The Invisible War
Director: Kirby Dick
Rating: 5/5
2013 was a fantastic year for documentary films, and that looks set to continue into 2014. The Invisible War is one of the first films in this genre that cannot be missed.
Directed by Kirby Dick, The Invisible War exposes one of America’s most shameful & best kept secrets: the epidemic of rape within the US military.
However, even with these rates of sexual assault against women being twice that of the civilian population, only 10% of cases end in prosecution, with victims often finding themselves ostracized or pressured into remaining silent.
With stark clarity and escalating revelations, The Invisible War investigates the institutions that perpetuate these issues, as well as looking at their profound personal and social consequences.
Of course, this is not the most pleasant topic to base a film on, but it is an essential and brave piece of filmmaking.
This is one of those movies that will make you blood boil, not only have these women suffered at the hands of men who have abused their power, but their treatment after is just as shaming for the U.S. military.
It is stunning that so many women have suffered this horrific crime, in the most famous military force in the world.
What is even more shocking is very little is being done to stamp it out. Hopefully, Kirby's documentary will be a real advocate for action and change.
Kirby has directed The Invisible War in a very simple manner; he just wanted to present the truth and doesn't dress it up in any way.
The women take front and centre stage, as they are finally given a platform from which to tell the world what has happened to them.
The movie allows them to tell their story as well as show them as they have struggled to rebuild their lives since the event: many of their lives are still blighted by what happened to them.
Having said that, the women who tell their stories are incredibly strong and continue to fight for the justice that they deserve.
The Invisible War is an incredibly powerful and moving study of what these women have endured. All these women - and some men - wanted to do is protect and serve their country: those ideals that they had have been totally shattered.
From start to finish The Invisible War is a war that will enrage you as well as break your heart. But it will also leave asking 'what kind of men is the U.S. military attracting and enlisting?' And why is more not being done to find these people and bring them to justice?'
The Invisible War is one of those films that stays with you long after the credits have rolled, and will serve as a stark warning to women who are thinking about joining the armed forces.
This is a documentary which is an absolute must see.
The Invisible War is out now.