Citizen Soldier is a fantastic documentary that fully immerses you in the American National Guard experience, showing both the soldier's mundane daily activities as well as the terrifying realities of combat. Following an infantry-brigade's tour through Afghanistan, the film brilliantly displays the bond that is forged between men and women serving their country: a bond that gives them the strength to keep fighting. In addition to all this, the film smartly follows its' brave subjects after the war, allowing viewers to get a feel for soldiers' struggles adjusting to civilian life. The film is a powerfully moving tribute to American soldiers that respectfully shows what they sacrifice for this nation without being sappy about it. I would highly recommend this documentary. It doesn't matter if you are a bleeding heart liberal or a hawkish conservative: this film is that good.
... View MoreCitizen Soldier takes us right into the heart of the battle with the Oklahoma National Guard, in a true immersive experience. Unlike many documentaries that I have seen, filmmakers David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud employed the use of helmet-cams to gather footage from the first person perspective, truly capturing the bravery and camaraderie of our men and women currently serving in Afghanistan. We are able to see and hear everything that they are in those moments, from bullets flying and shattering their glass covers to just having conversations about their lives in humvees as they navigate the terrain. This raw action footage, intercut with interpersonal stories, sends a strong message about brotherhood overseas. These courageous soldiers share a bond like no other and that is conveyed by their language with each other in the field and in the interview segments. They are serving overseas to protect our country, but it is clear that their priority while fighting on the front-lines is to protect each other and make sure their brothers make it home safely to their families.
... View MoreI loved both The Hornet's Nest & Citizen Soldier & rated them 10/10 The only "parts" I did not like are where young brave soldiers tragically lost their lives at too young an age.I have super respect for anyone who has the bravery to go & defend their country & fight for those they love. David Salzberg & Christian Tureaud are wonderful Christian men & produced excellent documentaries with these 2 movies.This movie is very haunting & leaves footprints in your heart when you remember each soul that died.They were so very brave & when the song "Chariot Awaits" plays I my heart breaks & I cry every time.You should respect & honor all those who were in both movies.They walked away from their families & from their children & from their loved ones to go on a dangerous mission to protect & serve.Not many choose to walk that path as stated in the Bible. John 15:13 There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.Imagine how these soldiers felt on the battleground.Imagine how they felt as their eyes were closing to this world & they left all those they loved behind.Imagine how their families friends & children feel now that their loved one is no longer with us.I have watched many a war documentary & none are as powerful as these 2 movies.God bless everyone in both movies & keep you safe.Thank you for taking time out of your lives to share your stories with all of us.You will always be loved & will never be forgotten.
... View MoreWould rate this a definite worth a watch, let's say 7 (put a 10 in to offset Mr 1/10 who clearly doesn't u sweat and the point of a review- just that he thinks war is a waste of money which is a different question)But yea a refreshing no bs account of what wars are really like told from the human perspective (albeit from one sides perspective only). The pov footage was not detrimental at all in my opinion and really did immerse you in the situation at least as much as possible from the couch. Gripping for the most part and completely devoid of the standard 'murica yeah! mentality that is often conveyed in war documentaries/movies. And no I'm not American.
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