Watch Parables of War

Parables of War is a heartfelt and thought-provoking documentary film that explores the impact of war on soldiers, their families, and their communities. Released in 2015, the film is directed, produced, and written by Nina Gilden Seavey, a documentary filmmaker and professor at George Washington University. At the center of the film is Josh Bleill, a former U.S. Marine who lost his legs in a roadside bomb attack in Iraq. Bleill is also the author of One Step at a Time, a memoir about his experience in the military and his journey to recovery. Through Bleill's story, the film delves into the physical, emotional, and psychological toll that war takes on soldiers, as well as the challenges they face when returning to civilian life.

However, Parables of War is not just a film about one man's experience. It also features interviews with other veterans, who share their own stories of war and its aftermath, as well as family members and experts on trauma and recovery. Among the veterans interviewed in the film is Marjani Forte-Saunders, a former Army captain who served in Iraq and now works as a choreographer and dancer. Forte-Saunders talks about her own struggles with PTSD and her journey to find healing through dance and movement.

Another key figure in the film is Liz Lerman, a renowned choreographer and artist who developed a project called Healing Wars. The project brings together veterans, caregivers, and medical professionals to explore the experiences of war and the possibilities for healing through creative expression. The film documents Lerman's process of working with veterans and creating a theatrical performance that combines dance, music, and spoken word.

Throughout Parables of War, the filmmakers weave together these different perspectives and stories to create a powerful and moving portrait of the impact of war on individuals and communities. The film is structured as a series of vignettes or parables, each one exploring a different aspect of the experience of war and its aftermath. Some of these parables are more abstract and poetic, while others are more grounded in the specific experiences of the veterans and their families.

At its core, however, the film is a meditation on the human condition and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the pain and suffering that war inflicts, the film reminds us that there is also hope for healing and transformation. Through the stories of Bleill, Forte-Saunders, and others, we see that it is possible to find meaning and purpose in the aftermath of trauma, and that creative expression can be a powerful tool for healing and reconciliation.

Overall, Parables of War is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that offers a nuanced and compassionate look at the impact of war on individuals and communities. Through its blend of personal stories and artistic expression, the film invites us to think more deeply about the nature of war and its effects on the human psyche. It is a film that will leave viewers with much to reflect on and discuss, and that has the potential to inspire greater empathy and understanding for those who have served in the military and their families.

Parables of War is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 32 minutes.