Why We Fight - ACE Train Movie Review

In 1961, as Dwight D. Eisenhower gave his final address to the nation before leaving the office of President of the United States, he warned that America "must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence...by the military-industrial complex." Nearly 45 years later, as the United States finds itself waging a war in Iraq for reasons that seem increasingly unclear with the passage of time, Eisenhower's statement becomes all the more pertinent, and the question becomes more apt: has the machinery the United States established to wage war helped prevent conflict, or has it done more to inspire it? Why We Fight features interviews with foot soldiers, Army recruits, Pentagon personnel, decorated veterans, members of Congress, national security advisors, top military strategists, and many more as they talks about the core philosophies of American military strategy and how they have changed since the end of the Second World War.

This is a very relevant documentary for the times we are currently in. It is interesting to hear the different viewpoints of various folks within our government as well as regular citizens. The question of why we fight (as well as what are we fighting for in Iraq, in particular) has no easy answer and it seems that the communication between our government and the people have broken down. This documentary reminds me of something Michael Moore would make in that it really only shows one side of the story, so you should take it for what it's worth. Overall, I found it very interesting and would recommend it for war buffs and people who aren't already tired of all the talk about war.

Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Wilton Sekzer, Chalmers Johnson, William Solomon

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.