La Guerre invisible

Original title: The Invisible War

IMDb RATING

7.6/10

7.2K

YOUR RATING

An investigative documentary about the epidemic of rape of soldiers within the US military.

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Military Documentary Crime Documentary

An investigative documentary about the epidemic of rape of soldiers within the US military.An investigative documentary about the epidemic of rape of soldiers within the US military.An investigative documentary about the epidemic of rape of soldiers within the US military.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.6/10

7.2K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 11 wins & 14 nominations total

Trivia
A rare example of a film actually influencing government/military policy, end credits state that "On April 14.2012, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, watched this film. Two days later, he took the decision to prosecute away from unit commanders." However, it was noted that "this is not enough." The preceding is a true statement, but can be misleading. Military Commanders still hold prosecutorial discretion, but they can no longer be in the unit where the alleged misconduct had taken place. An "outside, higher ranking colonel" would now hold prosecutorial discretion.

Quotes
Kori Cioca - US Coast Guard: Thank you for your sacrifice, in whatever shape it may come with serving. God Bless.

Connections
Edited into Independent Lens: The Invisible War (2013)

Soundtracks
Need Someone
Performed by Mary J. Blige
Courtesy of Geffen Records under license from Universal Music Enterprises

User reviews30

Featured review

9/10

Extremely hard to sit through and watch and that's how you know it's so effective!

'THE INVISIBLE WAR': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Heartbreaking documentary about sexual assault in the United States military and how it effects the soldiers involved (as well as their loved ones). It deals with ongoing unresolved cases and interviews victims of assault as well as military personnel, law makers, family members and others. The film was written and directed by filmmaker Kirby Dick (who also helmed the critically acclaimed 2006 documentary 'THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED' and many others). The movie is extremely hard to sit through and watch and that's how you know it's so effective.

The film centers on a handful of sexual assault victims who are interviewed about their assault (or assaults in most cases) as well as joining the military, events leading up to the crime(s) and their troubles finding justice afterwards. It addresses many of the reasons why most victims can't find any sympathy or justice within the military system and argues that these cases should be handled outside their military units. Often the commanders investigating the cases are either friends with the suspect or the suspect being accused themselves. The film provides many shocking statistics and goes over the history of the problem in the military, which has been going on for multiple decades now. The filmmakers interview both female and male victims (which are frequently raped in the military as well).

The documentary is one of those films that's hard to review and rate because it's not entertaining or inspiring in any way (as it very much shouldn't be). It's extremely painful to watch and it's definitely not a film I can say I liked or enjoyed. That's how I know it's a great film though. It's disturbing, informative and also very emotional. The testimony by the victims and their friends and family members is gut wrenching. Many of those being interviewed are often very open in their discussion of the subject matter and have a very hard time holding it together emotionally. The film feels very honest and genuine above all else. It's definitely a well made documentary as well as a very important and informative one. It's of course not one anyone will look forward to (or enjoy) watching but it's one that should be seen by most everyone, all the same.

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