Watch The Interpreters

The movie "The Interpreters" is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that explores the lives of the people who work as interpreters for the United States military in Iraq and Afghanistan. The film provides an intimate portrait of these individuals, who are often caught in the middle of intense and dangerous conflicts and must navigate the complexities of language and culture on a daily basis.

The movie follows four interpreters from different backgrounds and with different experiences. Phillip Morris, a former US Marine, is a veteran interpreter who has been working in Iraq for several years. Malik, a second-generation Afghan-American, has come to Afghanistan to work as an interpreter because he believes in the importance of helping his country. Mujtaba, a young Afghan man, has just started working as an interpreter and is eager to learn more about the American culture and language. And Yousif, an Iraqi interpreter, provides a unique perspective on the conflict in his country.

Through their stories, the movie depicts the challenges and dangers that interpreters face in their work. They are often targeted by insurgents who see them as traitors, and their families are at risk as well. The interpreters have to constantly balance their loyalty to the US military with their loyalty to their own countries and people.

The movie also explores the emotional toll that the interpreters experience. They are often exposed to the brutality of war and witness the suffering of innocent people. They struggle with feelings of guilt and trauma, and many of them find it difficult to adjust to civilian life after their service is over.

One of the most powerful aspects of the movie is its examination of the relationship between the interpreters and the US military. While the interpreters are vital to the military's operations, they are often treated as disposable assets rather than human beings. They are not given the same protections and rights as soldiers, and many of them struggle to obtain visas to come to the US after their service is over.

Despite the challenges and dangers they face, the interpreters in the movie show incredible resilience and courage. They are passionate about the work they do and the impact they can have on the lives of their fellow citizens. They provide a crucial link between the US military and the local populations, and their work is essential to building understanding and trust between different cultures.

Overall, "The Interpreters" is a moving and eye-opening documentary that provides a unique perspective on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. It challenges viewers to think deeply about the role of interpreters in conflict zones and the ethical implications of their work. The movie is a testament to the bravery and humanity of the interpreters who put their lives on the line to serve their countries and make a difference in the world.

The Interpreters is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 55 minutes.