Watch Away from war
- 2008
- 1 hr 29 min
-
7.6 (13)
Away from War is a 2008 independent film directed by Nick Gaglia that tells the story of four young men whose lives are forever changed by their experiences in Iraq. The film stars Sammy Beitler, Johnny Quinones, Nate Rosenfield, and Alex Stein in the lead roles. The film begins with the four friends - Sam, Ray, Mike, and Tyler - arriving in Iraq for their military deployment. Initially excited about the prospect of serving their country, they soon find themselves in the midst of a brutal and seemingly endless war. As their tour drags on, they witness the horrors of combat up close, and are forced to grapple with the physical and emotional toll of their experiences.
Throughout the film, we see the four men struggle to come to terms with their new reality. Sam, the group's leader, tries to maintain his sense of duty and professionalism in the face of mounting casualties and senseless violence. Ray, the most hardened of the group, copes with the trauma by shutting down emotionally and becoming increasingly reckless in combat. Mike, the youngest of the group, struggles to reconcile his desire to serve his country with his growing disillusionment with the war. And Tyler, the quietest of the group, grapples with the guilt of having survived when so many of his fellow soldiers did not.
As the film progresses, we see how the war begins to change each of the men in profound and often heartbreaking ways. Sam becomes increasingly isolated and withdrawn, haunted by the memories of what he has seen and done. Ray becomes increasingly erratic and self-destructive, putting both himself and his comrades in danger. Mike becomes more outspoken in his opposition to the war, even as he continues to serve his country. And Tyler struggles to find meaning in his survival, grappling with the sense that he has somehow failed his fallen comrades.
Throughout the film, we also see how the men's experiences in Iraq begin to affect their relationships with one another. Initially united by their shared experiences, the stresses of the war begin to drive them apart. Sam and Ray clash over differing approaches to leadership, while Mike and Tyler drift away from the group as their own priorities and beliefs begin to diverge.
As the film draws to a close, we see the men gradually coming to terms with their experiences and finding a way to move forward. Though they are forever changed by the war, they are able to find hope and a renewed sense of purpose in their civilian lives. The film ends on a note of cautious optimism, as the men reflect on their experiences and look towards a brighter future.
Overall, Away from War is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of the experience of soldiers serving in Iraq. It is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, and a testament to the courage and resilience of the men and women who serve their country.