Ep 22. Hell and Back Again

Hell and Back Again is an episode of the documentary series Independent Lens season 13. This episode follows the journey of a US Marine named Nathan Harris, who was sent to fight in Afghanistan in 2009. The episode chronicles the physical and psychological hardships that Harris endures while serving in the war zone and after returning to civilian life.

The first part of the episode shows Harris leading his platoon on a mission in rural Afghanistan. The camera captures the tension and fear that the Marines experience as they patrol the area in search of Taliban insurgents. The footage is visceral and unsettling, and it shows how difficult and dangerous the war zone can be for American soldiers. Harris is portrayed as a competent and brave leader, but also as a human being who is scared and vulnerable.

After the mission, Harris returns to his American hometown, where he undergoes a long and painful rehabilitation process to recover from the injuries he sustained in combat. He is shown struggling with chronic pain, frustration, and despair as he tries to adjust to civilian life and regain his health. The camera captures the physical toll of Harris' injuries, but also the emotional toll of his mental trauma.

The second part of the episode shows Harris dealing with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), a mental health condition that affects many soldiers who have experienced the horrors of war. The camera follows Harris as he attends group therapy sessions and struggles with nightmares, anger, and anxiety. The documentary shows how PTSD can be just as debilitating and life-altering as physical injuries, yet it is often misunderstood and stigmatized.

Throughout the episode, Harris is portrayed as a complex and sympathetic figure. He is shown as a warrior who is willing to sacrifice his life for his country, but also as a man who is struggling to find meaning and purpose in his post-war life. The documentary does not shy away from the difficult questions about the morality of the war in Afghanistan and the toll it takes on the soldiers who fight it.

Overall, Hell and Back Again is a powerful and gripping documentary that offers a sobering look at the realities of war and its aftermath. By following the journey of one soldier, it sheds light on the larger issues of PTSD, physical injuries, and the difficult transition back to civilian life. The episode is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the human cost of war and the challenges faced by those who serve their country.