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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The Invisible War is an engrossing, deeply moving, and disturbing documentary that likely will leave no viewer untouched. The Invisible War, directed by Kirby Dick, shines a light on one of America's most shocking occurrences--the epidemic of rape and sexual assault in the armed services. And when some victims--men and women--have come forward to report the crimes, the victims often face a second assault: commanding officers who either don't believe them or who refuse to do anything about the crime. The Invisible War traces the stories of several soldiers who have been subjected to sexual assault or rape, and their stories are just heartbreaking. One feels a sense of little hope, and yet after The Invisible War aired at Sundance in 2012, it won the Audience Award--and press coverage that began a military investigation into the ways each branch of the service handles sexual assaults. One statistic alone is shocking: more than 20 percent of active-duty servicewomen are sexually assaulted. The extras included are moving audio commentaries from the director and from producer Amy Ziering, outtakes from some of the interviews, a riveting Q and A session from Sundance after the film aired, and scenes of posttraumatic stress disorder treatment and a retreat for assault survivors. The Invisible War, though at times difficult to watch, is an important film, and one that anyone with any loved ones in the service--as well as all other Americans--simply must commit to watch. And commit to change the existing reality. --A.T. Hurley
 Ariana in Marine dress (click for larger image) |
 Elle in front of the Vietnam Memorial (click for larger image) |
 Michael Dominguez's House testimony (click for larger image) |
 Kori and Rob (click for larger image) |
Product Description
From Oscar® and Emmy®-nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick (This Film Is Not Yet Rated; Twist of Faith) comes THE INVISIBLE WAR, a groundbreaking investigative documentary about one of America's most shameful and best-kept secrets: the epidemic of rape within the U.S. military. The film paints a startling picture of the extent of the problem - today, a female soldier in combat zones is more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire. Twenty percent of all active-duty female servicewomen are sexually assaulted.
Profoundly moving, the film follows the stories of several idealistic young servicewomen who were raped and then betrayed by their own officers when they courageously came forward to report. Both a rallying cry for the hundreds of thousands of men and women who've been assaulted and a hopeful road map for change, THE INVISIBLE WAR is one of those rare films so powerful it has already helped change military policy.
Special Features
- Extended Interviews
- Sundance Post-screening Speak Out
- VetWOW Survivor Retreat
- PTSD Therapy Deleted Scene
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
40 of 44 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Disturbing And Shocking Examination Of Sexual Assault And Systemic Cover-Up
October 6, 2012
Format:DVD
Filmmaker Kirby Dick made, arguably, one of my favorite documentaries with his thrilling expose of the movie ratings board (MPAA) in "This Film Is Not Yet Rated." Clearly, he is not adverse to challenging the status quo and asking the probing and provocative questions that help to define an issue. This unblinking gaze is turned onto the horrific subject of sexual assault and cover-up within the military in the eye-opening, unpleasant, and powerful "The Invisible War." And the result may leave you quite stunned and disturbed. This is certainly not a new topic, I've heard about quite a few individual cases through the years. But the quantity of these events might just surprise you and Dick uses the government's own internal statistics to support his claims. Here's a couple of examples: about 20% of women in the armed services have endured some type of sexual assault (these are just reported numbers as well) and men entering service are 15% more likely to have sexual assault in their background than a similar composition of civilian men. The Department of Defense estimates there were 19,300 service members sexually assaulted in 2010 alone! Tell me that isn't a horrifying figure.
Dick makes things extremely personal in "The Invisible War." The film is populated by a staggering number of women and men who were victimized while serving their country. Obviously, these stories are shocking and uncomfortable. The betrayal (by people they considered brothers or friends) alone has impacted many irreparably and the psychological toll is apparent. Many of the strongest emotional moments are provided by the loved ones of these former soldiers as well. The film also examines the issue from the legal side, with many experts weighing in on the handling of such cases. Because as if the initial attacks weren't awful enough, the military response (in most cases) doubly intensified the situations. For me, this is the most disgusting part of these crimes--the seeming indifference, the lack of responsibility, and the veiled (or not so veiled) threats to keep these victims silenced. It's appalling, truly.
"The Invisible War" is an important film that should be seen and examined. Hopefully by continuing to shine a light on this unpleasant subject, there will be more and more pressure to start taking effective measures (beyond a ridiculous advertising campaign that supposes all men are predators and women should be wary of everyone). But those in power, even with congressional scrutiny, seem to remain obstinate and defiant. Obviously, "The Invisible War" is an impassioned movie that will get under your skin. In that way, it is extremely effective and affecting. My highest recommendation, this is a topic that needs to be explored even further--but Dick's film is a bracing expose that just might surprise you. KGHarris, 10/12.
Dick makes things extremely personal in "The Invisible War." The film is populated by a staggering number of women and men who were victimized while serving their country. Obviously, these stories are shocking and uncomfortable. The betrayal (by people they considered brothers or friends) alone has impacted many irreparably and the psychological toll is apparent. Many of the strongest emotional moments are provided by the loved ones of these former soldiers as well. The film also examines the issue from the legal side, with many experts weighing in on the handling of such cases. Because as if the initial attacks weren't awful enough, the military response (in most cases) doubly intensified the situations. For me, this is the most disgusting part of these crimes--the seeming indifference, the lack of responsibility, and the veiled (or not so veiled) threats to keep these victims silenced. It's appalling, truly.
"The Invisible War" is an important film that should be seen and examined. Hopefully by continuing to shine a light on this unpleasant subject, there will be more and more pressure to start taking effective measures (beyond a ridiculous advertising campaign that supposes all men are predators and women should be wary of everyone). But those in power, even with congressional scrutiny, seem to remain obstinate and defiant. Obviously, "The Invisible War" is an impassioned movie that will get under your skin. In that way, it is extremely effective and affecting. My highest recommendation, this is a topic that needs to be explored even further--but Dick's film is a bracing expose that just might surprise you. KGHarris, 10/12.
31 of 34 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A shocking documentary that made a difference - when the Secretary of Defense watched it.
September 29, 2012
Format:DVD
To realize how timely this documentary is, I watched the DVD last night and on this morning National new on ABC-TV was a story that charges were being brought in San Francisco this week on multiple sexual assaults on women in the armed forces in San Francisco. As you will learn (among many astounding facts in this 97-minute documentary) if you watch it (and you should), no cases of these sexual assaults were brought to conviction until this past Spring (2012) when Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta watched the film and changed the rules as to who had power to make decisions in these cases.
Director Kirby Dick is best known for his Oscar-nominated film on the Motion Picture Rating Board, but this film covers an even more serious topic.
The fact that the Department of Defense estimates that 20% (!) of all females in the Armed Services have been raped will probably astound the average American. But Dick has the proof. Though at least 20 women (and, a few men - yes, men are raped in the service too), the more in depth interviews are with 3 or four women dealing with PRSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - an anachronism surprisingly never explained in the film). A few times I though the interviews were repetitive, and could have been edited some to tighten up the film, but that's a small gripe.
The film won the Audience Award at the recent 2012 Sundance Festival and, it's good to know that New Video and Docurama are getting it out on DVD so quickly.
I watched the DVD, not the Bluray, but I don't think there is any difference in content. The DVD has four bonus features in addition to the full-length audio commentary by Director Dick and the film's Producer, Amy Ziering:
Extended interview with one of the victims and her husband - 4 minutes
The Sundance Speak-out session - 6 minutes
A "Survivors Retreat" - 11 minutes
A featurette on "Equine PTSD Therapy" where horses are used to help the victims deal with their emotional issues - 3 ˝ minutes
When there are stories as important as this, I sometimes wonder how the TV "news" show can spend their air time on "Tom and Katie" fluff stories. At least THIS story is being told via home video.
I hope you found this review both informative and helpful.
Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"
Director Kirby Dick is best known for his Oscar-nominated film on the Motion Picture Rating Board, but this film covers an even more serious topic.
The fact that the Department of Defense estimates that 20% (!) of all females in the Armed Services have been raped will probably astound the average American. But Dick has the proof. Though at least 20 women (and, a few men - yes, men are raped in the service too), the more in depth interviews are with 3 or four women dealing with PRSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - an anachronism surprisingly never explained in the film). A few times I though the interviews were repetitive, and could have been edited some to tighten up the film, but that's a small gripe.
The film won the Audience Award at the recent 2012 Sundance Festival and, it's good to know that New Video and Docurama are getting it out on DVD so quickly.
I watched the DVD, not the Bluray, but I don't think there is any difference in content. The DVD has four bonus features in addition to the full-length audio commentary by Director Dick and the film's Producer, Amy Ziering:
Extended interview with one of the victims and her husband - 4 minutes
The Sundance Speak-out session - 6 minutes
A "Survivors Retreat" - 11 minutes
A featurette on "Equine PTSD Therapy" where horses are used to help the victims deal with their emotional issues - 3 ˝ minutes
When there are stories as important as this, I sometimes wonder how the TV "news" show can spend their air time on "Tom and Katie" fluff stories. At least THIS story is being told via home video.
I hope you found this review both informative and helpful.
Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"
29 of 33 people found the following review helpful
By JYK
Format:DVD
I'd encourage everyone to go see the film if it plays nearby. I've been reading up about it but the actual film is even more powerful. The systemic injustice suffered by these men and women is horrific. The military seems like a very hostile workplace. And it scares me to realize that the perpetrators, who often go scot-free or even promoted, may one day mix amongst us civilians without our knowing. They could create new victims in workplaces and in our neighborhoods. I am glad that the Secretary of Defense is taking some steps to improve the process, but more needs to be done. Kudos to Kirby Dick and his team for bringing this important issue to our attention.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Very informative
This was very informative and done well with taste. It is kinda repetitive. Overall, it is shot well, and a good informative watch to bring awareness to an awful situation.
Published 4 days ago by Robert Russo
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must See
Don't miss this extraordinary documentary. After seeing, many military and civilians alike are sincerely moved to action. Your viewers will too.
Published 6 days ago by Lil Camera from Hampton, VA
4.0 out of 5 stars
Gets to the Heart of the Matter
Puts a face of the problem of sexual harassment in the military. A low budget production that none-he-less tells the story well.
Published 8 days ago by CactusPete
4.0 out of 5 stars
A must see
This documentary is scary and sad, and it's a must see. The things that rape victims go through in the military is unbelievable and they need to be brought out into the open so... Read more
Published 10 days ago by Fernanda Maruri
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very gripping storry
Educational for sure! It is sad to know this stuff goes on
in our own army (navy, marine corps, air force, and coast guard!)
It has to stop. Right now.
in our own army (navy, marine corps, air force, and coast guard!)
It has to stop. Right now.
Published 14 days ago by Sandy480
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very well done documentary of a very sad subject
This documentary was very well done. It is shocking to realize how poorly the government has handled the problems of sexual assaults in the military. Read more
Published 15 days ago by Amy Pogge
4.0 out of 5 stars
Unfortunately a true story.
This documentary was, I believe, based on the true reflection of the American situation between men and women. If it wasn't so true, it wouldn't be so depressing. Read more
Published 16 days ago by Kathleen A. Funk
4.0 out of 5 stars
It makes you think
We as civilians have no idea what goes on in the military. They have their own justice system, just like in the old west, or even the Catholic Church. Read more
Published 16 days ago by Daisy
5.0 out of 5 stars
IF YOU ARE A WOMAN AND THINKING OF SERVING IN THE MILITARY.... STOP...
This documentary gave me the chills. If you are a woman and have been thinking of going into ANY branch of the Military or if you have female family or friends then STOP NOW and... Read more
Published 21 days ago by liddlewildcat
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful and important movie!
Excelent documentry on sexual assault in the military, I would recomend to anyone who is intrested in womens issues, or any one who is intrested in joining the military.
Published 23 days ago by kelly wilson
