Joe's War (2017) User Reviews

I see dead people

[nogodnomasters · 1/10 · 5 July 2017]

Joe (Michael Markiewicz) a home town hockey star comes home from the war and has trouble adjusting. He can't open up and drinks his life away. Eventually he sees a doctor.

PTSD is a sad thing. What is even sadder is when Hollywood can't respect those who serve with a decent film about it. Where did Joe serve? In the first half of the film it was Iraq, the second half Afghanistan. I guess it was all the same to Phil Falcone. The flashback scenes were not coherent. One time his buddies are being killed in a home to home search, in another scene they are killed by some Iraqistanis in blue jeans and sneakers. Armand Assante was a joke as a doctor, with his Mohawk comb over. In order to make the film seem like it had worth they kept playing the same sad piano riff over and over again. Couldn't afford a decent sound track after the Edward Asner/Tom Sizemore cameos.

This is part of a genre I call "PTSD exploitation films." You take a hot and sensitive topic and you make a quick and dirty film about it, hoping to cash in. The acting wasn't good. The flash backs lacked a coherent story. Joe hears and sees a helicopter at the airport and has a flashback...to what a helicopter? Nope. Playing poker. In fact you never see a helicopter in any flashback. So why did a helicopter trigger a poker game? Almost Ed Wood bad.

The film has some PTSD stats at the end to make you think you watched something meaningful.

Guide: F-word. Near sex. No nudity.

Joes War

[quahog-51554 · 1/10 · 28 April 2017]

Jumping on the back of other war stories.. This is awful. the acting is terrible. Could have been a great story but falls down with the terrible acting. Its amost like they are reading from a board. There is no emotion or conviction involved with this movie. The actors should be ashamed of themselves. And so should the producers, just a shameful way of bringing in money from the real stories of soldiers in the fireline. If you want to tell a story, tell it well. And have respect.

Message lost in horrible acting.

[denverbroncojoe · 1/10 · 11 August 2019]

The attention to detail is horrible.Their Depicting Marines is deplorable. The acting is horrendous. Movie shot like an after school special. Add lame NJ accents. I would skip this movie.

A Film, A Call to Action

[innovativeengineer · 19 April 2018]

Joe's war is an engaging story of the struggle of a veteran who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. The film captures the tensions Joe experiences in his relationships with family, friends, Doctor and a fellow patient whose parallel arc depicts an upward path to recovery. The film effectively pulls the viewer in, and one can not help but identify with the supporting characters as they struggle to help Joe re-integrate into society, and fight the evolving alienation that surrounds him. The tension in Joe's war builds to a climax which brilliantly portrays the tragic and sometimes violent nature of post-traumatic stress and the senseless destruction it causes in the lives of the afflicted and those who are connected to them. Everyone has a "Joe" in their life at some point, and Joe's War deals with this important topic in a direct and poignant way. This film points out that our society has done little to truly help PTSD victims and serves as an urgent call to action on this devastating illness.

Not my cup of Joe

[HoosierBob · 2/10 · 3 June 2018]

Good special effects and the uniforms were pretty much accurate, but once again, Holly is selling the liberal thought that all G.I.s are suffering from PTSD and just human time bombs waiting to go off. This is unacceptable to those of us who have seen heavy combat and survived with the tools most of us have at hand. Seeing folks like Ed Asner in any role in a movie about war is a dead giveaway it will be a pure propaganda piece.

If you enjoy action movies just for the explosions, you're fine, but if you are a history nut, or even a veteran...I suggest you move on. As Gen Patton said..."These folks know as little about war, as they do about fornicating".

Joe's War, A deep movie

[lorenzo-6292 · 9/10 · 6 May 2017]

Watched "Joes War" twice, it is a very deep and compelling story. The acting was heartfelt and moving on a subject that needs much more exposure. I felt the story was true to life as I know many people that suffer from PTSD!!

I recommend this movie to be seen by everyone, as we are all affected in one way or another with this horrible disease. I believe this movie will shed some light and may possibly save someones life, who can ask for more!!

A fair account of PTSD

[121mcv · 6/10 · 12 May 2017]

I suppose its a good movie depicting the effects of PTSD, however, the cinematography, acting, music and depth of plot lets this movie down. Having watched this, I'm now inclined to watch The Deer Hunter (1978) again for the 100th time,it is with out a doubt the best film of its kind.

Important and timely film

[tbickle84 · 10/10 · 20 May 2017]

Joe's War is a very effective and relevant film. It focuses on the rapidly growing PTSD epidemic that's claiming the lives of many American veterans.

The film follows Joe (Michael Markiewicz) a soldier returning home from two tours in Afghanistan who can no longer face the "normality" of everyday life after experiencing the horrors of war.

It isn't long before Joe turns to alcohol and the relationships with his friends, family and girlfriend begin to deteriorate. A psychiatrist (Armand Assante) and a fellow veteran (Louis Vanaria) may be the only two people who can save him from total self-destruction.

This is what the Hurt Locker would be if it followed the Jeremy Renner character once he returned home. Now this isn't an all out war film but it does feature some very graphic battle scenes that are hard to shake.

I highly recommend this film. It's a great character study and it brings awareness to a very critical issue in our country.

Shines a Light on the debilitating effects of PTSD

[deerdreamz · 9/10 · 3 August 2023]

This film feels very real. It doesn't try to be a big, fancy blockbuster, it is an intimate portrait of one marine's coming home story & his struggles to find his footing while the horrors of war still play on in his mind. I found it to be heartfelt & powerful, it doesn't deal in easy answers or fairytale endings but sheds Light on the realities of PTSD. Every veteran has a story & sometimes that story hurts to much to tell even to the people closest to them. Coming home is just the start of the journey home for soldiers who may have survived war physically but are far from healing psychologically.

Joe's War Gives Great Insight

[greenlep1 · 10/10 · 21 May 2017]

Joe's War is a great insight into soldiers suffering from PTSD and allows viewers, who aren't familiar with the disorder, see it first hand. The director did a great job of bringing the audience into their horrific real "deteriorating" world. This sickness is real and needs to be addressed, so I applaud all that were involved with the making of this film.

There were some really nice shots to go along with it, and the music was fantastic. Definitely some heart-touching emotional scenes. The story gave just enough insight without over complicating the issue at hand, so that we could see this disorder and try to understand it best we can. These soldiers, who defend our country need help and sometimes they don't know where to turn and we need to take notice to the warning signs.

We need movies like this now more then ever to raise awareness. I would recommend this film to anyone. Really makes you think.

On top of it all, Armand Assante's performance was brilliant and he gave a perfect and unique dimension to the film's character!

Joe returns from 2 tours in Afghanistan and faces the effects of PTSD.

[petefal · 10/10 · 13 June 2017]

This movie really brings the effects of PTSD to the forefront. I thought it was well written and well acted. It really sheds light on this dark subject. It shows you that you never know what someone else may be going through. It also shows how this affliction can change the lives of the people around the person experiencing PTSD. I highly recommend watching it. It really opened my eyes.

Very good movie to help understand PTSD

[rborecky · 9/10 · 6 May 2017]

Excellent movie to help understand PTSD. I think it does a service on just this and hope it helps a family or family member struggling with service time. Thank you for this movie as no one has touched specifically or dedicated a whole move to just this subject. God Bless those that served and God help those in need after service.

A must see!

[xolilbashleyox · 10/10 · 7 May 2017]

An amazing, heartfelt movie that captivates your attention from the very start. You become invested in each character and find yourself wanting to learn more. A true insight into the lives so many war heroes lead, that the average person knows nothing about. A wonderfully produced and executed film. A must see!!

Awesome Movie

[quicktrder · 10/10 · 5 June 2017]

This is a MUST see movie!!! Gives a full real time description of what our military goes through on the battle field. Then goes deep into the struggles once they return home. If you love the US Military this movie will give you a whole new perspective of why we must support our men and women who fight for our countries freedoms. It was an honor to see this movie!!! I highly recommend!!!!

Good Movie

[rski-92014 · 8/10 · 3 June 2017]

Very good film. Extremely sensitive topic that needs more films like this which show realistic depictions. Joe Lido and Mike Markiwicz give very respectable portrayals as the two leads. Armand Asante is as usual a very solid star in a cast which includes the ever respectable Ed Asher and Tom Sizemore supporting this film with style and professionalism.

The rest of the cast does a fine job in keeping you interested as well. A fine job getting the point across that PTSD affects everyone in your circle. A great film to bring new awareness to the affects of PTSD. Well done

Must See

[llross-46070 · 10/10 · 5 May 2017]

I saw this movie at the film festival and i loved it, really shows how PTSD can affect someone, and what our hero's have gone through to give us our freedom, I highly recommend watching this movie! I also bought the DVD on Pre-order so i can watch it again, I can't wait to get my DVD.

Joes War

[user-68093-28124 · 10/10 · 7 May 2017]

Great movie from beginning to end a must see. Very interesting to see what these men and women go through. A lot of them have no support when they get home maybe this movie will open a lot of eyes to what is goes on during war and if you have family members that have been there.. be supportive and have patience when they come home. Great acting and directing.

WOW, What a great movie! So glad I watched this one.

[karljr-20151 · 10/10 · 8 May 2017]

Incredibly moving picture. The writing is fantastic. Highly recommended! I would recommend you watch this movie. The story line is an important topic everyone should watch. Great writing Great editing! All though some of the topics made me a little sad. Its the point of the movie to fill you with emotion.

Review OF Joe's War

[hook-01458 · 8/10 · 9 May 2017]

Joe's War tells the story of a returning two tour soldier coping with the horrors of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). It tackles the hard realities surrounding PTSD in an honest, hometown way.

The Staten Island/Brooklyn feel and real world display of compassion and love so native to that area and it's people help keep the story moving. The musical score fits perfectly.

Props to the writer for his passion portraying an issue which deserves attention.

The acting was above par, with my highest ratings going to Armand Assante, Michael Markiewicz, and Lois Vanaria.

Director Philip Falcone hits a Home Run with this look at PTSD and how it effects our Veterans.

[shagee7977 · 10/10 · 7 January 2018]

I usually watch horror but sometimes I come across movies that feature real horrors. Philip Falcone movie Joe's War does that. It shows you the true horror of war and how it does not end when you go home. Michael Markiewicz portrayal of the titles charector Joe is award winning. He is supported by a very good cast but he outshined the bigger actors Ed Asner, Tom Sizemore, and Armand Assante. They have outstanding performances But Michael really shines. Joe recently returned home and has problems dealing with civilian life. What he sees and done while deployed is a living hell. It slowly takes its toll and destroys everything and everyone he loves. Most noteworthy his girlfriend and Uncle. PTSD is a problem for these young soldiers and this movie needs to be seen so everyone could understand and bring awareness to this mental disease. Philip Falcone is a movie maker to look for and hope this movie gets the recognition it deserves. It is available on Amazon.

Joe's War a moving depiction

[wolfatdoormovie · 8/10 · 4 June 2017]

I would just like to say that this film delivers on many complex issues facing our Veterans. It is nice to see that it was done tastefully. The writers seem to be very respectful of the US Veterans. They took on a tough subject matter and have opened my eyes to what some of these kids are going through.

Kudos to the team effort on this film. Many great supporting roles. Tina Grimm, Louis Vanaria, Anthony Gallo, Robert Kirk, all familiar faces. And let's not forget the talents of the lead Michael Markiewicz along with Joe Lisi and the greats Armand Assante, Ed Asner and Tom Sizemore... All in all a really good and very touching movie A++

A powerful, and very realistic depiction about the hardships of transitioning into the civilian world, after a life of combat in the military

[giantski · 10/10 · 22 February 2023]

Very realistic, convincing and heartfelt performances throughout the whole movie by the entire cast. Those who've served definitely deserve alot more support while they transition to civilian life.

Those who've served know all too well (especially when single) that drinking can be a coping mechanism throughout their military career. Caused by the sadness of being away from friends and family, and dealing with the general stressors of military life. I thought it was very realistic that the lead in the movie "Joe" used alcohol as a coping mechanism to numb the emotional pain brought on by his PTSD flashbacks about his violent combat experience. Which, as you could imagine only made things worse for him. Even though he was back home with friends and loved ones, the impact of PTSD still made him feel isolated and alone.

I am getting ready to make my own transition into civilian life. Sure, It's gonna be tough. But, I'll have it a lot easier than Joe did. One line that hit home for me in Joe's War was (I'm paraphrasing) "When you're in the military, everyone has your back. In civilian life, everyone is out for themselves". Even so, I am lucky. Being in the AF communications field for 22 years, I have a skill that can used to secure a job on the outside. A guy like Joe, who sacrificed the most, is left in the dust because his combat skills very rarely translate to a civilian career. Combined with dealing with the everyday trauma of PTSD.

I think the average rating of 3.9 for Joe's War is extremely unfair. I believe that too many people that rate a movie on IMDb can be a little too fixated on production value. It was low budget, but that didn't hurt the movie at all. I throughly enjoyed Joe's War, and thought they did a fantastic job!! 👏

Ok I was wrong at first

[kparkslpn · 10/10 · 6 April 2023]

When this movie started I immediately came here to see if it was just a movie made by nobodies. I was shocked to see Tom Sizemore as he's always been an excellent actor. I didn't even recognize him and I couldn't even understand what he was saying. As someone else said, it's not made well from the cinematographer all the way to the A list actors. I honestly thought maybe they had real military men playing these roles but I found out quickly that it was real actors. /

So I wrote this before I finished the movie. I wasn't going to but my son is in the military and I figured anything I can do or watch would only benefit him if something happens. I still think it could have started off better. The end is the most important part though and it was definitely worth the whole thing. I beg anyone who has family in the armed services to please watch them and help them. Depression is real, suicide is forever, and no matter how old your kids are they will always blame themselves if you harm yourself. Trust me, I know from experience. My mom attempted suicide when I was 14. When you are healthy it's easy to say "just keep busy and the thoughts will pass." But that's hard for someone who is sick.

A highbred of a movie

[creed23-92-569971 · 10/10 · 24 February 2018]

This movie is a cross between a docudrama and Hacksaw Ridge! Real and raw with emotions and true life depiction of what all of our service men go thru with various degrees of severity. Now called PTSD, any service person, family and friends who want to get a better understanding of how people handle the horrors of war and life, which is not always shown outwardly but is carried inwardly, should use this movie as part of the heeling process. All the acting company did an outstanding job and Mike Markiwicz sealed the deal for me!!!

The storyline was fantastic

[mranieri-66411 · 10/10 · 27 February 2023]

Excellent movie. I enjoyed this Movie very much. I watched this movie with my wife.she thought the movie was very realistic. All the thoughts we carry inside from our experiences. Carrying all the thoughts of a war .Having to overcome going back home. The acting was great. The writing was great. The production and Directing was great. I felt like I was glued to the screen throughout the whole movie. I applaud the makers of this film. I would recommended this film to others. The real life situations always interest me I. A film.you can not get more real tgem this film. The experiences and memories of a war in your mind.