[Ed. Note: See below for a special DVD purchase promotion for Big Hollywood readers. Own a great film, save a little money, and best of all, support our troops and their families.]
The moment I saw that long line of soldiers making their way down the tarmac and watched as Joe waved goodbye from the steps of the plane, I knew that I had just witnessed something very important and very special. I had just seen an early cut of Jake Rademacher’s amazing Brothers at War.
I knew Jake from seeing him around the William Morris Agency (they’ve since merged with Endeavor) where we are both represented as voiceover actors. While sitting in the waiting room one day, preparing to read our copy, we got into a conversation about current events and the subject of Iraq came up. It came out that I’m a former Marine and, although I served years ago, Jake was interested to hear my take on things. Soon after, he invited me to watch his film and give him some feedback. Of course, he prepared me by giving me a few disclaimers (it’s still a little long, there’s no music, yet, etc.) but otherwise just let me watch it uninterrupted in a tiny editing room in Burbank.
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When it was over, I was blown away.
If you don’t already know, Brothers at War follows the Rademacher family as three of their sons deploy to and return from Iraq. Two brothers, Isaac and Joe, are soldiers. One, Jake, is an actor and filmmaker. Jake wants to know what his two brothers are really doing in Iraq, so he takes a camera to go and find out. The result is the best and most straightforward modern war documentary that I’ve ever seen.
Brothers at War doesn’t take a clinical outsider’s view of the war in Iraq and the men and women fighting it but, rather, feels as if it actually puts you in the boots on the ground among our soldiers and Marines. It is an extremely personal experience filtered through a lens of simple curiosity and a thirst for understanding.
I especially appreciated the fact that Jake’s film opens a window for family members left behind to see what life is like for their loved ones serving overseas. I believe they will find great comfort in realizing that not every moment in Iraq was filled with the stress and horrors of war. As one gentleman said, after viewing the film, “There are many things that, at times, I tried to explain to my wife… that I could not explain and that this film allowed me to share with her.”
As I got to know some of the different “characters” in the film, I felt a wave of recognition. These were the guys I served with. At least, it felt that way. This is certainly how I remember them. Just regular guys doing the job that is required of them with professionalism, determination and, certainly, no lack of humor. I hate to say it but, with a few exceptions, fictional military films rarely trigger that same feeling of recognition.
A few weeks after I watched the film, I saw Jake at William Morris again. He had just returned from Iraq where he’d screened the film for some of the troops over there. He was encouraged by the response it had gotten. He told me that a Lieutenant Colonel suggested that Jake show the film to Gary Sinise. She knew that Gary is a tireless supporter of our military and thought perhaps he might be able to help Jake get the film out there.
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I informed Jake that I know Gary and can attest to his dedication to the men and women of our Armed Forces. I said that Gary should absolutely see Brothers at War and I would do my best to make it happen. The rest, as they say, is history.
Gary immediately got behind the film and, on top of everything else this incredible man does, he enthusiastically helped move the project forward. Jake eventually asked Gary to officially accept the title of Executive Producer as he’d been doing that job anyway and I’m happy to have had a tiny part in helping connect Gary to this outstanding film.
If you haven’t seen the film, I can’t recommend it highly enough. It is a real, honest and refreshingly apolitical look at the people serving our country in these difficult times. It is a story about brotherhood… brothers by blood and brothers by circumstance. Mostly, it is about purpose. Why do they, as soldiers, Marines, mothers, fathers, spouses and siblings, do what they do? Through the experiences of the Rademacher family, Brothers at War gives personal insight into all of these subjects.
If you have already seen the film, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. The special features on this disc are fantastic. Lots of extra footage has been edited beautifully into several short pieces that stand alone quite well. Some highlights include:
- The homecoming of the unit that we get to know during Jake’s reconnaissance mission on the Syrian border.
- An Iraqi Security Council meeting in which military leaders meet with local tribal elders. At a time when the outcome was far from certain, this is a fascinating look at the political and military reality on the ground.
- Isaac’s thoughts on preparing for his 4th deployment and separation from his young daughter.
- We find out what happens with Joe and Danelle.
There are some very poignant moments in the extra footage including an interview with Marine Staff Sergeant Edward Allier, who almost steals the show in the feature. SSgt Allier talks about some of the brutal realities of his job and things get very heavy as Jake asks more probing questions.
Finally, there is something on the DVD that I think will be absolutely cherished by one family, in particular. Jake was allowed to film the memorial service for a fallen National Guardsman in which soldiers pay tribute to their friend, comrade and fellow Michigander. Upon seeing this, I couldn’t help but wonder if the soldier’s family had seen it. Having lost my oldest brother (under much different circumstances) when I was a teenager, I wish that I had something this moving to remember him by. I hope the soldier’s family hears of it.
There’s one more thing I’d like to say… Brothers at War almost doesn’t play like a documentary. It flows incredibly well, the pace keeps the viewer engaged and it’s, at times, visually stunning.
Congratulations, Jake, on making an exceptional film. I know how much of your heart has gone into it. I’m proud to know you and look forward to seeing what you do next.
ESome Ed. Notes:
1. You can purchase the DVD here.
SPECIAL FOR BIG HOLLYWOOD READERS:
Use the promo code: bighollywood and receive a 10% discount on all orders. And on top of the over $100,000 “Brothers at War” has already raised for Veteran Causes, a portion of these profits will also support our service members and their families. Buying directly is also the best way to support the team that made the film.
SRP for “Brothers at War” is $19.99, so with 10% off you’ll save $2.
Order 2 copies and shipping is free. 2. Here’s a terrific series of Big Hollywood interviews with Rademacher: Part One — Part Two — Part Three — Part Four
3. Five For Fighting’s John Ondrasik talks about how “Brothers at War” inspired him here.
4. Gabe Ledeen, a U.S. Marine and Iraq War veteran, reviews “Brothers” here.
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