Taking its name from the series of seven WWII films made by Frank Capra,
Why We Fight
is directed by Eugene Jarecki
(The Trials of Henry Kissinger); and seeks to prove that Eisenhower's 1961 farewell warning regarding the military industrial complex has not only come to being, but that the military industrial complex now consists of not only the armed forces and the armament companies, but also includes politicians and conservative think tanks.
While not taking a strictly partisan stance, the film still delivers a decidedly anti-war message. Beginning with a historical overview of the use of military force by the US, and the alleged reason for them; the film then ties in how undue corporate influence allows politicians to more easily make the decision to enter a state of conflict. In addition to the current and historical information are various commentaries not only from military and Washington insider but also from the general public. The most unique of which are the interviews with the two pilots that flew the B-2 Spirit stealth bombers who dropped the opening bombs of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Given the director's view that the original Capra films were pure propaganda, I find the title of this film particularly appropriate in a way not envisioned by Jarecki.
While not totally biased the left leaning attitude of the documentary serves to distract from its real message in my opinion, and as such will most likely only serve to preach to the choir.
Barely 3 stars, mainly due to dated information and mostly only presenting facts that support the underlying premise of the film.
