Citizen Soldier

2016 • 105 minutes

About this movie

CITIZEN SOLDIER is a modern day Band of Brothers. Using real footage, the film offers a first-hand look into combat, where the soldiers demonstrate extraordinary bravery and valor to honor a warrior code-never leave a fallen comrade behind.

Ratings and reviews

I recently had the opportunity to see Citizen Soldier, which follows a troop of National Guard members while they are deployed in Afghanistan. With the unique first person perspective I was able to empathize with the soldiers during their various ups and downs. The hard fought battles and experiences that these men and women endure together, and the bonds of brotherhood they develop while overcoming those battles was truly inspiring. This was a very moving documentary that I am glad I got to watch, and I think if you’re even remotely a fan of military films you should give it a watch.

Citizen Soldier provides viewers with a truly immersive experience. Filmmakers David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud use helmet-cam footage to give viewers a first person perspective on the front-lines, something that I have never seen before, but greatly appreciated. I felt like I was right there with the National Guard members, walking the terrain overseas and experiencing the bravery of our soldiers. It is amazing how close these soldiers become during their deployments, living together, fighting together, fighting for each other. This film was truly inspiring and I definitely recommend it.

Citizen Soldier has moments that are terrifying, moments that are tear jerking, and moments that are truly heartwarming. But one element remains consistent throughout the movie: sheer brilliance. Following a modern day Band of Brothers as they complete a tour of duty in Afghanistan, this stunning documentary is a straightforward account of these men and what they had to endure as part of their service to their country. While most war films are focused on whether or not the particular war did any good, this film forgoes that commentary and instead keeps the focus strictly on the men that make up the Thunderbirds brigade. Showing the boring, day-to-day activities as well as the chaotic moments of combat, the film allows viewers to develop a sense of what it means to be a soldier. This documentary is destined to be a classic, and I would highly recommend it to everyone.