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Body of War

Play trailer Poster for Body of War 2007 1h 27m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 41 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
In this documentary, Iraq War veteran Tomas Young returns from duty with a severed spine and post-traumatic stress disorder. As Young reflects on his experiences in combat and the high price he paid for going to fight in the Middle East, he begins to question the validity of the war in Iraq and the value of war in general. As Young transforms from shattered soldier to devout anti-war activist, the debate over the Iraq war rages through Congress and ignites public outrage.

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Body of War

Body of War

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Critics Consensus

Unapologetically political, this intimate and heart wrenching profile of an Iraq veteran may be rough around the edges but takes a potent stance with determination and compassion.

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Critics Reviews

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Michael Phillips Chicago Tribune 10/18/2008
2.5/4
Whatever you think of the film, Body of War stirs up real admiration for its subject. Go to Full Review
J. R. Jones Chicago Reader 05/16/2008
[Tomas Young] deserves better treatment from the government than he's gotten as a returning veteran, and a better movie than this simpleminded indictment of every senator who voted 'yea.' Go to Full Review
Jim Emerson Chicago Sun-Times 05/16/2008
3/4
Body of War again demonstrates that we Americans still have some bitter truths to face. Go to Full Review
Prairie Miller WBAI Radio 08/04/2012
When is a startling and devastating war movie made in the past too long ago to shed light on the present? Well, apparently never, if we're talking permanent war characterizing the endless US invasions and occupations around the world. Go to Full Review
Ross Anthony Hollywood Report Card 11/18/2008
2.5/4
The doc gets up-close and personal. It shows one injured vet's reality after war. Go to Full Review
Stephen Schaefer Boston Herald 10/18/2008
A
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Audience Reviews

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05/31/2013 "Powerful documentary that takes a detailed look at the Iraq war and its devastation by focusing on a single casualty; Thomas Young, a 25 year old enlistee from Kansas city" whose story has been interspersed with political flag waving and Bush-isms. Thomas enlisted on Sept 13 2011 and was injured after only 1 week in Iraq, shot in the upper chest he is now paralyzed and on a plethora of drugs for his constant pain and other ongoing medical conditions. He is an active speaker against the war. Thomas' story was very interesting but I have to admit I fast-forwarded through most of the political hoopla and voting house members. I get what the filmmakers were trying to do but frankly it was boring. Excellent original music from Eddie Vedder. 05.13 See more 05/05/2013 Remember the immortal 23!!! A sad moment in the history of our country. See more 06/13/2012 Everyone should watch this. See more 11/18/2011 Not the most complex documentary, but certainly makes you recognize the day-to-day of wounded warriors. And man, if there was ever a film to make you miss Robert Byrd, this is it! See more 10/27/2011 This documentary is very biased in the argument the Iraqi war. The liberal agendra provided mocks and discredits teh conservative view in the argument without even providing them with time to state their opinions fairly. The double standard for this film and most media outlets to focus and pinpoint FOX news while hypocritically beign bias themselves disgusts me. Being the unbias conservative I am......I say this film is very effective! Leading me to at times despise the remarks of conservative counterparts. See more 04/15/2011 This is usually not the type of movie I watch (documentary genre), but it was suggested to me by a co-worker. The film is a poignant look at my co-worker's son (Thomas) as he learns to re-live life with his paralysis after serving in the war in Iraq. The film not only moved me emotionally but also INFORMED me about the 2002 Iraq War Resolution and the struggles of those involved in the anti-war movement. See more Read all reviews
Body of War

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Movie Info

Synopsis In this documentary, Iraq War veteran Tomas Young returns from duty with a severed spine and post-traumatic stress disorder. As Young reflects on his experiences in combat and the high price he paid for going to fight in the Middle East, he begins to question the validity of the war in Iraq and the value of war in general. As Young transforms from shattered soldier to devout anti-war activist, the debate over the Iraq war rages through Congress and ignites public outrage.
Director
Phil Donahue, Ellen Spiro
Producer
Ellen Spiro
Screenwriter
Phil Donahue, Ellen Spiro
Production Co
Mobilus Media, Phil Donahue Enterprises
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 24, 2019
Runtime
1h 27m
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