Body of War

Body of War is a powerful documentary that concerns itself primarily with the efforts of former soldier Tomas Young to adjust to his new life as a paraplegic, though there’s also a sporadic emphasis on the American government’s build-up into the Iraq War. Directors Ellen Spiro and Phil Donahue have infused the proceedings with a straight-forward approach that proves to be entirely appropriate, with their decision to eschew Michael Moore’s bombastic sensibilities clearly playing a substantial role in the movie’s success (ie the movie is ultimately more compelling than anything within Moore’s filmography). And while the more overtly political elements within the film are undoubtedly quite interesting, particularly Spiro and Donahue’s emphasis on the blatant manner in which certain lawmakers tow the company line, there’s no denying that it’s Young’s story that elevates Body of War to more than just another run-of-the-mill political documentary. Despite the filmmakers’ penchant for offering up much more information than necessary in terms of his medical problems, Young slowly but surely becomes an increasingly compelling figure – to such an extent that one ultimately can’t help but sympathize with his plight and his efforts to engender some kind of change within Washington. Spiro and Donahue’s use of several original songs by Eddie Vedder, coupled with downright heartbreaking images of grieving protestors, ensures that Body of War packs a fairly substantial emotional punch, and there’s little doubt that the movie deserves to be seen by as wide an audience as possible.

***1/2 out of ****