Body of War

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Body of War

2007

1h 27m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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.

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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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.

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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.'

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Stephen Schaefer

Boston Herald

10/18/2008

A

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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

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05/05/2013

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

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06/13/2012

Everyone should watch this.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Phil Donahue

Director

Ellen Spiro

Director

Phil Donahue

Writer

Ellen Spiro

Writer

Ellen Spiro

Producer

Phil Donahue

Executive 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: 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