Watch Bastards' Road

Bastards' Road is a powerful documentary from 2020 that follows the journey of Marine Corps veteran Jonathan Hancock as he tries to reconnect with his life after serving in Iraq. This deeply emotional film showcases the struggles that many veterans face when they return home, including PTSD, isolation, and a feeling of disconnection from everyday life.

Hancock is a charismatic and engaging guide through this documentary, which follows him on a 5,800 mile journey across the United States. The trip is a pilgrimage of sorts, as Hancock visits the families of fallen soldiers he served with in Iraq. Through this journey, he hopes to find meaning and healing as he grapples with the loss of his own friends, including his best friend killed in action.

The film is shot in a stunning cinematic style, with gorgeous landscapes and intimate portraitures of the people that Hancock meets along the way. From the deserts of Arizona to the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, the film provides a breathtaking tour of the country. The film also features powerful interviews with other veterans, including retired Marine Corps General James Mattis and former Navy SEAL Eric Greitens.

One of the most striking things about Bastards' Road is the way that it humanizes the experiences of veterans. Many people view veterans as heroes, but the film reminds viewers that they are also human beings with complex emotional lives. Through Hancock's journey, we see the sacrifices that veterans make on behalf of their country and the toll that those sacrifices can take on them.

Throughout the film, Hancock struggles with his own emotional trauma. He battles PTSD and depression, and he worries that he will never be able to fully reintegrate into civilian life. But as he meets with the families of his fallen comrades, he begins to find some measure of closure. Through their stories, he sees that his own story is part of a larger narrative of sacrifice and loss.

Bastards' Road is not an easy film to watch. It is often raw and gritty, and it doesn't shy away from showing the pain and anguish that veterans feel. But it is also deeply moving and ultimately uplifting. The film offers a powerful reminder that there is hope and healing for those who have suffered the traumas of war.

One of the most compelling elements of the film is the way that it explores the role of community in the healing process. Throughout his journey, Hancock is welcomed by a variety of people – fellow veterans, family members, and ordinary citizens. These individuals provide him with the support and connection that he needs to heal. This highlights the fact that, for many veterans, the key to healing is not just individual therapy, but also building connections with others.

Another powerful aspect of the film is the way that it highlights the diversity of experiences among veterans. Hancock served in the Marine Corps, but he meets veterans from all branches of the military, as well as women who have served in combat. Through these encounters, viewers gain a greater appreciation for the wide range of experiences that veterans have, and the way that their individual experiences shape their post-war lives.

In summary, Bastards' Road is a powerful and deeply emotional documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of veterans. By following Jonathan Hancock on his journey, viewers gain a greater understanding of the challenges that veterans face when they return home, as well as the healing power of community and connection. With stunning visuals and heartfelt interviews, this film is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.

Bastards' Road is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.