Rent The Kill Team (2013)

The Kill Team review by Michelle Sommerville - Cinema Paradiso

This film is not for the faint of heart, and it is no surprise that the mere existence of this film will cause many heated discussions. What I liked about The Kill Team, is that the story is being told, and that the truth can no longer hide its - often ugly - head. I give the film two out of five stars, mostly because of the uncomfortable topic, but I do think it was done well.

This documentary introduces us to a series of events many are still unaware of. War is rarely - if ever - filled with things to be proud of, and this film shows us just how ugly it can get. We follow Private Adam Winfield, who was a twenty-one year old soldier that served in Afghanistan. What began as fairly routine tour turned into the murder of Afghan civilians by members of his platoon, nicknamed ‘The Kill Team’. But was Winfield a willing and evil participant in these horrific war crimes, or is he an innocent player that is about to stand-up and speak-out against his former colleagues, and even those higher-up in the chain of command?

The telling of this story was done quite respectfully. It does a good job of supplying the information, and letting the audience come to their own conclusions. However, like almost all films - documentary or fictional - they have their own opinion they want to convey, so their inclusions might be swayed.

There are no theatrics in this film. Director Dan Krauss has delivered the story in a plain and direct manner, allowing the story to be told without its seriousness being undermined. It still adhered to proper documentary film technique, but did not drift into fiction. The Kill Team goes for a little over an hour, and though you will be engaged throughout, there are definitely times when you will want to look away.

This is the perfect time for this film to be released. Situations like those seen in the documentary most likely happened in previous wars as well, but society is now in a place where we feel more comfortable questioning authority and telling these uncomfortable truths.

Much to my surprise, critics and audiences have rated this film overwhelmingly positive. A lot of people have a lot to say about the events that were documented, but have all appreciated the fact that the film was made, and the high class of professionalism that went into it. Everyone did everything to make this film in the right way.

This film obviously contains audio and visuals that are inappropriate for younger audiences, but it is a good one to keep on the shelf for when they get older. Irregardless of where you stand on this issue, this film is important to see, but you have to prepare yourself beforehand. I recommend this, but suggest you enter cautiously.