Where Soldiers Come From

Where Soldiers Come From is a thought-provoking, compelling, and intimate documentary that delves deep into the journey of young men from rural America who decide to enlist in the military. This film, directed by Heather Courtney, a passionate independent filmmaker, offers a profound exploration of the motivations, experiences, and consequences facing the young soldiers and their families.

Set in the farthest reaches of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the movie starts by introducing Dominic Fredianelli and his group of lifelong friends. We see them leading ordinary lives against the quiet backdrop of their small town, engaging in common teenage pursuits and grappling with questions about their futures. The community reflected is one where opportunities can sometimes feel scarce, leading these young men to make the decision to join the National Guard right out of high school.

Over the course of the film's 90 minutes, the viewer witnesses how these ordinary teenagers, in search of direction and purpose, go through a transformation towards becoming soldiers ready for an overseas mission. It’s a journey that is simultaneously physical, emotional, and psychological, capturing the essence of young adulthood in the midst of extraordinary circumstances. Courtney spends four years documenting their journey and provides a raw, nuanced perspective on the transformation of these men.

Where Soldiers Come From then trails Dominic, Cole, and their friends as they shift from undergoing grueling training drills at their local armory to find themselves deployed in the desolate landscapes of Afghanistan. Here, the film captures the harsh realities of warfare, the profound changes the soldiers undergo as they adapt to a new and arduous environment, and the everyday challenges they face while away from their close-knit community.

What makes Where Soldiers Come From unique in its genre is its deep commitment to capturing the emotional and psychological transformations these young men experience. This includes their camaraderie, the growing apprehension of their families back at home, the uncertainties, and the challenges of long-distance relationships, among other aspects. Through this, the film does not gloss over the impact their decision to join the military has on their personal lives and relationships.

In the frontline, the young men are assigned to clear IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), which is a job that's fraught with immense pressure and danger. But even against this backdrop, they manage to hold onto endearing moments of camaraderie. The viewers are granted not just their experiences on the battlefield, but also their reflective moments, fears, hopes, and real conversations, often peppered with humor.

Once these young soldiers return home after years of service, the film does not end. Instead, it embarks on a new path, exploring the process of re-integrating back into civilian life. The physical and emotional battles these soldiers continue to fight as they acclimate back to a world far remnant from the one they left behind are sensitively portrayed. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the swings of emotions, the difficulty to find employment, disruptions in relationships, and the struggle to adapt back into the community–these aspects of post-combat reality are sincerely depicted.

Director Heather Courtney's approach presents an honest encapsulation of rural working-class America, the military experience, and the challenges faced by veterans upon their return home. Transcending politics, the film illuminates the human stories of these brave young men, who at a young age, face the toughest trials life can throw at them and bear the consequences.

Where Soldiers Come From is a heartfelt documentary infused with an emotional resonance, enlivened by an original score and the stunning cinematography of the landscape – from Michigan's snow-laden woods to Afghanistan’s barren terrains. It is a powerful narrative that unflinchingly presents the transforming journey of young soldiers, their bravery, struggles, and their unfaltering steps towards maturity. By dedicating an intimate lens towards its subjects, the film leaves viewers with a rich, layered, and authentic understanding of the soldiers' experiences and the enduring impacts of warfare. This persuasive amalgamation of storytelling, cinematic art, and real-world issues is well worth the watch for anyone seeking deeper reflections on military service and its aftermath.