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Citizen Soldier
2016
Director
Christian Tureaud, David Salzberg
Runtime
105 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetSynopsis
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.
Where to Watch
Diversity & Representation
Overall Score
Limited
Category Breakdown
LGBTQ+ Representation
The film centers on the hyper-masculine environment of a combat deployment. It focuses on traditional military brotherhood without featuring LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that critique heteronormativity.
Gender Representation
The narrative prioritizes the male experience of combat and brotherhood. It reinforces traditional masculine leadership and archetypal warrior roles rather than subverting gender hierarchies.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
The racial composition reflects the actual demographic makeup of the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Representation stems from military realism rather than intentional narrative choices to disrupt dominance.
Religious & Cultural Diversity
Thematic cores are built upon traditional Western values like patriotism and bravery. The film celebrates service and duty without deconstructing Western institutions or state systems.
Disability Representation
Depictions of combat horrors likely show physical and psychological consequences. These function as testaments to heroism rather than nuanced explorations of neurodivergence or chronic illness.
Strengths
- Provides an authentic, grunts' eye-view 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.
Areas for Improvement
- 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.
AI 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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