- Starring
- James Glancy, Tip Culen
- Directors
- James Glancy and Marty Stalker
- Rating
- Not Rated
- Genre
- Documentary
- Release date
- June 21, 2023
Overall Score
Rating Overview
Rating Summary
On April 14, 2021, just over three months after being sworn in as the 46th President of The United States of America, Joe Biden announced the total withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. After a generation of American and British coalition forces protecting them from the villainous forces of the Taliban and Al-Quaeda, the Afghani people were to be left to their own devices. It has not gone well.
Afghanistan
Originally conceived as a therapeutic endeavor for Royal Marine Commando James Glancy, Afghanistan was to chronicle his quest to uncover the true impact of his sacrifice and those of his comrades. It was meant to delve into whether their collective dedication, coupled with the ultimate sacrifices of approximately 3,000 American and British soldiers, genuinely brought about positive change in the lives of the Afghan people. What James had no way of knowing was that with nearly half of his documentary completed and having just begun to believe that he had been a force for good, President Joe Biden would make one of the most disastrous and reprehensible political decisions in the history of America, staining our country with blood and dishonor, and plunging the people of Afghanistan back into the darkness of Taliban rule.
The significance and impact of this documentary cannot be emphasized enough as we witness James’ journey towards healing, only to have his worst fears confirmed by the betrayal of the U.S. Government. Although James provides high-caliber narration and much of the film is visually impressive, it is unfortunate that the crew’s need to flee the country hampers its potential.
That’s not to say that it’s not impactful. The news footage depicting individuals climbing onto the wings of Air Force planes or desperate mothers handing over their infants to coalition troops in hopes of escaping the Taliban carries immense significance that cannot be overstated.
However, unlike 2012’s “The Queen of Versailles,” which initially explores the extravagance of the ultra-wealthy but takes a captivating turn with the bursting of the housing bubble, Afghanistan’s sudden shift in, if not exactly tone and subject but certainly perspective, prevents us from gaining an intimate view on the lives now endangered. Paradoxically, the film’s most compelling aspect, the sudden withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, also becomes its greatest limitation as it confines the final third of the story to shots of James in his home office, reducing visual diversity and potentially diluting the overall impact.
Nevertheless, we keenly sense James’ frustration as he is forced to observe the events from afar through video chats and frustrated phone calls. In defiance of this limitation, James and his team still manage to capture the heartbreak and devastation caused by our country’s abandonment of the Afghan people.
With solid narration, some excellent footage, and a topic of the utmost significance, Afghanistan is completely Worth it.
ROLE MODELS IN AFGHANISTAN
The profound depth of courage and resilience displayed by both men and women who made sacrifices or lost their lives, whether in the pursuit of peace or under the oppressive grip of tyranny, is truly remarkable.
WOKE ELEMENTS
None.
James Carrick
James Carrick is a passionate film enthusiast with a degree in theater and philosophy. James approaches dramatic criticism from a philosophic foundation grounded in aesthetics and ethics, offering insight and analysis that reveals layers of cinematic narrative with a touch of irreverence and a dash of snark.
20 comments
Alex
June 22, 2023 at 8:46 pm
Mr. Carrick,
Thanks for your review of this documentary. Being an ongoing student of American and Military history, I have been eager for an honest assessment of the humiliating debacle that was the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Few can beat first hand sources in regards to what happened.
Having listened to an Audio book about the First Anglo-Afghan War, I could see the parallels between that and America’s defeat in the Graveyard of Empires (except Alexander the Great). Your reviews of films like this will serve to enhance the growing parallel economy and usher in a new conservative age. Keep em coming!
Linda st
June 23, 2023 at 5:58 pm
I had not heard of this documentary. I spent 38 months in Afghanistan. I turned 21, 23 and 24 there. It was a formative experience that will never leave me. I am glad to hear that someone chronicled the absolute disgrace of the pull out. I will definitely be watching. Thanks for what you do! It helps immensely for me to not waste my time and money on people that hate me and what I stand for.
James Carrick
June 23, 2023 at 6:22 pm
Thank you for your patriotism and sacrifice. Know that it wasn’t for nothing. Doing the right thing is always the right thing to do. Lives were saved and an entire generation was able to grow up knowing what freedom tastes like. You helped to give them that. What others do with your good works is only a reflection of themselves.
The documentary debuted in Ireland two days ago and I’m not sure what the US release schedule looks like but, stay tuned. I’ll let people know through our social media accounts. We’re most active on Twitter.
God bless and thank you for the encouragement.
Lisa
June 27, 2023 at 10:04 pm
Thank you so much for your service and sacrifice! You are truly loved and appreciated!!!
Carole
June 27, 2023 at 2:10 pm
Where can you watch this documentary?
James Carrick
June 27, 2023 at 3:38 pm
I just heard back from my contact that, even though it’s been released in the UK, they aren’t certain when it’s going to hit the States. I’ll be sure to let everyone know via our social media accounts as soon as I do.
Blake
June 27, 2023 at 2:18 pm
I was in Bagram, and I would love to watch this movie. Where do we watch it?
James Carrick
June 27, 2023 at 3:38 pm
Thank you for your sacrifice and patriotism.
I just heard back from my contact that, even though it’s been released in the UK, they aren’t certain when it’s going to hit the States. I’ll be sure to let everyone know via our social media accounts as soon as I do.
Lisa
June 27, 2023 at 10:05 pm
From the bottom of my and my families hearts, THANK YOU for your service and sacrifice! You are truly appreciated!
Alexandra
July 1, 2023 at 3:11 pm
I cannot wait to see this – Where can I watch? I tried googling, but I struck out.
James Carrick
July 1, 2023 at 3:34 pm
I talked with Mr. Glancy, who said they are now working on the American release.
Emerson
July 6, 2023 at 1:25 pm
I don’t know why but it took a bit of clicking to get this but here’s the IMDB link:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15243482/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_0_q_tt15243482
BTW thank you so much for making this site! I’ve wanted something like this for so long – thought about trying to spin it up myself but never found the time. So far pretty good! If you don’t mind suggestions (maybe you’re already swarmed w/them?):
1) Add some more tags for detail like: lgbtq, antiwhite, miscegenation, feminism, etc.
2) Add a cool logo! (maybe I can help?)
Keep up the good work! O7
James Carrick
July 6, 2023 at 1:37 pm
Thanks for the kudos and suggestions. We’ll definitely consider the tags. The logo is in the works as we speak.
paul stott
July 30, 2023 at 10:51 am
Cant find this to watch anywhere.
James Carrick
July 30, 2023 at 2:50 pm
They are still trying to secure a US release. Your best bet is to follow us on one of the big three social media platforms for updates.
온라인카지노
August 9, 2023 at 8:13 pm
Simply a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw great design and style.
Jamie Townsend
August 13, 2023 at 3:48 pm
Where can this be seen. It’s not on vudu. I’ve searched the web. Is there a link?
James Carrick
August 13, 2023 at 5:35 pm
It’s still not been released in the US. My contact says he’ll let me know when it does. Be sure to sign up for notifications and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to get updates.
Ray
August 21, 2023 at 7:09 pm
Yeah, thanks to the american army for bombing afghani people and portraying it as a heroic act, truly remarkable, thank you to anyone who supports their heroic violence and destruction, you won’t be forgotten.
James Carrick
August 21, 2023 at 7:48 pm
Enjoy your soy latte and bottom surgery.