Watch Chechnya: War Without A Trace

Chechnya: War Without A Trace is a documentary film that explores the brutal conflict that erupted in the region of Chechnya in the 1990s. The movie delves into the history behind the conflict and the major players involved, as well as the human toll that the war took on Chechnya's people. The film begins by providing some historical context for the conflict. It explains how Chechnya, a predominantly Muslim region in the southern part of Russia, had sought independence from the Soviet Union during the late 1980s and early 1990s. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Chechnya declared itself an independent republic. However, the Russian government refused to recognize Chechnya's independence and the conflict escalated.

The movie then explores the brutal tactics used by both sides during the war. The Russian army, which vastly outnumbered Chechen forces, launched a series of brutal attacks on Chechen villages, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians. The Chechen rebels, on the other hand, resorted to terrorist tactics such as suicide bombings and hostage-taking.

The film also examines the role of the media during the conflict. Russian authorities imposed strict restrictions on journalists operating in Chechnya, in an attempt to control the narrative of the war. Despite these restrictions, some brave journalists managed to get footage of the atrocities being committed by Russian troops and the devastation being wrought on Chechnya's civilian population.

The movie also shines a light on the courage and resilience of Chechnya's people in the face of such overwhelming violence. Despite being caught in the crossfire of the conflict, many Chechens refused to leave their homes and instead chose to stay and defend their land. The film highlights the incredible acts of bravery displayed by Chechen women, who served as fighters and medics during the war.

Throughout the movie, viewers are presented with interviews from key figures involved in the conflict, including former Russian president Boris Yeltsin and former Chechen president Aslan Maskhadov. These interviews provide insight into the motivations behind the war and the complex political landscape that fueled the conflict.

Overall, Chechnya: War Without A Trace is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a little-known conflict that had a profound impact on the people of Chechnya. The film draws attention to the brutal tactics used by both sides and the devastating impact that the conflict had on Chechnya's civilian population. Despite the heavy subject matter, the movie offers glimmers of hope and highlights the incredible resilience and bravery of Chechnya's people in the face of war.

Chechnya: War Without A Trace is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.