Anti-War Movies

Stop Loss

A newly released film by Director Kimberly Peirce, who created the film in response to her brother's recent experiences in Afghanistan (her previous work includes "Boys Don't Cry"). The movie deals with the "stop-loss" policy used by the Bush Administration to extend the tours of duty of the active military. This has had the effect of soldiers serving multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as extending their service time beyond their enlistment obligation. The film is a dramatization starring Ryan Phillippe and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

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Body of War

A newly released film by Ellen Spiro and Phil Donahue. The film focuses on the human toll that has resulted from the Iraq War. Not only are the children of the elite, economic and political, able to avoid the war, the class that is fighting has had to endure recurring tours of duty in the war zone. This has led to a disproportionate burden borne by those who have served us in Iraq.

There are many new outlets that have reviewed this highly acclaimed piece. Bill Moyer's Journal reviews the topic and provides access to segments of the movie.

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In the Valley of Elah

A very powerful drama about an ex-MP who discovers his son missing on his return from Iraq. As he investigates his death, which had been quietly closed by the military, he uncovers an Army he no longer recognizes. The movie gives insight into the pervasive drug abuse in Iraq, as soldiers there try to cope with their daily misery. The film ends with a powerful raising of the US flag by Tommy Lee Jones, which harkens back to an earlier scene in the movie.

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Taxi to the Dark Side

Academy Award winner for best documentary in 2007. Taxi details how the use of torture became promulgated throughout all levels of the military, with "plausible deniability" created for those at the top. In addition to showing the effect of torture on both those who receive and dispense it, the movie delves into its lack of efficacy in obtaining useful information. In fact, the major claim made by Colin Powell in his 5 February 2003 UN Security Council testimony, was erroneous evidence gained through water boarding.

• Taxi to the Dark Side, Part 1
• Taxi to the Dark Side, Part 2
• Taxi to the Dark Side, Part 3
• Taxi to the Dark Side, Part 4
• Taxi to the Dark Side, Part 5
• Taxi to the Dark Side, Part 6
• Taxi to the Dark Side, Part 7

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Iraq for Sale

"Iraq for Sale" looks at who has profitted from the War in Iraq. It includes a detailed look at private contractors and their exploitative practices which have placed their employees in harms way so they could make more money. They also detail the perverse incentives the private contractors have had to spend money, and not use our tax dollars wisely.

• Iraq for Sale, Part 1
• Iraq for Sale, Part 2
• Iraq for Sale, Part 3
• Iraq for Sale, Part 4
• Iraq for Sale, Part 5
• Iraq for Sale, Part 6
• Iraq for Sale, Part 7
• Iraq for Sale, Part 8

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Sir, No Sir!

Most of us who came of age in the 1960s and 70s believed that the Anti-War movement during Vietnam began on college campuses and in the streets. Sir, No Sir! dispels this notion, showing that the anti-war movement began in the barracks. The movie shows the importance of the active military taking an active stance against an immoral war, and why it is equally important that we support them in their efforts (See Appeal for Redress, Active Duty Soldiers Against the War).

• Sir, No Sir! Part 1
• Sir, No Sir! Part 2
• Sir, No Sir! Part 3
• Sir, No Sir! Part 4
• Sir, No Sir! Part 5