Henrick Vartanian
We want to tell you about an important film, a touching film that will make you angry, startle you and earn your support.
“The Invisible War” is a powerful documentary about rape in the U.S. armed forces. Told by the people who experienced these violent acts, and if you think these cases were limited to a few random stories or the result of enemy aggression in a hostile land you are in for a major shock.
Upon viewing one comes to realization that “The Invisible War” is a long overdue and heartbreaking journey into the dark corners of our military history. Directed by Kirby Dick, the filmmaker behind “Outrage” (2009) and “This Film Is Not Yet Rated” (2006) this is one powerful piece of film. It logs first-person accounts by more than a few victims of sexual misconduct in the hands of military and often the superiors.
One shocking fact presented in the film is that a female soldier in combat is more likely to be raped by a military member of her own country than be killed by her enemy in combat attack or combat fire. The U.S. Department of Defense estimates there were over 22,800 violent sex crimes in the military in 2011. According to stats 20% of all active-duty female soldiers are sexually assaulted. Female soldiers are often 18 to 21, the age range of more than half of the victims.
The participation of former U.S. Coast Guarder Kori Cioca, a rape survivor is one of the many stories that stay with the viewer. Cioca has been trying to receive medical benefits for post-traumatic stress and a fractured jaw caused by her attacker. But her medical claims are repeatedly denied and as a result we see her as a young, mother, and a wife who has to go through countless bottles of pills to deal with the multi-faceted pain caused by her traumatic experience.
The testimonial interviews of the brave survivors, each of them a hero has already won the audience award at Sundance for this film. The approach to this documentary is not that of a slick opinion piece. Nor does it have a funky camera work. It doesn’t need any. Its on screen participants and their stories along with Dick’s structure (and the fact that he took on this topic) are the power behind this film. Regardless, it still possesses a decent pace in storytelling and editing, it is shot in HD, with plenty of interviews by victims and military officials, and a list of facts tightly packaging the entire film.
The Invisible War is an eye-opening necessary viewing for all Americans, and an urgent call to address this unacceptable epidemic.
Out in theatres now, here at Brave New Hollywood we highly recommend this film.
CLICK HERE for the official website to “The Invisible War.”