Watch Tell Spring Not to Come This Year

Tell Spring Not to Come This Year is a deeply impactful documentary film that follows the lives of Afghan National Army soldiers during their first year after the withdrawal of foreign troops in 2014. The film, directed by Saeed Taji Farouky and Michael McEvoy, provides an intimate and honest insight into the experiences of these soldiers as they navigate the complexities of war, grief and loss, and the ongoing fight against the Taliban.

The film begins with the withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force in 2014, marking the end of a long and tumultuous period of foreign intervention in Afghanistan. As the soldiers of the Afghan National Army begin to take full responsibility for their country's security, they are faced with enormous challenges. The Taliban, emboldened by the departure of foreign troops, launches a renewed campaign of violence, targeting soldiers, civilians and government officials. In this volatile and dangerous environment, the soldiers must navigate their way through a minefield of political, cultural and religious challenges.

The film is structured around the perspectives of several individual soldiers, each with their unique experiences and perspectives. One of the soldiers, Sergeant Malek, is a commanding officer whose deep sense of duty is rooted in his religious faith. Malek watches as his men are killed and wounded in increasingly brutal and devastating attacks, yet he remains committed to the task at hand. He spends long days in the field, strategizing and coordinating with his fellow soldiers, often going without sleep for days at a time. Malek's unwavering dedication to his job is both inspiring and heartbreaking, and his ultimate fate is emblematic of the harsh realities of war.

Another soldier featured in the film is Private Sunnatullah, who has been in the army since he was sixteen years old. Sunnatullah is fiercely proud of his service to his country, but he is also painfully aware of the personal cost that he and his fellow soldiers have paid. In one of the film's most poignant moments, Sunnatullah visits the grave of a fellow soldier who was killed in an attack. He spends several minutes staring quietly at the grave, his eyes moist with tears, before finally walking away.

The film also explores the role of women in the Afghan National Army, interviewing several female soldiers who are equally committed to their roles. While they are still a minority in the army, they are determined to make a difference and prove their worth. One female soldier, Sergeant Nilofar, talks about the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated environment, but also about the rewards of serving her country.

Throughout the film, there is a palpable sense of tension and uncertainty. The soldiers are keenly aware of the dangers that surround them, and yet they continue to push forward, driven by a sense of duty and responsibility. The filmmakers do an excellent job of capturing the complexity and nuance of the soldiers' experiences, showing the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Overall, Tell Spring Not to Come This Year is a powerful and moving film that offers a unique and important perspective on the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. It is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the soldiers who serve there, and a reminder of the human cost of war. The film is essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the conflict in Afghanistan and the experiences of those who are fighting it.

Tell Spring Not to Come This Year is a 2015 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.