Forgive Me Father

This is one of those 'must see' films for so many reasons.

First of all, it is a testament to craftsman/woman-ship of story in film, that in the hands and vision of someone with talent like Downey, profoundness can be experienced in half an hour.

The value of being ushered into two soldier's reality, from the background of a director who has actually served is tremendous.

The irony of watching the scene in which the soldiers are being told they may not look away when shown a video of a beheading at the hands of the enemy, shines a unapologetic light on my privilege as a civilian to 'not look'. To not look, not viscerally feel, not think, not act on the knowledge that war is a product of our collective denial of our humanity, nothing less, nothing more. The soldiers redeem themselves and us, for our trespasses by resisting rage, nationalism, revenge, and thus become our heroes.

The opportunity to have our hearts and our minds confronted by art is always a privilege; for the interaction to be fruitful and leave both expanded and enhanced is a gift.

This film is a gift.

This is a profound depiction of War, Love, Empathy and Ethics, written and directed by a Wounded Warrior who has seen first hand the struggles of the battlefield. It addresses a question I have often pondered myself about who is right and who is wrong for fighting for their beliefs.

The film is expertly directed in showing many facets of War not visible to people who have never experienced it. It blended perfectly; showing a broad horizon of war, the human factors that are all often forgotten, and a roller coaster of emotions felt by soldiers and the "enemy".

I highly recommend this film and wholeheartedly support the Director, Major Gloria Downey, who I proudly served with. Thank you.