Ready for War

Ready for War is a compelling and hard-hitting documentary film that focuses on the issues of immigrants in the US military who are later deported. Directed by Andrew Renzi and released in 2019, the film presents an in-depth look into the struggles and life-or-death situations faced by these military veterans.

The film opens by giving us a little background about the US government law that allows non-citizens to serve in the military with the promise of expediting their citizenship process. Yet, despite risking their lives for the nation, many of these soldiers find themselves deported back to their native countries due to missteps with the law or without gaining their anticipated U.S. citizenship.

The nucleus of Ready for War centers on the emotional and personal testimonies of three deported veterans: Miguel Perez Jr., El Vet_ (a pseudonym), and Hector Barajas. Each story is unique and heart-wrenching, touching upon the challenges they face post-deportation, from the lack of opportunities to their estrangement from their families in the United States.

Miguel is a former U.S. soldier who served two tours in Afghanistan. His story becomes a poignant example of the harsh realities faced by these deported veterans. After struggling with substance abuse related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his time in Afghanistan, Miguel ended up entangled in a drug-related issue that led to his deportation.

El Vet_, another veteran deported back to Mexico, follows a different path. With organized crime rates soaring in Mexico, he finds himself caught in the middle, being recruited by the cartels for his military training and expertise. His struggle is a mirror to that of many deported veterans who face similar predicaments.

Lastly, Hector Barajas's story comes as a ray of hope. He has dedicated his life in Tijuana, Mexico to support other deported U.S. veterans like himself. He founds the Deported Veterans Support House, fondly known as "The Bunker," offering legal assistance, medical direction, food, shelter, and much-needed camaraderie for those who found themselves cast aside by the country for which they fought.

Renzi captures these narratives authentically, bringing you close to these real-life tragic heroes. He ties together the heartbreak, anger, and desperation these veterans face. Along the narratives of the three main heroes, the film also incorporates interviews with various experts, including immigration attorneys, public officials, and journalists. This supply the audience with a comprehensive and balanced context, supporting the personal struggles with data and facts.

Ready for War also briefly explores the impact of these deportations on the families of the veterans. It emphasizes the grim reality that even though these soldiers’ children and spouses are American citizens, the families are torn apart when the veterans are deported. The audience gets a glimpse of the emotional toll the separation takes on these families.

Despite its dark themes, Ready for War has an undercurrent of resilience. It is a painful yet necessary viewing, looking at the human cost of immigration laws and government policies. The contradiction of someone fighting for a country only to be later deported by that very country is not lost on the viewer.

The thought-provoking film is shot beautifully, with sweeping cinematic landscapes adding a depth to the narrative. Simultaneously, the haunting score resonates with the audience, perfectly capturing the melancholy, the urgency, and the gravity of the situation.

In conclusion, Ready for War puts into question America's treatment of its immigrant soldiers and the aftermath of their deportation. Through the lens of Andrew Renzi, it delves deeper into the rarely known narratives of military veterans who are deported despite their sacrifice and service to the United States. Swinging back and forth between being heartbreaking and enlightening, this 2019 documentary film doesn't just inform you, but also moves you. It is a must-watch for those who seek to understand the juxtaposition of war, immigration, and deportation in the contemporary world.