La Guerre invisible

"The Invisible War" is Oscar-nominated documentarian Kirby Dick's latest exploration of something terribly wrong with a venerable institution. Previous targets of Dick's camera have been the Catholic Church and its handling of child abuse cases ("Twist of Faith,") closeted politicians undermining advances in gay rights ("Outrage,") and Hollywood's incomprehensible ratings system ("This Film is Not Yet Rated.") This time he takes on the U.S. Military and its abominable record in the handling of sexual assaults on and by active duty service people.

The film consists of interviews of victims of sexual assault with cases going back to the 1960's up to the present day. The victims (both male and female) relate the horror inflicted upon them – not just by their perpetrators, but by a military justice system that fails them. Many of the victims state that the pain the went through with the assault was nothing compared to the hell that they went through in their attempts to seek justice, proper medical and psychological care for their trauma, and to return to some sort of normalcy in their lives.

Filled with damning statistics (20% of all female military personnel have dealt with sexual assault – does that not bother you?) and interviews with bureaucrats (both military and political,) it's the personal stories of those who tried to serve their country that get to you. These men and women entered to honorably serve and were driven out by a system that believes it's more important to protect one's own (usually meaning an officer) rather than support their troops.

The film is a call to action to make one simple change to the current military system. The decision whether to prosecute a case is made by the site commander. Often, this commander knows or has a relationship with the accused. Does this not seem like a conflict of interest? The film highlights a group that is seeking to change that and encourages the viewer to express their outrage to those who might be able to change things. They want you to do more than slap an "I Support Our Troops" bumper sticker on your car. Will you really support your troops? Really? The facts, figures, and stories in "The Invisible War" should turn the stomach of every citizen of our nation, regardless of political affiliation. This is not a political issue. This is a criminal justice issue. This is a human rights issue.

This is activist filmmaking at its best.

www.worstshowontheweb.com

As one of the founders of the U.S. House of Representatives Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus, I have written legislation that is now the law to help combat and prevent sexual assault in our armed forces and to help victims seek justice. "The Invisible War" is a moving and uncomfortable documentary about an unspeakable crime, and a culture that unacceptably turns a blind eye. It has been instrumental in focusing a national spotlight on a shocking issue that affects one in three returning female veterans. I am grateful to the makers of the film who went to extreme lengths to interview not only dozens of survivors, but also those who are working to break the pattern. This is an important film dedicated to ensuring that the stories of the courageous men and women it features, and the countless others who share their reality, receive the attention they deserve so that we can bring an end to the heartbreaking violence and injustice depicted in this film.

Kirby Dick's The Invisible War is an unsettling and scathing examination of sexual assault within branches of the US military (the Army, Marines, Air Force, etc.) that dives into its topics with various levels of emotional involvement. The interviews of the victims are raw, unfiltered, and unflinching, and are, indeed, very tragic. To also see the corruption and lengths to cover up and distract from the truth – such as unintentionally hilarious commercials advising about assault in the army – is practically infuriating. Kirby Dick makes for a strong interviewer, nailing his topics, letting the victims speak their mind, and leaving the guilty parties shaking in their boots, trying and failing miserably to lie through their teeth. Emotions will be put to a workout.

****1/2 out of *****

The Invisible War not only us educates about the tragedy of rape in the military, about the cover-up of the crimes, but it educates us about the problem or rape in our society. The military commanders ignore and hide rapes and the statistics presented in the film of these crimes are important to note. I can't imagine anyone who actually saw this movie giving it less than an 8 ranking.

The interview of the victims is heartbreaking, and the interviews of those involved in the cover-up are aggravating. These women, and men, who face sexual assault in the military need our full support and the military culture must change. The movie is a powerful indictment of the military and a tribute to the strength of the survivors and their families and allies.

Peace, Tex Shelters

What I saw on this Doc is a National Disgrace, and I can imagine what women and certain men also endure in foreign occupations.

So girls...as I see it, the only way you're going to have a career in the military is to be tall, muscular, have a black belt in martial arts, carry a concealed knife or other blunt object and not be afraid to smash a chair over a drunk's head or crash your booted foot across his face. No make-up or revealing clothes...please.

Never, ever drink in a military man's presence and if forced to then carry a secret empty container in your pocket in which to pour your shots and then off to the toilet.

The military is no dream job and unless you can face the truth stay in a civilian home girl's job. You were accepted into the military because it needs meat to throw to the hungry predators. Wake up and get some street smarts and so sorry. Keep on fighting for your rights, but accept the truth about humans because they are capable of ANYTHING.