How to Fold a Flag

How to Fold a Flag marks the third documentary from filmmakers Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein centered around the conflict in Iraq (following 2004’s Gunner Palace and 2006’s The Prisoner or: How I Planned to Kill Tony Blair), and although saddled with an admittedly far-from-innovative sensibility, the movie ultimately comes off as a compelling look at the efforts of four former soldiers to adjust to life after war. Tucker and Epperlein’s quartet of subjects – Michael Goss, Wilf Stuart, Jon Powers, and Javorn Drummond – possess personalities that are as varied as one could possibly envision, yet there’s little doubt that the directors effectively manage to transform each of the men into figures worth rooting for and sympathizing with (which is no small feat, given that a few of these guys possess attributes that are nothing short of off-putting). It’s just as clear that certain of the men’s stories are far more resonant and interesting than others, with Powers’ run for Congress undoubtedly towering over, for example, Drummond’s ongoing attempts at maintaining his ramshackle home. The inclusion of several surprisingly poignant interludes (eg the parents of a deceased soldier succumb to their emotions while recalling their son) cements How to Fold a Flag‘s place as a familiar yet solid piece of work, and it subsequently goes without saying that the movie effectively completes Tucker and Epperlein’s stirring trilogy.

*** out of ****