and trauma of war in an aesthetically appealing and emotionally engaging manner.

On another layer of the movie, we encounter the story of Marjani Forte-Saunders, known for her unique dance style. Forte-Saunders uses her dance to convey her experiences and observations about the long-lasting impacts of war on soldiers and their families, drafting a language beyond words to convey the depth of these feelings. The juxtaposition and contrast between these two professional artists and Bleill’s reality deliver an unsettling, yet, poignant expression of human adaptability.

Parables of War is structured not just as a passing glance at wounded warriors, but as a deep dive into the mental, emotional, and physical and toll that war takes. More importantly, it seeks to explore how art, specifically dance, can be used as an avenue for healing and for communicating experiences that are difficult to express in words. The result is an engaging compilation of testimonials and performances that reflect a deliberate, thoughtful exploration of trauma, healing, and resilience.

The film's style is just as unconventional as its story. Its narrative is episodic rather than linear, reflecting the fragmentation of the characters' experiences and memories. It uses this fractured narrative style to explore the impact of warfare on the individual psyche and to convey the concept of healing as a nonlinear journey. Throughout the film, there’s an undulating rhythm, an oscillation between stillness and flurries of activity, as the narrative dances among its diverse threads. The movie tells its story via honest, direct to camera accounts from its leads, candid behind-the-scenes footage, and powerfully choreographed dance sequences.

Parables of War effectively pushes the boundaries of the traditional war story narrative by choosing dance – a universal language – as its vehicle. It highlights the cyclical relationship between trauma and art, providing a fresh perspective on the healing process. This documentary doesn't shy away from displaying the raw, unvarnished reality of war and its aftermath, yet it finds a way to celebrate human resilience and the possibility of recovery. The film proves to be a thought-provoking, deeply personal exploration of the profound impact of warfare on human lives and the transformative power of arts in catalyzing recovery.

Parables of War ultimately serves as both a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and a profound, if unconventional, exploration of how we come to terms with the most harrowing of experiences. It is a poignant reminder of the healing power of artistic expression and its ability to build bridges of empathy, understanding, and even catharsis. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the field of arts in catalyzing recovery, social issues, or the human experience in general.