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This Is War, is a first hand account of life on the front lines as told by a US Marine in Iraq circa 2003. First Lieutenant Mike Scotti takes his camcorder across the Persian gulf, into Iraq and en route to Bagdad, to document the execution of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The idea behind Scotti’s film is to give an insight into the life and trials of a US Marine at war, and if you’ve watched any American war movie then you already have an idea of what to expect. As the title informs us though, this is war and the affirmation of the clichés can tip the balance of enjoyment according to your preference.
Whilst, thankfully it isn’t a propaganda piece it does lack a definitive direction as Scotti’s narrative seems to fluctuate between sentiments.
Deeper reflective moments come to cold conclusions and questions over the war are answered with the ubiquitous answer that ends all questioning and seems to need no explanation, 9/11.
Be warned, there are some brutally graphic images in here and while there are some moments of conscience and moral reflection for most of the time it feels as though there isn’t enough.
This Is War, if nothing else is an opportunity of an insight into what really happens on the front line in a war. Unfortunately Scotti and partner in crime documentary filmmaker Kristian Fraga seem determined to make it as much like a war film as they can with cheesy voiceovers, cringe worthy scenes of war time camaraderie and a desperately wanting to be Platoon soundtrack all to the detriment of its value as a documentary.
Leaving out pathos for patriotism and crudely peppered with insults and insensitivity instead of insight and intelligence.