An Act of War

Approximately 21 Iraq/Afghanistan war veterans commit suicide per day. Not really sure if anyone knows that there are more soldiers killed each day in America once they've returned home safe than were ever killed in Iraq/Afghanistan during the years of war. I started following these guys when I saw them giving an interview on Bloomberg raising awareness on PTSD, and was anxious to see the full film when it released a few days ago. I don't really write reviews, but felt compelled to for this one, because it needs to be seen, needs to be talked about, and something needs to be done about this issue, BOTTOMLINE. This film is a work of fiction, but is oh so true at its core. Powerful film from some young up and comers who should be be given a chance to do something bigger.

I was employed at a VA Hospital for two years. No matter what department you are in, you get to know some of the guys who are there on a regular basis. Hard to admit, but this is an all to frequent tale of someone unable to adapt once they make it home. It may be a bit dramatic or theatrical in places, but that's the idea of a fiction I guess. I just felt the need to say that from my experience, the plot of this film is not too far fetched to be believable. I wish I had a solution to the problem addressed in the story, but I don't think there is one beyond ending all conflict, which is never going to happen. As long as people are sent to fight the battles of more powerful people, these issues will persist. At least someone took the initiative to address it in a narrative form, which will make a lot more people aware of it that otherwise would be. This is not an action thriller as it's made out to be, but certainly worth the watch.

Jacob, a veteran of the military has been released from duty and now faces the world he sought to protect. Unaware that he suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from his capture and torture from enemy forces. Trying to make sense of his life, he leads a dreary existence as a projectionist for a run down theater in a poor neighborhood. He is surrounded with older run down mementos that remind of a happier past before the military. The people in his life also suffer the ills of the world around them; not catching a break from poor decisions. All these people intertwine with Jacob and lead to a tale of self destruction. This subject is something of a hotbed and not nearly addressed enough by society. We send strapping young lads into war but are never prepared to deal with the consequences and the products of such devastation.

And what of these heroes when they return? Many of them become homeless, unemployed, even worse they are ignored. Ryan Kennedy brings out a brilliant tale that taunts shocking realism for the men and women in our armed forces. This vision complimented with the black and white cinematography brands this sense of isolationism and angst. It's a call for healing to those who suffered and need our attention. The world is too busy to help another human being much less a soldier who has served his time. The performance by Russ Russo as Jacob was heartfelt. The audience can easily connect with the protagonist and is carried through his journey of despair and the people around him that offer no solace. The cast had brought the dialog from Ryan to life completing the vision of this sad tale. This film is exclusively distributed on Kickstarter digitally and the campaign will finance its theatrical release. This movie needs to be shared as it is a beautiful piece of cinematography with a grueling story to tell.

Today is my 45th wedding anniversary, except my wife died February 12 of last year. Dealing with her death after the first year left me facing the black hole I have ignored for 52 years - Panel 01E, Line 79, the Wall. My best friend in the Army, whom I trained, died in Nam early on - December, 1963. As part of finally facing this, I have been reading some about the war, written by Vets - The Things They Carried (I was Infantry) and The Sorrow of War (by a North Vietnam Vet). This movie came along. I'm not a movie reviewer, not a movie historian, just an old guy that has seen a lot of movies and like dumb, mindless action flicks mostly with lots of colorful explosions, and maybe some breasts. And the good guys always win in the end. So don't expect sophistication.

This movie is for one, black and white noir. For two, is painfully slow for the first 30 minutes, picks up a bit the next 30 minutes, and has a decent ending. I found it very painful. So I rated it in the middle. I'm sure college kids taking movie appreciation classes will love it. It has all the noir ingredients that make movies so cool. They have not had to live this stuff.

Every Veterans Day, I go to town, order two pints of beer, drink one and bring my buddy up to date on what has happened, and leave - with one full pint left untouched. We made a deal 52 years ago and counting. I'm gonna keep it until I die, which hopefully won't be a lot of years from now. I first went to Nam in 1985 on a Veteran's project - point of the spear for normalizing relations - and was met by a vet from the project (and good friend) and we spent two of the craziest weeks I have ever had in (what was) North Vietnam. We cried a lot together, and separately, then came back escorting 7 Indian orphans (don't ask). Two months later he was dead from an overdose - his name, and many more like him, should be on the Wall, but are not.

This movie addresses that pain, well acted by them too young to have experienced it. I honestly don't know how to rate it. Did I like? No.

Will I forget it soon?

Probably never.

Is this really a movie review? Naw, just something I had to say. I will never forget this movie, and I will never like it, either. So a 5.

I wasn't really sure what I was getting into when I sat down to watch this film. Sure I have had friends who have gone off and served our country but I never realized how much something like that could psychologically change you. An Act of War examines a man on the brink of his own destruction because of his lack of guidance after coming home to a thankless nation. This film heads to some dark places, but it feels justified. A solid amount of time is spent establishing who this man is to understand just how he could end up in the mindset he is in by the end of the film. And I have to say, its a fascinating ride from start to finish. I was quite impressed with the performance that Russ Russo gave. There is a great deal of subtlety in his work and his level of restraint is commendable. I'm very excited to see what he does in the future. If your a fan of films with a classic noir look, or if you want a film that really makes you question what society has accepted as truth then I highly recommend you give this film a chance.