This Is War: Memories of Iraq

This is War: Memories of Iraq is a visceral and intriguing documentary film that was released in the year 2007. It features the shared memories and experiences of war veterans who have served in the Iraq conflict. The courage and raw emotions of the interviewees bring a sense of immediacy and authenticity to the account the movie gives of the war that lasted from 2003 to 2011. Among the individuals providing their first-hand accounts are Rebekka Mae Bruns, Ryan Howell, and Vince Jacques.

The movie initially starts by providing the audience with the broader context of the Iraq conflict, settling into its primary approach of using a compilation of real footage and personal testimonies from the veterans. The collected stories and accounts of the soldiers, nurses, and journalists together bring to the screen a vivid narrative of the Iraq War. This is not a movie about politicians, strategists, or pundits; it strictly focuses on the personal narratives of those who experienced the war on the front lines.

Rebekka Mae Bruns, one of the protagonists, is a former US Army Combat Medic who served in Iraq. Her story, as she recalls her memories of the war, encompasses a broad array of emotions, experiences, and real-life complexities. From the tension of preparing for deployment to the harsh realities of warfare, her account paints a sobering picture of what it was like to serve in this conflict.

Equally compelling is the story of Ryan Howell, a former Infantryman. The movie eloquently captures his sense of duty, fear, camaraderie, and desolation, all of which color his memories of his service in Iraq. Howell's narrative reveals a side of war that the common viewer rarely gets to see or understand - the perspective of an infantryman on the ground. He provides a candid, grounded perspective on what it truly means to be in the heart of the conflict.

Vince Jacques, another standout character, lends further depth to the documentary with his personal reflections of the war. As a journalist embedded with the troops in Iraq, Jacques presents a unique viewpoint of the war that comprehensively portrays both the raw intensity and the mundane intervals that characterize a conflict.

The film uses different storytelling devices to present its narrative. One of the unique aspects of This Is War: Memories of Iraq is its extensive use of personal footage shot by the soldiers and civilians themselves during the war, providing a harrowing and unflinchingly realistic look at the experiences of those who lived through it. In addition, the film uses interviews and personal accounts, taped either during the war or after their return home, to further personalize the narrative.

The filmmakers have endeavored to present an honest and unfiltered depiction of the Iraq War, at times even daring to leave the audience uncomfortable and disconcerted. This direct approach is designed to foster a greater awareness of and empathy for those who served in such a harsh and uncertain environment.

Apart from the personal narratives, various themes also emerge over the course of the film, bringing to light the profound effects of war on human psyche. Themes of duty, camaraderie, loss, trauma, and resilience are explored in depth, both on individual and collective levels. The stories unfold against the backdrop of a war that, for many of these individuals, drastically altered their perspectives on life.

This Is War: Memories of Iraq does not propagate any political ideology or promote any romanticized versions of war. It provides a platform for soldiers and civilians to share their experiences of the conflict, disseminating their raw, unfiltered emotions, and insights to the viewer. Despite the harrowing accounts it presents, the movie ultimately conveys a tale of resilience, bravery, and survival.

In a nutshell, This Is War: Memories of Iraq is a powerful portrayal of the personal narratives of those involved in an intricate global event. It is not just a piece of film - it is a testament to human endurance and the power of shared experiences in unifying people who might otherwise never have crossed paths. A deeply emotional and honest account, this film is an important contribution to the world of documentary cinema.