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kolrael
Reviews
Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers (2006)
Watch with an open mind
As a contemporary military historian, I had high hopes for this film. On many accounts, it's informative, though largely it seems to demonize the companies that provide services in Iraq. I won't debate whether or not the film raises valid points, but I do wish to comment on the section regarding Blackwater. In the film, they interview the families of two of the Blackwater contractors that were killed in Fallujah. While moving, the comments of the families aren't informed. The comments are used as if they fact, when in actuality, they are speaking with heavy emotion, and aren't fully aware of all the details. I find it to be amateur documentary style to use a highly emotionally charged interview as a suggestion of fact, and I suggest all who watch this film keep that in mind.
Shadow Company (2006)
Awesome film.
I just received my copy in the mail, and to be honest, I was completely surprised by the sheer entertainment value of the film. it's edited remarkably well, written well, and the interview subjects are interesting, and entertaining. Graphics and text inserted during conversation explain technical phrases or give statistics that you'd ask for naturally, so there's no drop off in wishing things were explained more. It's quite neat.
The documentary is very objective, taking no side in the issue. It goes back quite a ways in the contemporary history of the Mercenary/Contractor world, while still being relevant to today's world.
Highly recommended to anyone interested in Foreign Policy, or Military oriented subjects.
-Chris