Why We Fight

“Why We Fight” is writer/director Eugene Jarecki’s attempt to explain what drives American foreign policy in regards to military conflict. Sounds simple, eh?

One thing I want to mention off the bat is that like any documentary, especially one so politically charged, you have to watch them with a grain of salt. Whether it’s Michael Moore’s Bush bashing “Fahrenheit 9/11” or “Gunner Palace”, the film cannot be absolutely objective as a human being is behind the writing, filming and editing of the entire process.

It is impossible to present a narrative while being objective. The closest to objectivity is statement of fact without editorial, like in the news. Though of course, I think everyone worldwide is beginning to see that even the news slants their coverage to present it in their own fashion. While they may not lie about something, omitting an opposite viewpoint or misrepresenting something is just as bad.

All of that being said, “Why We Fight” focuses on the build up of the military-industrial complex since WW II. It takes a look at American foreign policy and its so-called imperialism over the last 60 years as our nation slowly but surely became the only superpower on the block. It tries to examine the mechanism behind how the government decides how to proceed in advancing military technology. It also reflects greatly on the effect 9/11 had on our collective psyche and individuals affected by it.

I don’t want to sit here and talk about the film too much, as almost anything I say will be an opinion and that’s what I don’t want to form in your minds. Even mentioning 9/11 is probably too much but I wanted people who read this to know you will see some footage from that day and I’m not really sure if that’s good or bad at this point.

I’m also not sure if using it in the film automatically sets the audience in a state more willing to accept what follows from the filmmaker. I am saying that one should keep an open, critical mind whenever watching any documentary and this is no exception.

Exceedingly relevant to current American foreign policy, “Why We Fight” provides a tight, well-put together documentary on the rationale behind the military-industrial complex and provides its audience with numerous talking points about not only the government’s motivations but whether or not we as citizens should be more critical and proactive in how the decisions are being made.

“Why We Fight” earns a 4 out of 5 from me and I STRONGLY urge everyone to see this film. Not to sound too melodramatic but I think this is a film that is every American’s duty to see so they can contemplate its content. Whether you fall on the right or left of the political mainstream, the historical lessons presented are too important for me to do anything but pimp this movie shamelessly.

I’m not saying everything in the film should be taken for granted. I just think it presents some viewpoints that should be considered and weighed against your own to help shape the overall outlook anyone should have in times as complicated as today.