Watch Semper Fi: Always Faithful

Semper Fi: Always Faithful is a documentary film released in 2011, directed by Rachel Libert and Tony Hardmon. The film highlights the water contamination crisis that took place in the United States Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, located in North Carolina. This issue was going on for more than three decades, from the 1950s to the 1980s, and affected thousands of military personnel and civilians who lived on the base.

The story follows Jerry Ensminger, a retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant, who lost his nine-year-old daughter, Janey, to leukemia. She was diagnosed with the disease while living on the Camp Lejeune base, and the film explores his struggle to uncover the cause of his daughter's illness. Ensminger's research led him to discover the link between cancer and toxic chemicals in the water system of the base.

The documentary is an emotional and poignant exploration of the injustices that the victims and their families faced in their fight for compensation from the government. Ensminger's search for answers takes him to Washington D.C. to press lawmakers to address the issue, and to meet with other affected families who want the government to acknowledge their suffering.

The film uses a combination of animation, voiceovers, and interviews with experts and victims to tell its story. It also includes footage of public hearings and interviews with government officials to give a broader picture of the situation. The narrative is clear and concise, and the film interrogates the role of the government in protecting its citizens from harm.

Through Ensminger's personal journey, the film highlights the bond between military personnel and their commitment to serving their country. His military background and passion for justice serve as a driving force in his pursuit of truth and justice for his daughter and other victims. The film explores the negative impact that the contamination had on service members, their families, and the civilian workers living on the base.

Semper Fi: Always Faithful is not an easy film to watch. It is a powerful indictment of the government's neglect of its duty to protect its citizens. It makes the viewer angry, frustrated and saddened on behalf of the victims and their loved ones. The film is a stark reminder of how human lives can be ignored and sacrificed in the name of "national security."

The documentary is also a call to arms. It urges viewers to stand up for justice and to demand change when their government fails to protect them. The victims and their families demand recognition of the harm done to them and their right to compensation for their suffering.

The film does an incredible job of balancing the complex legal and scientific issues involved in the case with the deeply personal stories of the affected families. The narrative structure is well-constructed, and the filmmakers allow their subjects to speak for themselves. The passion and determination of Ensminger and other advocates make the story compelling and engaging from beginning to end.

Semper Fi: Always Faithful is a film that everyone should see. It is a reminder that we must never forget the sacrifices made by our military personnel and that we must hold our government accountable when it fails to protect them. This powerful and moving documentary is a tribute to those who fought for justice and to those who lost their lives in the service of their country.

Semper Fi: Always Faithful is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.