Independent Lens Season 7 Episode 2 En Route to Baghdad

En Route to Baghdad is the second episode of the seventh season of the award-winning documentary series Independent Lens. This episode follows a group of National Guard soldiers from Indiana as they make their way to Baghdad just as the Iraq War is beginning in 2003.

The documentary provides a raw and realistic portrayal of the soldiers' experiences as they prepare for deployment, cope with the challenges of military life, and ultimately face the dangers of combat in a foreign land. Through intimate interviews and extensive footage captured by filmmaker Simone de Vries, En Route to Baghdad explores the emotional toll of war on both the soldiers and their families back home.

The episode begins with the soldiers' departure from their homes in Indiana, as they say goodbye to loved ones and embark on a journey into the unknown. We see the soldiers training, engaging in camaraderie, and preparing for war. They share their thoughts and feelings about the upcoming deployment, their fears and hopes, their concerns for loved ones left behind, and their dedication to serving their country.

As the soldiers arrive in Iraq, the documentary shows the challenges they face in adapting to a new environment, dealing with the heat and dust, and coping with the constant threat of danger. We witness them performing their duties as soldiers, building relationships with Iraqis and fellow soldiers, and struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of war.

Throughout the documentary, En Route to Baghdad addresses the political context of the war, including the controversies surrounding the US invasion of Iraq and the impact of the war on the Iraqi people. The documentary also highlights the strain that the war placed on US military families, as they eagerly awaited news from their loved ones on the front lines.

Overall, Independent Lens' En Route to Baghdad is a gripping and powerful documentary that offers a unique perspective on the Iraq War. Through the personal stories of the soldiers, the documentary provides an honest and unflinching look at the realities of war and the human toll of conflict. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the complexities of military life and the impact of war on individuals and society.