Director Kirby continues to show that he is an alert documentarian with special interest in exploring relevant social issues in American society and culture.
“The Invisible War” paints a shocking portrait of the extent of a timely problem which has been persistent, but no one liked to report it or address it, even those who knew about it.
To start with the most alarming facts: According to Kirby, at present, a female soldier in combat zones is more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than to get killed by enemy fire. The statistics are annoying, to say the least: No less than 20 percent of all active-duty female servicewomen are sexually assaulted.
The narrative consists of stories of several idealistic young service women, who were raped and then betrayed by their own officers when they courageously came forward to report.
Like other urgent documentaries, “The Invisible War” serves both as a rallying cry for the numerous women who’ve been assaulted, but also as an hopeful agent for change.
Though hard-hitting, the film is also profoundly moving. A rare film in its remarkably candid approach and cumulative powerful, reportedly, “The Invisible War” has already helped change some aspects military policy.
A winner of multiple awards in various film festivals, “The Invisible War” has deservedly received an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary.
It is hoped that this investigative documentary, about a shameful phenomenon that’s often covered up or kept secrets, would lead to drastic action.