Watch Soldier's Kiss: A PTSD Documentary

Soldier's Kiss is a raw and emotional documentary that delves into the horrors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) suffered by soldiers who have served in warzones. The film takes a deep dive into the psychological effects of war and how it impacts soldiers long after they return home. The film is directed by Bobby Grey, who himself served in the U.S. Army as a combat medic. The documentary is his attempt to shed light on PTSD, a condition he was diagnosed with after returning from active duty. The film also features moving and candid interviews with soldiers who have served in active duty and are now forced to live with the debilitating effects of PTSD.

One of the primary subjects of the film is LuAnn Callaway, an army veteran who fought in Afghanistan. LuAnn shares her story of how she joined the army after 9/11 and describes the traumatic experiences that still haunt her. She survived two IED explosions, which led to the amputation of her leg. Upon return home, she struggled with the loss of her comrades and the guilt that followed. LuAnn uses her journey to inspire hope and motivate others.

The documentary investigates various aspects of the condition, such as the long-term psychological effects of combat, the stigma associated with PTSD, the struggles faced by veterans to obtain adequate mental health care, and the impact of war on families. Soldiers' Kiss is an honest conversation and an intimate look into the effects of war, from soldiers who have been at the forefront to family members who try to support loved ones struggling with this condition.

Soldier's Kiss also explores the concept of brotherhood among the soldiers. War brings together people from vastly different backgrounds and creates an unbreakable bond amongst them. This bond is essential in battle but often, once the battle is done, it disintegrates, leaving soldiers isolated and alone, left to deal with the after-effects of war. The film poses questions about how we can build a society that can cater to the needs of such soldiers even post their service.

The documentary also follows Wyndel Hedrick, a retired veteran, and his wife, Valeri, who run a nonprofit organization that helps veterans deal with the challenges of returning to civilian life. The discussion focuses on the lack of government support and the nonexistence of mental health care for soldiers after their service.

The testimonies in the documentary are poignant and show the bravery of those who have served at the front and the struggles they face every day. Interweaved with personal accounts are interviews with expert psychologists, offering a larger understanding of the condition that affects not just veterans but also current military personnel.

Soldier's Kiss does an excellent job of raising awareness regarding PTSD and its effects on veterans. The film is an invitation to the viewers to join the conversation and start opening their hearts and minds to the challenges faced by military personnel who have served in warzones.

In conclusion, Soldier's Kiss is a moving and realistic documentary that uncovers a topic that is often hidden in society. It provides a window into the harsh realities that soldiers face when they have to return home after serving their country. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in understanding the psychological impact of warfare, the struggle for mental health care amongst veterans, and the importance of building a caring and supportive community for all who have served in the military.

Soldier's Kiss: A PTSD Documentary is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 63 hours.