Penitent

Martin,

A profound film.

None of us knows how we will respond - no matter the extent of our training- until we are actually under fire for the first time.

In this film, you have illustrated a way out of shame, guilt and self-loathing to the redemptive space where we can (no matter our experiences and responsibilities in war operations) find reason to continue to live and have a hope for peace in our hearts.

Semper Fidelis

Joe Johns (US Marine Sergeant American Embassy Security Detachment Beirut March 1980 to March 1981).

Canadian Armed Forces Catholic Chaplain 2000-2009 (Persian Gulf 2002) Royal Australian Air Force Chaplain 2009-2014 (MEAO 2010)

Medically Retired 2014.

The numerous accolades and awards that have recognized Penitent as an extraordinary movie ought to arouse the curiosity of the crowd to view this phenomenal production. But if the crowds do come, and I hope they do, they may find themselves transformed.

This is a movie about war with no heroes. It has victims and perpetrators, participants and survivors, but no heroes. Usually, the brutal reality of war can be hidden by some individual's selfless sacrifice for the greater good. But in Penitent we encounter war's trapped victims and coldly determined perpetrators, unwilling participants and damaged survivors, but no heroes - which makes Penitent a rarity - an honest story about war, an account in which the viewer unwittingly is drawn in as an uncomfortable witness.

Be prepared for the unrelentingly muddled timeline of a ragged, violent tale revealed through intrusive flashbacks, ghostly apparitions hungering for validation, and a character whose emotional detachment paralyzes him in pain that consumes him. Wander with him as he struggles to find that which he no longer believes he deserves - a spark of compassion and love - that is revealed to him through what he hates most - violence and cruelty.

Penitent tells a strange story, but that is war. If one survives, then life is a constant tumult of being turned inside out and upside down, over and over again, with no end other than death, unless one grasps that brief glimmer of hope, an unexpected spark, before it disappears, perhaps forever. Will there be a terrifying bridge to the future, a serendipitous challenge offering wisdom and a hope for love, the forbidden fruit of war?

There are no heroes, but perhaps a helper along the way and an understanding love may ease the pain. And it would not hurt to have a witness to this strange, yet ever confusing, story of war, a reality that ends in mystery but grounded in deep hope.

As for me, I know where I yearn to be. I want to be on that bridge.

I loved this film, so much went on that is not known about it, I have spoken to mates who were there, I have also spoken to people from the region. Such a powerful subject and sad time. The scars may have healed but this film highlights the ongoing plight of all those concerned. Well done to all those who payed a part in putting this film together . This is a must watch.

This film moved me and reminded me of the mental trauma that our servicemen and women endure as part of their everyday job. It is easy to forget the heartache, horror, anxiety, loneliness, anger, confusion, self-doubt, sadness, and, of course, ultimately, the fear that military personnel live with all of the time. We forget because these people are professionals and just get on with the job they signed up to do. But we must never forget. And this powerful film tells us why. As ex military myself, I know only too well that many servicemen and women do not share their experiences because they find it too difficult. This why a film like "Penitent" is important because it is their voice, a voice that needs to be heard. It also made me think a lot more about being too judgmental and pausing to consider the reasons behind other people's behaviour.. Congratulations on a job well done! Full marks for the music score too!

With a very small budget this team of filmmakers have opened the window on what some military veterans have been through. Dark at times and thought provoking, this film deserves all the awards it has claimed. We tend to forget that not all war wounds are on the surface and some take years if ever to heal. This was a brutal war that the history books tend to overlook but happened on our doorstep in mainland Europe. Well done to Martin Webster and your team and let's see plenty more. You should all be very proud of what you have all created and I look forward to seeing more from you in the future.