Watch Not a War Story

Not a War Story is a documentary film from 2017 that tells the story of veteran-turned-filmmaker, Tim O'Donnell, and his journey to make a different kind of war movie. The film features interviews with O'Donnell and his colleagues as they discuss the challenges they faced in making the film, as well as their personal struggles with returning to civilian life after serving in the military.

The film opens with O'Donnell describing his experience as a soldier in Iraq, and how it inspired him to pursue a career in film. He talks about his frustration with Hollywood's portrayal of the military and the war, and his desire to create a more authentic depiction of what it's like to be a soldier.

Throughout the film, we see O'Donnell and his team working tirelessly to bring their vision to life. They struggle to raise the funds needed to make the film, and face numerous setbacks and challenges along the way. But their determination and passion for the project keep them going, and they ultimately succeed in making a movie that defies the stereotypes and conventions of the war genre.

One of the key themes of the film is the idea of brotherhood among soldiers. O'Donnell talks about the bonds he formed with his fellow soldiers during his time in Iraq, and how those relationships helped him cope with the trauma of war. He also discusses the difficulty of adjusting to civilian life after being part of such a close-knit community, and how making the film helped him reconnect with that sense of camaraderie.

The film also explores the concept of authenticity in filmmaking. O'Donnell and his team strive to create a movie that accurately portrays the experiences of soldiers, without falling into the cliches and stereotypes commonly seen in war movies. They use real combat footage and interviews with actual soldiers to give the film a sense of realism and authenticity that is often lacking in Hollywood productions.

Not a War Story also shines a light on the struggles faced by veterans when they return home. O'Donnell and his colleagues discuss the difficulty of adjusting to civilian life, finding work, and dealing with the physical and emotional scars of war. They also talk about the importance of sharing their stories and experiences with others, in order to raise awareness of the challenges faced by veterans and promote greater understanding and empathy.

The film features interviews with a number of well-known figures in the military and entertainment worlds, including actor Sean Astin, former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, and Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer. These interviews provide additional insight into the themes and issues discussed in the film, and help to contextualize O'Donnell's journey.

Overall, Not a War Story is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that offers a unique perspective on the military and war. It's a film about brotherhood, authenticity, and the challenges of returning to civilian life after serving in the military. It's also a testament to the power of filmmaking to create change and challenge stereotypes, and a reminder of the importance of listening to the stories of those who have served our country.

Not a War Story is a 2017 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.