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Citizen Soldier

Name: Citizen Soldier
Director: David Salzberg, Christian Tureaud
Released: 2016
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

2016

Director

David Salzberg, Christian Tureaud

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Citizen Soldier is a work of observational realism that prioritizes traditional narrative values. It functions as a celebration of institutional roles and mission-oriented storytelling. The film reinforces conventional expectations of heroism, patriotism, and masculine camaraderie. It does not engage in the deconstruction of Western social hierarchies or identity-based power dynamics. Ultimately, the documentary focuses on the experiential reality of combat rather than intentional social or ideological subversion.

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Category Breakdown

Does Citizen Soldier have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on the hyper-masculine environment of a combat deployment and emphasizes traditional military brotherhood without including LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Citizen Soldier portray gender?

Limited

The narrative highlights the male experience of combat and brotherhood, reinforcing traditional masculine leadership and warrior roles without challenging gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Citizen Soldier?

Fair

The racial composition reflects the actual demographic makeup of the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Representation comes from military realism rather than intentional narrative choices to disrupt dominance.

How does Citizen Soldier represent religion and culture?

Minimal

Thematic cores are built around traditional Western values like patriotism and bravery. The film celebrates service and duty without deconstructing Western institutions or state systems.

Does Citizen Soldier include disability representation?

Limited

Depictions of combat horrors likely show physical and psychological consequences, functioning as testaments to heroism rather than nuanced explorations of neurodivergence or chronic illness.

Present on Screen

Provides an authentic, first-person perspective of modern warfare through real combat footage.
Offers an intimate and heartfelt look into the bonds of military brotherhood.
Captures the raw bravery and valor of soldiers under extreme conditions.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities within the military narrative.
Reinforces traditional gender hierarchies by focusing almost exclusively on the male experience.
Does not explore disability or psychological trauma beyond its connection to heroism.

Official Synopsis

CITIZEN SOLDIER is a dramatic feature film, told from the point of view of a group of Soldiers in the Oklahoma Army National Guard's 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, known since World War II as the "Thunderbirds.” Set in one of the most dangerous parts of Afghanistan at the height of the surge, it is a heart-pounding, heartfelt grunts' eye-view of the war. A modern day Band of Brothers, Citizen Soldier tells the true story of a group of young Soldiers and their life-changing tour of duty in Afghanistan, offering an excruciatingly personal look into modern warfare, brotherhood, and patriotism. Using real footage from multiple cameras, including helmet cams, these Citizen Soldiers give the audience an intimate view into the chaos and horrors of combat and, in the process, display their bravery and valor under the most hellish of conditions.

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