Watch Soldiers of Paint

Soldiers of Paint is a documentary film that takes the audience on a journey into the world of paintball, a sport where players use air-powered guns to shoot small pellets filled with paint at each other. The film centers on the annual D-Day event, the largest paintball game in the world, which takes place in Oklahoma and sees thousands of participants reenacting the famous World War II battle.

The movie begins by introducing some of the key characters involved in the event, such as Greg Hastings, a former pro paintball player turned game designer who created the D-Day scenario, and Chris Turek, a military history enthusiast who leads one of the teams. The filmmakers also interview several players who come from all over the United States and even overseas to participate in the event, many of whom have been attending for years and have formed close bonds with their teammates.

As the day of the game approaches, excitement and tension build among the players, who are split into two factions - the Allies and the Axis - and given specific objectives to achieve, such as capturing a strategic point or defending a position. The teams are also assisted by hundreds of volunteers who act as referees and medics, and who help create the immersive atmosphere of the event with elaborate costumes and props, including tanks, bombs, and bunkers.

The film then shifts back and forth between the action on the field, where players engage in intense firefights and navigate obstacles, and interviews with various participants who share their thoughts on the sport and the event. Some, like Turek, view paintball as a way to honor the sacrifices of real soldiers and experience some of the adrenaline and camaraderie of battle. Others see it simply as a fun and challenging hobby, or a way to escape from their everyday lives and connect with like-minded individuals.

The filmmakers also explore some of the controversies and challenges associated with paintball, such as the potential danger of the guns and the occasional injuries they can cause, as well as the issues of cheating and unsportsmanlike conduct that can arise in such a competitive environment. They also touch on the debates within the paintball community about the best way to portray historical battles, with some arguing for strict adherence to accuracy and others advocating for more creative interpretations.

Despite these tensions, the movie ultimately celebrates the passion and dedication of the players and organizers who make the D-Day event possible, and offers a fascinating glimpse into a subculture that many outsiders may know little about. Whether you're a seasoned paintballer or a curious newcomer, Soldiers of Paint offers an entertaining and insightful look at a unique and thrilling sport.