We Went To War

In 1970 British director Michael Grigsby made a stunning documentary called “I Was A Soldier.” The award-winning film followed three young soldiers from Mernard, Texas after they returned home from Vietnam. In the film, the men struggled to transition back to normal life, haunted by their experiences in the war. Now, over 30 years later, Grigsby picks up where he left off with WE WENT TO WAR, a sobering sequel that continues the cinematic excellence of the original and examines the ever lingering effects of war. While “I Was A Soldier” captured the immediacy of their emotions, its follow-up goes even deeper, revealing the severe impact that PTSD had on their families. Grigsby brilliantly compares and contrasts the films with split screen shots, showing not only the progress of the veterans, but also their stagnation. The film's eloquence comes from its ability to say just as much with its cinematography as it does with words. WE WENT TO WAR is a poignant and intimate look at the brutal mental consequences of war. – E.F.