The Bridge
“When you arrest someone, who do you curse first in your heart?”
“The one who sent us.”
This dialogue in the film’s introduction have moved most viewers. The two fighters made it seem funny. But you would understand that there is so much truth in that.
‘The Bridge’ is one of the bravest documentaries there is today. Going out to a war zone and document the situation in that place is not an easy feat. There is so much awe in this kind of dedication. Words are not enough to express admiration for the creators of this documentary. This is a story of sacrifice, friendship and love for God and country. Everything about this film is unforgettable.
As the journalist is preparing for his mission, we witness his necessary preparations, as well as, how the soldiers are preparing when they are out for a mission. Here, we will see how difficult it is to leave one’s family to defend one’s country. We will also be able to have a glimpse of how emotionally strong and optimistic the soldiers’ family members are. It is impressive that the soldiers’ kids already have a deep understanding of their father’s (and sometimes mother’s) duty to the country. We are also introduced to Ali and Bagher. Ali was also a journalist like this film’s creator. And Bagher was a narrator and a guide. They are very close friends. They treat each other as brothers.
They’ve gone to a lot of missions together in the past and are now preparing for another one, hoping for another victory.
Then, Ali, Bagher and this film’s creator started their trip to Iraq to start the mission. The mission is to liberate different areas from the ISIS force. The army will gather first somewhere in Baqubah. Then the operation will be carried out in Hamrin, Sinsil, Hanbes Sodour, and Noufel. For Ali and Bagher’s group, their specific destination is in the suburb of Miqdadiyah in Diyala Province.
The film then showed us how Ali and Bagher’s group faced difficulties in crossing a certain bridge. They were welcomed with fire from the enemies and a number of them got injured. The group tried to pacify the enemies in the area. They were victorious but it wasn’t an easy fight. The most painful part of that fight is the death of Ali. But that’s the way with war, it is only between victory or getting martyred.
The narration in the documentary was perfect. The narrator’s accent and voice modulation is impressive and easy to understand.
The footages shown in this documentary are very well-shot. These footages made the overall documentary really impressive. While watching the documentary, most viewers, if not all, really feared for the lives of Ali, Bagher, and everyone on their team.
Another reason why this film is so impressive is that it is able to convey the genuine bond of the soldiers with each other. Everyone was so moved how hard Bagher wept when he received the news that Ali was dead.
This documentary deserves to be commended and awarded. This will serve as a part of Ali’s legacy. He was a very cheerful, affable, and brave man. Also, this documentary is very effective in getting its message across.
