Body of War

2007

1h 27m

Documentary

List

80%

Tomatometer

41 Reviews

82%

Audience Score

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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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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Ben Kenigsberg

Time Out

Rated: 4/5

Nov 16, 2011

Full Review

David Fear

Time Out

Rated: 3/5

Nov 16, 2011

Full Review

Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: B-

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Prairie Miller

WBAI Radio

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.

Aug 4, 2012

Full Review

Ross Anthony

Hollywood Report Card

The doc gets up-close and personal. It shows one injured vet's reality after war.

Rated: 2.5/4

Nov 18, 2008

Full Review

Stephen Schaefer

Boston Herald

Rated: A

Oct 18, 2008

Full Review

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Audience Member

"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

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Remember the immortal 23!!! A sad moment in the history of our country.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Everyone should watch this.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

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!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

Full Review

Audience Member

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.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

Full Review

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Phil Donahue

Director

Ellen Spiro

Director

Phil Donahue

Writer

Ellen Spiro

Writer

Phil Donahue

Executive Producer

Ellen Spiro

Producer

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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: Phil Donahue
Screenwriter: Phil Donahue, Ellen Spiro
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 24, 2019
Runtime: 1h 27m

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