Why We Fight (2005) | DVD Review

In 1943, American director, Frank Capra, produced a series of seven documentary films entitled “Why We Fight.” They greatly served as propaganda to rally the American people’s support for the US involvement in the Second World War. They were designed to state unequivocally why fighting is necessary. Over 60 years later, a new documentary has emerged under the same name. Written and directed by Eugene Jarecki, WHY WE FIGHT explores the ramifications of a fulfilled prophecy made by former US president Dwight D. Eisenhower. In his farewell address to the nation before the end of his term, Eisenhower warned of the dangers of the military industrial complex – essentially, a dangerous scenario where corporate and economic interests drive the arms and weaponry markets to the point where war becomes the best solution in all situations. This address is the inspiration Jarecki drew upon to cultivate this somber yet fervent film that transforms its title from an imposition into a question.

We have all been asking why since we were little kids. Occasionally, we learned the answers and other times we learned that the answers might never come. Either way, it becomes increasingly more difficult to turn the question inward. Perhaps perfectly exemplifying that fear was the general apprehension after the September 11 terrorist attacks to ask why the enemy of the United States hated them so much. Instead, the swift and determined retaliation efforts gave the attackers more reason to hate as there was never any pause to think. Now that those initial efforts, known as the War on Terror, have transitioned into the War on Iraq, WHY WE FIGHT asks every day American people on the streets why they think we fight and the answers themselves are not so much shocking as the uniformity of the answers is. When asked why we fight, most said, “Freedom,” a blanket response that only further makes the general American public come off as puppets on the hands of their government.

This invigorating film is packaged with many special features that will continue to rouse the far reaches of your mind. The deleted scenes elaborate on points made in the film. Albeit more of the same, they are well constructed and eagerly absorbed. The “Characters” section offers more background on some of the key speakers from the film, further shaping your insight into their views. The one notable exception to the character sketches is Jarecki himself. Jarecki’s hand is felt throughout the film, guiding you fairly through opposing opinions that he strings together into one that is his own. He does make his presence known throughout the features despite there being a lack of background on him. He is insightful and well spoken in a Q&A session held after a screening and he is witty and cheeky in his television appearance on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” His depth and inquisitive nature are further demonstrated throughout the feature commentary as he not only comments on the film and its construction but also debates the issues with commentary guest, Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, former U.S. Department of State Chief of Staff.

Much like the heed made by President Eisenhower that inspired this film, WHY WE FIGHT serves its greatest purpose as a warning to all that will have the privilege of seeing it that the warnings of the past have not been revered. Allow yourself this privilege, allow yourself to be inspired and allow yourself to look inside and ask why.

Movie rating – 4

Disc Rating – 3.5