Watch Soldiers of Conscience

Soldiers of Conscience is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary film that was released in 2007. The movie features the real-life stories of two American soldiers who served in Iraq and were faced with a moral dilemma that forced them to question their beliefs and their duty to their country. The film opens with an introduction to Kevin Benderman, a former U.S. Army sergeant who served in Iraq. Benderman comes from a long line of military veterans and was not only proud of his own service but also believed in the importance and necessity of the war in Iraq. However, after witnessing the atrocities and horrors of war firsthand, Benderman became a conscientious objector and refused to return to Iraq.

The other soldier featured in the film is Joshua Casteel, a former U.S. Army interrogator who served at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. Casteel, who was also a devout Christian, became increasingly disturbed by the use of torture and other inhumane interrogation techniques. He ultimately came to the realization that he could no longer continue to participate in these practices and chose to become a conscientious objector as well.

Soldiers of Conscience provides an in-depth look into the moral and ethical struggles that these two soldiers faced. Through interviews with family members, military officials, and experts in the field of war ethics, the film sheds light on the broader implications of the choices that these soldiers made.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is its exploration of the concept of moral injury. This term is used to describe the psychological trauma that some soldiers experience when they are forced to go against their moral beliefs and values. The film suggests that the moral injury that both Benderman and Casteel suffered from was just as real and debilitating as physical injuries sustained in combat.

Soldiers of Conscience also provides a unique look into the military justice system and the consequences that soldiers face when they choose to become conscientious objectors. Both Benderman and Casteel faced disciplinary action for their actions, and their stories raise important questions about the ability of soldiers to act on their conscience in a war zone.

The film is not only valuable for its exploration of war ethics and the challenges faced by soldiers, but it also provides a humanizing look at the individuals who serve in the military. By focusing on the personal stories of Benderman and Casteel, the film shows that soldiers are not just faceless automatons but individuals with their own beliefs and values.

The film is expertly crafted and features stunning cinematography that captures the realities of war in a visceral and impactful way. The interviews are engaging and thought-provoking, and the film is well-paced and engaging throughout.

Overall, Soldiers of Conscience is a powerful and highly recommended documentary film. Its exploration of war ethics and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers is both insightful and illuminating, and its focus on the personal stories of Benderman and Casteel makes it a humanizing and powerful work of cinema.

Soldiers of Conscience is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.