Reserved To Fight

Reserved to Fight is an evocative and deeply moving war documentary directed by Chantelle Squires and released in 2008. The protagonists of the film are four Marines – Martin Smith, Matt Jemmett, Mark Patterson, and David Brooks, who originally served as part of the Marine’s 2nd Battalion, also known as the “Fox Company.”

The film traces the journey of these Marines from being citizen soldiers of Fox Company to their deployment in Iraq after the 9/11 terror attacks and follows through with their tumultuous adjustment back into civilian life. This two-hour extraordinary exploration provides an incentive look at these individuals, showcasing not just what they endured at the war front, but also the aftermath of their experiences once they return home.

At the heart of the film is the struggle these four veterans face as they try to reconcile their memories of war with the realities of everyday domestic life upon their return. They must grapple with the complex feelings of disillusionment, guilt, anger, and other multiple psychological repercussions that are often experienced by those returning from combat. The film provides a nuanced view into the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a common yet frequently unaddressed issue among veterans.

Reserved to Fight initially shows us the former Marines in their "before" phase – as young men, full of optimism and patriotism, bravely volunteering to defend their country in Iraq. It then quickly jumps ahead three years, where the four are shown dealing with various degrees of emotional trauma and social disconnection post-deployment.

The filmmakers delve into the personal lives of these Marines, their relationships with their families, their struggles with employment, and their coping mechanisms – both healthy and otherwise. The camera follows them as they attend school, work, and spend time with their loved ones, capturing their humanity and painting an intimate portrait of their ongoing battles.

Matt Jemmett, who acts as the heart and soul of the film, shares openly about his nightmares and the unbearable guilt he feels over the deaths of his colleagues. His vulnerability is echoed in the stories of the other three Marines, each of whom offer honest revelations of their struggles.

The scenes involving these Marines confiding in each other about their experiences are some of the most poignant moments of the movie. They rely on each other for understanding and camaraderie that they are unable to find elsewhere. Chris Nibley's skillful editing enhances the emotional effect of these scenes, seamlessly blending past and present, war and peace, to striking effect.

The evocative cinematography of the film juxtaposes shots of the natural beauty in Utah, where the soldiers reside, with disturbing visuals from the war in Iraq. This not only enhances the film's impact but also symbolizes the mental and emotional contrast that the Marines are grappling with.

While Reserved to Fight serves as a deeply personal narrative of the experiences of these four ex-marines, it raises wider questions about the impacts of war on the mind, and the adequacy of social and psychological support for veterans.

Additionally, the film also explores the dichotomy between the patriotic fervor that often accompanies the initiation of war and the subsequent lack of understanding and empathy meted out to returning veterans suffering from its consequences. It shines a spotlight on the unfortunate reality of warriors being hailed as heroes but are often left to deal with their invisible wounds alone.

The subject matter of Reserved to Fight may be uncomfortable, but it remains an essential and timely conversation. It changes the one-dimensional perspective of war and uncovers the aftermath that is often overlooked.

In conclusion, Reserved to Fight is a compelling and empathetic documentary that succeeds not only in shedding light on the psychological toll of warfare but also in humanizing those who fight. Rich in emotional depth and propelled by heartfelt testimonials, the movie offers viewers a chance to engage with the realities of PTSD and the impact of conflict on individual lives. Beyond its high production values, its real power lies in its compassionate portrayal of its subjects and the important dialogue it instigates about the true costs of war.