This is the first documentary sequel I've ever seen. Brothers at War (2009) escaped my notice, but this one has a much higher IMDb rating, albeit with few votes yet. When I happened to be very close to the theater, I picked this viewing partly for a convenient start time and partly because someone I trust had endorsed it.
Director Jake Rademacher has surprisingly many literal brothers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Here he pays visits to them and some veteran friends, including women, to see how they're doing. (None of my sources name them all.) Some are doing quite well; others are struggling on at least one front. They all know soldiers who died either in battle or later by suicide.
Despite the R rating, there isn't a whole lot of violence or swearing. You just have to brace yourself for a couple moments' footage of fresh major wounds. And one guy with two prosthetic legs, if that sort of thing perturbs you. (How appropriate that Gary Sinise, best known for playing a soldier who lost both legs, is the executive producer.)
Most of what we get consists of dialogue and monologues. Perhaps the most interesting conversation is an argument about wartime decisions by higher-ups, with Jake not seeing the matter as politically controversial. Also, not all the conflicts relate directly to military service. One veteran complains about the COVID-19 shutdown. Another has a daughter with severe developmental issues.
Artistically, this documentary is nothing to rave about. The camera often gets needlessly shaky and off-center. At least the sky dive looks good. For the most part, we're supposed to concentrate on the subject matter and little else.
By now, you should have a good idea of whether BAW is worth your while. It may not be enlightening in any significant way, but you might welcome the poignancy. Besides, those who don't personally know any vets could use the reminder of their ongoing existence and difficulties.
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