Citizen Soldier (2016)

Absolutely the worst movie.

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

I don't give many films, of any sort, a 10 out of 10. For this I will make an exception. This movie is a real inside look at what our leaders today ask of men, in this case a unit from the OK National Guard.I can attest from first-hand experience that Iraq, the vast majority of burden was put on National Guard units from all over the country. These are not professional soldiers, these are men who volunteered to do what most others would not: Be both a member of society and a warrior. This duality does make for a different type of military unit; Different, but not necessarily less competent. So seeing this Oklahoma Guard unit fighting in the hills of Afghanistan, suffering and losing men on the pointy end of the "GWOT" spear did not shock to me. I know this is what these folks do, I've seen them do it.What is shocking is how this film was made - it appears that several soldiers had cameras (GoPros?) mounted to their helmets, so very nearly every facet of the "soldier experience" is captured. This includes horseplay, boredom, stress, fear, pain and horror. Seeing young, hard men sobbing with grief over fallen comrades isn't easy, but we, the American voter, sent them there and put them in harms way. We owe it to them to see what the cost of our choices are.Considering the equipment used, the film quality is amazing and the editing is, to my eye, top notch; The intelligent use of subtitles for dialogue that is hard to comprehend (particularly radio traffic) and the very subtle use of music is well executed. Whoever was involved with this really knew what they were doing.I'm shocked that I had not heard of this film until it appeared on Amazon, as I am shocked that it isn't reviewed higher on IMDb. I suspect that might be due to how hard this movie is to watch. Seeing a mother bend over the flag-draped casket of her son broke me, and I've seen this stuff first hand. Not everyone likes to cry at the movies, I suppose.So see this, if you can. It is not an easy thing to watch but I think we owe it these men to at least get a glimpse of what we ask of them.

The film Citizen Soldier is a great, war documentary that follows a brigade in the Oklahoma National Guard while deployed overseas for 96 days in Afghanistan. My favorite aspect of this film and what I think makes it different from most documentaries of it's kind, is the unique way it was shot. With only the use of GoPros and cell phones, the soldiers film themselves as they journey through one of the most dangerous battlefields in Afghanistan. I thought that the directors, David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud, took an interesting approach by choosing to have the soldier's film it from their point of view allowing me to feel fully immersed in the film. Through the personal interviews and intense footage I was able to not only see what it is like to be on the front lines but what it really means to have a band of brothers willing to sacrifice their lives for you. Although they may go home to somewhat normal civilian lives, these men and women are forever changed. This is a touching tribute to our troops that everyone should see if they haven't already.

Citizen Soldier takes us right into the heart of the battle with the Oklahoma National Guard, in a true immersive experience. Unlike many documentaries that I have seen, filmmakers David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud employed the use of helmet-cams to gather footage from the first person perspective, truly capturing the bravery and camaraderie of our men and women currently serving in Afghanistan. We are able to see and hear everything that they are in those moments, from bullets flying and shattering their glass covers to just having conversations about their lives in humvees as they navigate the terrain. This raw action footage, intercut with interpersonal stories, sends a strong message about brotherhood overseas. These courageous soldiers share a bond like no other and that is conveyed by their language with each other in the field and in the interview segments. They are serving overseas to protect our country, but it is clear that their priority while fighting on the front-lines is to protect each other and make sure their brothers make it home safely to their families.

I loved both The Hornet's Nest & Citizen Soldier & rated them 10/10 The only "parts" I did not like are where young brave soldiers tragically lost their lives at too young an age.I have super respect for anyone who has the bravery to go & defend their country & fight for those they love. David Salzberg & Christian Tureaud are wonderful Christian men & produced excellent documentaries with these 2 movies.This movie is very haunting & leaves footprints in your heart when you remember each soul that died.They were so very brave & when the song "Chariot Awaits" plays I my heart breaks & I cry every time.You should respect & honor all those who were in both movies.They walked away from their families & from their children & from their loved ones to go on a dangerous mission to protect & serve.Not many choose to walk that path as stated in the Bible. John 15:13 There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.Imagine how these soldiers felt on the battleground.Imagine how they felt as their eyes were closing to this world & they left all those they loved behind.Imagine how their families friends & children feel now that their loved one is no longer with us.I have watched many a war documentary & none are as powerful as these 2 movies.God bless everyone in both movies & keep you safe.Thank you for taking time out of your lives to share your stories with all of us.You will always be loved & will never be forgotten.