This documentary shows us the lives of former SEAL soldiers who are battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This documentary is a profound reminder of how difficult the lives of soldiers can be and the impact it has on them. PTSD stays with them for a long time, and it's not always caused by war. Rigorous training can also affect mental health. In Waves and War, those who served in the United States Marine Corps and the Navy SEALs share their struggle with PTSD, which began during their service and continued after they left. The way they describe their training and the images we see are just a glimpse of how difficult things can be for them. Through interviews and testimonies, this firsthand account is a powerful reminder of what these men do for us.
Directors: Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk
Stars: Marcus Capone, DJ Shipley, Patsy Shipley
From the very beginning, a great sense of seriousness is palpable. Former SEALs share their stories while we are shown photographs of their youth. These men of steel don't break down when recalling what happened to them. We learn from them that it's not just physical pain that destroys a person; mental pain and agony also play a significant role. However, our SEALs are not ones to give up. They fight with themselves even when they no longer recognize the person they see in the mirror every morning.
The creators deserve great credit for their use of animation to depict the feelings of the former SEALs. This is important because hearing a story is one thing, but seeing it backed up by visuals leaves a lasting impact. You might wonder how that can be visual. And for that very reason, I recommend you watch the documentary. The creators have done a great job of conveying and bringing to life, in particular, the feelings of these individuals.
Simultaneously, as they narrate their stories, we also understand what motivates people to join one of the most demanding elite units in the world. These soldiers tell us that some joined because their father was in the same profession, while others did it out of pure ambition. Do they regret it? By no means. That's something you can sense in their voices, even after the PTSD that haunts them. But the story doesn't end there.
Once out of the service, the very career they once served with pride comes back to torment them. Many of the participants in the documentary claim to remember everything they had to do while wearing the uniform, and that's what terrifies them. Some have even had problems with their families because of it. Towards the end, we see the men participating in an experiment that could help them overcome their problems. There are many moving scenes where we see these men, seemingly so strong, break down, a reminder that even men can have those moments of vulnerability.
The pace of the film is a little slow, but that's intentional. It's necessary to see and feel every word these men utter.
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