Guardians of Morale: Chaplains in the Shadows

Read Time:3 Minute, 54 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 15m
Director(s): Richard Hull, Justin Roberts
Where To Watch: releasing in select theaters nationwide on November 8, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: FIGHTING SPIRIT: A COMBAT CHAPLAIN'S JOURNEY is a powerful tale that unearths the soul-stirring narratives of U.S. Army chaplains, whose battlefield is the human spirit, not the battlefields they help from. Directors Rich Hull and Justin Roberts orchestrate a symphony of emotional and spiritual encounters, delivering a documentary that reshapes our understanding of combat roles. Here, the spotlight shines not on the warriors in combat but on those who arm them with moral fortitude and unwavering faith. While I’m not religious, I can appreciate faith, those who seek a higher power to help them make it through the day. I’m also vehemently anti-war, but this is about something different; this is about making the best of a situation and sharing some aspect of hope.

The chaplains' journey is charted from the sandy stretches of current conflicts to the muddy trenches of the Revolutionary War. In every frame, the film champions the diverse assembly of chaplains—from various faiths, including Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism—who collectively interweave a resilient moral fabric on the front lines. These varied perspectives testify to the unity that faith can foster amidst the most divisive circumstances.

Central to the film's narrative is the compelling personal stories of chaplains like Father Emil Kapaun, a figure of virtue during the Korean War, whose actions beyond the call of duty have left a lasting imprint on the military and spiritual communities. Similarly, Jeff Struecker's transformation from a battle-hardened Army Ranger to a chaplain encapsulates the profound metamorphosis possible when one confronts the crucible of war.

The authenticity of FIGHTING SPIRIT is reinforced by its use of archival footage blended with contemporary interviews. While some reenactments might feel slightly outdated, they do not detract but rather accentuate the heroics of these spiritual warriors, making history palpable to the audience. The film also makes a landmark achievement in the cinematic world—it’s the first joint venture between Hollywood and the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, gaining the Vatican’s blessing and premier screenings at storied locations like Fort Knox.

With an extensive background in impactful storytelling, Hull and Roberts, drawing from a chaplain's rich, personal experiences, infuse the documentary with credibility and a palpable sense of dedication. Chris Pratt’s role as an executive producer further broadens the film’s appeal, promising to draw diverse audiences with its scheduled release timed perfectly for Veterans Day celebrations.

Despite some elements feeling a bit dated, FIGHTING SPIRIT triumphs in conveying the profound journeys of its subjects. The film delves deep into the chaplains’ dual challenge of maintaining their faith while ministering to others in the harsh realities of war, providing viewers with a rare insight into the complexities of their pivotal roles.

FIGHTING SPIRIT: A COMBAT CHAPLAIN'S JOURNEY is more than just a documentary. It is a profound narrative of hope, courage, and unwavering faith that challenges our perceptions of war and peace. It honors the chaplains’ immense sacrifices and celebrates their enduring spirit of service, inviting the audience to reflect on these spiritual guardians' essential roles. This is a pivotal exploration into the depth of human resilience and the indomitable strength of belief, making it a necessary watch for anyone intrigued by the intersection of faith and warfare.

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[photo courtesy of PAULIST PRODUCTIONS]

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