Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq

James Gandolfini died a few days ago, and so I've decided to watch a number of his movies. He is best known as Tony Soprano, but one of his most important works is the documentary "Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq". The documentary features Gandolfini interviewing Iraq War amputees. There are some VERY graphic scenes of people's injuries. Gandolfini keeps himself in the background and lets the interviewees stay the main subject to emphasize their terrifying experiences, occasionally including footage shot by insurgents. The whole thing amounts to a very good look at the disaster that was that war. Admittedly, not even through watching this documentary will one ever be able to get a true sense of what it was like in Iraq, but it is still a warning about starting a war that we never should have started. I highly recommend it.

Having sent two sons to Irag for the invasion, this one really got to me and had me thinking, "There but for the grace of God..."

I'd have liked to have seen the names of all the soldiers who shared their stories in the credits here on this site/page.

Every American should see this movie

This war is real and it has affected many people in many defferent ways. This movies helps to show that-it brought tears to my eyes. But it also made me proud to be an American and proud to be a part of a United States military family. Tastefully done but real. It makes you think twice about not sweating the small stuff......

Remember to Say, "Thank You"!

Every American should see this film. What you think of the war you need to see this film. This is one of the most difficult films to watch, but you need to. In a heated political debate, Alive Day Memories shows one of the most important views of the war and its aftermath. Gandolfini is not the star, he is the audience, he is listening to the stories the same as you. There is no slant, no political agenda, this movie is about the soldiers, and helping those of us who have no idea, to understand just a little about them and what they are going through. While we leave with only a glimpse, it igives you a new apprecation for the sacrifice they have made for our country. They truly represent the best in us all.

The documentary is really very cool.

It's a shame it was done in a way that deifies war veterans, without remembering that they are people paid to fight a political war, which in many cases takes the lives of innocent civilians, women and children. I believe that most people really think they are fighting for their country and the safety of those who live there. Emotional stories from these veterans. This war is real and it has affected many people in many defferent ways. This movies helps to show that-it brought tears to my eyes. But it also made me proud to be an American and proud to be a part of a United States military family. Tastefully done but real. It makes you think twice about not sweating the small stuff......

A well made documentary about the aftermath of going Into combat. If you want to know what Veterans deal with, watch this show... it might put some perspective on your own life and make you realize you don't have it that bad. Semper Fi to all my Marine Corps Brothers and Sisters that never made it home. You are Never Forgotten. Till Valhalla...

A deeply moving film showing what happens to amputees, to the men and women who survive the many roadside bombs in the Iraq War after the TV news reports finish their 30 second stories. Required viewing for everyone as it doesn't take sides but asks in every scene and interview - was this all worth it? Is there an official explanation that's plausible, understandable? The bravery of these men and women is unbelievable. One amputee soldier said she had a hard life growing up and joined the military "to stay out of trouble." It made me a little sick to watch - some very raw and honest footage - but it could have been a lot longer, with more opinions and stories, and all the better for it. Still, this should be shown everywhere, in every high school, every living room, in every office on Capitol Hill.