22-The Unforgotten Soldier movie review

MOVIE TITLE: 22-The Unforgotten Soldier

This dramatic film is now available on Amazon Prime Video.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 50 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B-

IN A NUTSHELL:

Before the movie begins, we see a quote on the screen by General George S. Patton Jr. that states, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God for such men lived.”

The story is about two Marines from different generations who bond over time to fight the real battle after coming home from war in order to survive the statistic of 22 suicides per day.

The sobering film was written and directed by Sam Medina, who also stars in it! It has already won several awards!

If you have been following my reviews for some time, you know that one of my sons is currently in the Army. He loves it and I’m so proud of him for serving his fellowmen. But, of course, as a mother, I worry about his safety and wellbeing. Movies like this are hard for me to watch.

THINGS I LIKED:

I love how the vets call each other “Brother.”
The casting choices were very diverse.
We hear some vets talk about their experiences. They are either really good actors or genuine vets. Their words were powerful. I need to know who those people were in the movie!
The film offers a serious look at the difficult journey our vets take when they come home and try to rebuild their lives after active service in the military, especially when fighting in a war zone. We need to support our active soldiers and returning veterans with whatever they need.
The film illustrates the need to build a supportive community around these soldiers who return. It also emphasizes the fact to the soldiers that they need to reach out for help, even when they think they can handle all of the complex emotions and internal wounds themselves.
I recently returned from a trip to Normandy, France, where I visited the beaches of Omaha and Utah. I couldn’t stop the tears that readily fell from my eyes when we stood next to the tombstones at the American cemetery there. It’s such a powerful place. Our visit ended with a special flag ceremony where they lowered the flag at the end of the day while listening to Taps play. (sniff)

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Some of the acting is pretty wooden. I feel like a shmuck for saying something like that when this movie shares such an important message.
The movie goes from sorrow to pain to struggle to more sorrow. It’s a very serious drama.
On a personal note, my stepfather passed away last year. He was proud to be a Marine. We were extremely frustrated that, in the end, the Veterans Administration did absolutely nothing for him. He never got the medical services he was promised.
It’s exhausting to watch the veterans struggle so much in scene after scene. There is hope too, but it’s a very serious film.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be bored with all of the talking scenes.
Some profanity with lots of F-bombs.
Firearms are used. We see several people shot.
We see some blood.

THEMES:

War
PTSD
Suicide
Brotherhood
Honor
Humility
Second chances
Depression
Survivor’s guilt
Heroes
Courage
Veterans services
Vietnam War & Afghanistan War
Making a difference in people’s lives

FUNNY LINES:

The movie is very serious and dramatic.

INTERESTING LINES:

“Some men died. The rest of us have been slowly dying ever since we got home.” – Daniel Hernandes (Sam Medina)
“Don’t you think it’s time to make a new choice.” – Chuck (Charles R. Rooney)
“You have to live a new life now, not the life you wanted, but the life you were dealt.” – Chuck (Charles R. Rooney)
“Nothing can prepare you for war.” – Daniel Hernandes (Sam Medina)
“War teaches you about sorrow, pressure, and pain.” – – Chuck (Charles R. Rooney)
“War forces you to see humanity at its absolute worst. And you are also blessed to see humanity at its most glorious best.” – – Chuck (Charles R. Rooney)
“You gotta have hope.” – – Chuck (Charles R. Rooney)
“No one wins in war. No one.” – Daniel Hernandes (Sam Medina)