Watch If Only I Were That Warrior

If Only I Were That Warrior is a documentary film that follows the story of a group of Italian volunteers fighting alongside the Kurdish people against ISIS in Northern Syria. The film was released in 2015 and directed by Valerio Ciriaci. The film begins by introducing the audience to the group of volunteers, who come from a variety of backgrounds, but share a common goal of fighting for justice and freedom. The volunteers are all members of the Associazione Solidarietà Kurdistan, an organization that sends Italian volunteers to Kurdistan to fight for the Kurdish people. The film explores why these individuals choose to put themselves in harm's way, leaving their comfortable lives in Italy to fight against a brutal regime thousands of miles away.

Throughout the film, the volunteers talk about their personal motivations for joining the fight against ISIS. Many of them have experienced discrimination and oppression themselves and want to help alleviate the suffering of the Kurdish people. Others see it as a way to stand up against the spread of extremist ideology and protect global democracy. As the film progresses, the volunteers share their experiences on the frontlines and the obstacles they faced in their mission.

One of the film's strengths is its focus on the Kurdish people and their struggle for survival against ISIS. The volunteers serve as a conduit for the audience to learn about the Kurdish people's history and their current political and social situation. The film explores the impact of decades of oppression, forced displacement, and war on the Kurdish people, highlighting their resilience and their struggle to maintain their cultural identity.

If Only I Were That Warrior also examines the complex political situation in Syria and the geopolitics involved in the fight against ISIS. The volunteers discuss the rift between Turkey and the Kurdish forces, the role of the US-led coalition in the conflict, and the lack of international support for the Kurdish people. The film sheds light on the challenges faced by the Kurdish people in their fight against ISIS and the importance of international solidarity in their struggle.

The film effectively captures the realities of war, including the fear, exhaustion, and trauma experienced by the volunteers. The volunteers talk about their own experiences with PTSD and the challenges they faced adjusting to life after returning home from the frontlines. The film highlights the need to support veterans and the importance of addressing mental health issues for those who have experienced trauma during their service.

The cinematography in the film is stunning, with shots of the rugged terrain of Northern Syria and intimate portraits of the volunteers and the Kurdish people. The film's score, composed by Oscar-nominated composer Miriam Cutler, is also excellent and helps to create an emotional connection with the audience.

Overall, If Only I Were That Warrior is a moving and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the often-neglected Kurdish struggle against ISIS. The film provides a humanistic perspective on a geopolitical conflict, emphasizing the importance of empathy and solidarity in the fight against oppression. The volunteers featured in the film are heroes who risked everything to stand up for what they believe in, and the film is a powerful tribute to their courage and sacrifice.

If Only I Were That Warrior is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.