Just so...so bad

Best movie ever!

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

The Review"The Invisible War," directed by Kirby Dick is an Oscar nominated documentary. The film explores the topic of sexual assault in the military from the perspective of 4 victims. The veterans share their truly heartbreaking stories. They show us the victim's family, and they comment on the assault as well. They all say the same thing, they were never the same. The title is more than fitting, of 3,374 cases of sexual assault reported only 484 cases went to trial and a mere 376 were actually convicted. But more than 70% of assaults go unreported.They do interview some military officials and ask for them to comment. Their interviews seemed short and the interviewer may have been asking bias questions. They asked the head of the Prevention of Sexual Assault campaign how many cases go unreported. The women stated that she did not have that information, the interviewer then asked another question regarding unreported assaults. She again said she didn't know that information. The director made her look not credible and depicted her as stupid.The film explores what they believe to be a reasonable solution to the rising number of assault cases. They believe that crimes in the military should be prosecuted by an unbiased third party. Currently an officer's Commander acts as their judge, jury, and executioner. Most women are punished or shamed when they try to report a crime. Many can't report because the superior they report to was the attacker. But how do you prosecute an active soldier? You would have to pull their entire unit for a proper investigation. They would need witness statements, evidence, lawyers and everything else needed for a fair trial. Can we really afford to be taking active units out of their war zones? Our military needs to operate smoothly and seamlessly. If soldiers and officers are constantly being taken out of work to be questioned and to testify, how will we get anything done? Overall I thought it was a very compelling film, I just wish we could've gotten a more well rounded picture.

Kirby Dick's The Invisible War is an unsettling and scathing examination of sexual assault within branches of the US military (the Army, Marines, Air Force, etc.) that dives into its topics with various levels of emotional involvement. The interviews of the victims are raw, unfiltered, and unflinching, and are, indeed, very tragic. To also see the corruption and lengths to cover up and distract from the truth – such as unintentionally hilarious commercials advising about assault in the army – is practically infuriating. Kirby Dick makes for a strong interviewer, nailing his topics, letting the victims speak their mind, and leaving the guilty parties shaking in their boots, trying and failing miserably to lie through their teeth. Emotions will be put to a workout.****1/2 out of *****

'THE INVISIBLE WAR': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five) Heartbreaking documentary about sexual assault in the United States military and how it effects the soldiers involved (as well as their loved ones). It deals with ongoing unresolved cases and interviews victims of assault as well as military personnel, law makers, family members and others. The film was written and directed by filmmaker Kirby Dick (who also helmed the critically acclaimed 2006 documentary 'THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED' and many others). The movie is extremely hard to sit through and watch and that's how you know it's so effective.The film centers on a handful of sexual assault victims who are interviewed about their assault (or assaults in most cases) as well as joining the military, events leading up to the crime(s) and their troubles finding justice afterwards. It addresses many of the reasons why most victims can't find any sympathy or justice within the military system and argues that these cases should be handled outside their military units. Often the commanders investigating the cases are either friends with the suspect or the suspect being accused themselves. The film provides many shocking statistics and goes over the history of the problem in the military, which has been going on for multiple decades now. The filmmakers interview both female and male victims (which are frequently raped in the military as well).The documentary is one of those films that's hard to review and rate because it's not entertaining or inspiring in any way (as it very much shouldn't be). It's extremely painful to watch and it's definitely not a film I can say I liked or enjoyed. That's how I know it's a great film though. It's disturbing, informative and also very emotional. The testimony by the victims and their friends and family members is gut wrenching. Many of those being interviewed are often very open in their discussion of the subject matter and have a very hard time holding it together emotionally. The film feels very honest and genuine above all else. It's definitely a well made documentary as well as a very important and informative one. It's of course not one anyone will look forward to (or enjoy) watching but it's one that should be seen by most everyone, all the same.Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOMEqlGt6m4

The Invisible War not only us educates about the tragedy of rape in the military, about the cover-up of the crimes, but it educates us about the problem or rape in our society. The military commanders ignore and hide rapes and the statistics presented in the film of these crimes are important to note. I can't imagine anyone who actually saw this movie giving it less than an 8 ranking.The interview of the victims is heartbreaking, and the interviews of those involved in the cover-up are aggravating. These women, and men, who face sexual assault in the military need our full support and the military culture must change. The movie is a powerful indictment of the military and a tribute to the strength of the survivors and their families and allies.Peace, Tex Shelters