Combat Obscura

First off, I want to mention straight off the bat that it is a mishmash movie, a compilation of this Marine’s experience being deployed in Afghanistan as Combat Camera. This is not linear. This is doesn’t have the all-time-Hollywood-action that many are thinking this would be. This is a movie displaying the true reality of being out in the field at war. This is a movie depicting the harsh nature of man, his mistakes and accomplishments, his life. Yes, there’s plenty of action. There’s laughs. They’re edge-of-your-seat moments. However, you must truly keep mindset that it is combat. It has no next act, no next scene. What happens next is purely based on human interaction. It’s an obscured expression of life at war. On both sides of the Afghani civilians and soldiers, and the American Marines. I paid the $14.99 because I firmly stand by what it displays. If you’re here for major action, big actor cameos, and other Hollywood junk, this isn’t the movie for you. If you’re bored, and claim that there’s “freer things online that show you more,” then this isn’t for you. But if you want a peak into a fraction of what happens overseas to a unit, then pull up a seat and enjoy the show. I recommend it fully. It’s a fantastic display of reality of Marines in Afghanistan. Just keep an open mind of everything they’re subjected to.

This is as real as it gets. Completely raw footage of what war is actually like, in the eyes of these Marines.

But some raw insights.

One swears an oath when serving their country...all this film is a way to capitalize of 15 minutes of fame. War isn’t a fun place to be and the job of combat camera is to record history not the behind the scenes. This new generation loves to record anything and everything and it truly is a shame. This Kid is a moron.

Raw. No voice overs, no glory, no deep reflections, no closure; as it was supposed to be. It was an honest reflection of many Marines’ experiences during the Global War on Terror. Not everyone got to be Chris Kyle, SEAL Team 6, or a war hero. Most of us were grunts who never got the war we were promised.

Great if you want to be fall asleep.

If your looking to be spoon fed with a super polished action war movie or a high budget war documentary made by a seasoned war correspondent this is not it. This is a hybrid film that is part combat journalism and part YouTube style documentary. Because the editing style and narrative is staggered as a viewer you have to fill in some of the blanks. Needs a little more narrative cohesion though to tighten things up. But the rawness makes this documentary unique.

I have always known of the two sides of warriors. The desire for doing good with the terrible burden of this hope. Many people (including myself); have very negative ideas about sending our troops to places like Afghanistan and other harsh areas to fight and (sadly often die) with little praise or even decent help when back home. I suffer from CTE caused by head injuries playing football. My life has been demolished due to this PTSD type nightmare. If you believe that we have a bunch of indifferent and mean folks who are hardened to goodness and evil... watch this film. You will be very proud of these soldiers who are just like someone you know. The facade of our troops being in massive impregnable fortresses; is replaced by the ancient and dangerous compound in which this group of Marines depend upon for cover and living. A mixture of waiting in heat and boredom + the constant chances for firefights = the world of war. This is not for everyone... the real scenes of death and destruction will be very tough on young kids and many kind souls. But if you realize that you are going to see a glimpse of truth through the lens of ‘Combat Obscura’... then proceed with open eyes and mind. Blessings to all who are similar positions around the world and from many countries. War is a terrible thing that we as humans have not found a way out of... yet. Respect

There are tons of first hand videos shot by soldiers for free online that will give you a knot in your stomach leaving you with great respect and appreciation for our brave soldiers. This documentary ain’t it.

biggest waste of money