As a Retired US Marine with diagnosed Combat PTSD ... I was reluctant for weeks to watch this film. Not because I didn't think it would be a good watch; but because it's oftentimes difficult for us combat veterans to watch such films, movies/documentaries.
Please forgive me as my review may appear as ramblings; I assure you the following notes were written as I was stopping and starting (studying) the film. A few of the film's statements appear in quotations.
Sitting in my apartment with my heat set at 74 degrees (I live in Buffalo, New York and it's February). 1st few minutes watching I literally got cold chills!! Actual cold shaking emotional chills. Had to stop & start film several times.
In terms of suicidal thoughts/attempts I've been there. Twice!! I won't give details.
This film will certainly serve to help combat the negative stigma of Military Combat PTSD
I started crying; really shedding tears at the statement "This is my reality."
The section about DISCIPLINE !!! 100 percent accuracy
"Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome; Marine!"
"Something to strive for"
They speak about "getting help"! Believe me when I tell you ... that's much easier said than done. For multiple reasons. MOST times; Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Therapists; although they mean well, have absolutely NO clue about what we've experienced or continue to experience. And it further drives us away from such "help". I'd welcome sharing more on this.
The stigma!!! The stigma is one of the main reasons for the difficulties. Not seeking help. Once diagnosed ... in most instances it ruins your life more. Then we are FORCED to fight even more against a "system" which begs us to come to them for help!! Only those who actually suffer from Combat PTSD can understand fully.
When the guy said, "We signed up for two wars. The war there ... and the war back home." That hits hard and honestly.
The "Nerve Damage" scene!
"Single minded willingness to put our duty before ourselves."
"The fight's not over."
"Is it me or does life have a funny way of "phuking" with you?" (paraphrased)
"We usually take it to our graves."
Susan Gallagher as Mary, "He hides it well. That's what soldiers do. They go overseas; and they do what they do. And when they return they're never the same."
And there are a couple scenes I simply can not comment on. Too emotional. Too close to home. Too triggering
I can't recall a film which has made me so emotional and more focused to keep going simultaneously than this one. Kudos to everyone involved. All Cast & Crew. Producers, Directors, Writers, etc. Special thanks to Susan Gallagher who constantly brought "22 The Unforgotten Soldier" to my attention by her constant postings.
The combat scenes ...
The group therapy scene ...
The church scene when Daniel was speaking about his Mother's death.
*side note My Mother actually saved my life from the grave back in 2017 with an Epic conversation with God & Jesus
"It isn't hard for men like me and you to die. It's the will to live that's is difficult."
Seeking help is hard; especially when seeking it for ourselves. However; when we recognize it's about the people we love; we're better able to seek help!!
We bottle things in because it's oftentimes detrimental to our financial, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing to release the lid off the jar.
Films like this can go a long way in Preventing the "22 Suicides A Day" because it gives civilians and non-military a better understanding ... a better perspective. More can be done.
As a Retired US Marine Veteran and SAG-AFTRA Actor I'd welcome being a consultant on followup films
The boxing, workout scenes ... My therapy is My Dungeon (my weight room)
Y'all have absolutely noooo idea how the statements "Semper Fi Marine. OohRah" affects us with such Pride and Humility. Thank You for including it at the 1:43:00 mark towards the end of the film.
Thanks for the selfless service of all of my fellow Military Veterans and a Special Semper Fi to all of my Brothers & Sisters of The United States Marine Corps!!!
I'll be recommending "22 The Unforgotten Soldier" to my Military Veterans & Friends.
OOHRAH.
