Why We Fight Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Eisenhower warns about the military, America promptly ignores him and starts wars for profit, and everyone acts surprised when things go sideways.

🍿 Why We Fight: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Eisenhower’s Warning: The Military-Industrial Complex

The film centers on Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1961 farewell address, where he warned against the burgeoning “military-industrial complex.” This complex, he argued, posed a threat to American democracy due to the increasing entanglement of political, corporate, and military interests. Eisenhower’s prophetic words set the stage for the documentary’s exploration of America’s evolving relationship with war.

The Evolution of American Militarism

‘Why We Fight’ traces the history of American military involvement from World War II to the Iraq War, examining how the nation’s approach to foreign policy and military intervention has evolved. The documentary highlights key events and decisions that have shaped the current landscape of American militarism. It explores how a nation once wary of standing armies transformed into a global military superpower.

Modern Motivations for War

The film explores the economic and political motivations behind modern warfare. It examines the influence of defense contractors, lobbyists, and think tanks in shaping American foreign policy. It presents a critical perspective on how the pursuit of profit and political gain can drive military intervention.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dwight D. Eisenhower (Dwight D. Eisenhower (archive footage)): The former U.S. President whose farewell address warning about the military-industrial complex forms the documentary’s foundation.
• Gore Vidal (Gore Vidal): A commentator who provides critical perspective on American foreign policy and its historical context.
• John McCain (John McCain): A U.S. Senator offering insights on the complexities and consequences of American military power.
• Ken Adelman (Ken Adelman): A former government official who shares his perspective on the motivations behind military interventions.
• Eugene Jarecki (Eugene Jarecki): The writer and director who guides the documentary’s exploration of American militarism.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dwight D. Eisenhower: “In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex.” – From his farewell address, warning about the growing power of the military and its connections to industry.
• Dwight D. Eisenhower: “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.” – This quote illustrates the opportunity cost of military spending, highlighting its impact on social welfare.
• Joseph Cirincione: “In some ways, the military-industrial complex may become so pervasive that it is now invisible.” – Cirincione describes the insidious nature of the military-industrial complex and how its influence can be difficult to perceive.
• Gore Vidal: “It is nowhere written that the American empire goes on forever.” – Vidal cautions against complacency and highlights the potential decline of American power.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: $1,439,972
• Worldwide Gross: $1,439,972

💥 Why We Fight Reviews

Personal Review

I found this documentary incredibly eye-opening. Eisenhower’s warning about the military-industrial complex suddenly feels intensely relevant. The way it connects historical events with current policies is disturbing but also makes you understand the motivations behind so many conflicts. The ending with the NY cop who lost a son in 9/11 was gut-wrenching.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Individuals interested in American foreign policy.”
  • “Viewers seeking documentaries that challenge conventional wisdom.”
  • “Those interested in the history of American military intervention.”
  • “Anyone concerned about the influence of the military-industrial complex.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Disturbing war images.”
  • “Brief language.”
  • “Potentially upsetting political content.”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “Offers a chilling, quiet expose of the military-industrial-‘think-tank’-complex of USA. It presents fairly and factually with the neo-con side heard from along with the liberal views. The war machine complex of the U.S. has been continually fed since WW11, in every single year, think Phillipines, Cuba, Cambodia, Vietnam, El Salvador, Chile, Nicaragua all the way to Iraq and maybe Iran to name very few, so that war is now needed for the economic survival of every single state in the union.
• Screen Daily: “Director Eugene Jarecki offers up a look behind the governmental curtain as it pertains to war. The impressive and diverse list of those interviewed include John McCain, Dan Rather, Charles Lewis, Richard Perle, Chalmers Johnson and Gore Vidal. Their own words speak loudly when edited into speeches given by current and past political leaders.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers appreciated the film’s comprehensive approach, highlighting historical context and interviews from various perspectives, including military figures and policy experts.: The most common praise was that the film presented a well-researched and thought-provoking analysis of the military-industrial complex and its impact on American foreign policy.

Overall Consensus: Viewers generally found ‘Why We Fight’ to be a compelling and informative documentary, sparking critical reflection on the role of the military-industrial complex in shaping America’s engagement in global conflicts.

Awards

1. Sundance Film Festival (Grand Jury Prize – Documentary)- 2005

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s title is a reference to the ‘Why We Fight’ series of propaganda films commissioned by the U.S. government during World War II, directed by Frank Capra.”
• “Director Eugene Jarecki consciously chose not to release the film before the 2004 election, believing its message was about a system, not a specific administration.”

🖥️ How to Watch Why We Fight?

As a documentary, ‘Why We Fight’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. Unfortunately, it is not widely available on subscription-based services at this time, making direct purchase or rental the most common options for viewing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Why We Fight, you might like these similar films:

• The Fog of War (2003): Both films explore the complexities and moral ambiguities of warfare through insightful interviews and historical analysis.
• Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004): This documentary also critiques the Bush administration and the Iraq War, offering a different perspective on the events leading up to the conflict.
• No End in Sight (2007): Examines the failures of the Bush administration’s planning and execution in post-invasion Iraq, revealing critical missteps.
• Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964): A dark satire that critiques Cold War military strategy and the dangers of unchecked power, resonating with the themes of ‘Why We Fight’.

🛒 Why We Fight Related Products

• The Eisenhower Farewell Address: A Graphic Novel: A unique graphic novel adaptation of President Eisenhower’s famous speech warning against the military-industrial complex. A perfect way to visualize this important message for yourself or to present it to someone else.
• War Is A Racket – Smedley Butler: Experience the timeless wisdom of Major General Smedley Butler’s iconic anti-war speech in a high-quality audiobook format. Butler’s powerful words offer a critical perspective on the economics of war, delivered with passion and conviction. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or an activist seeking insights into the military-industrial complex, this audiobook will resonate with its unwavering commitment to peace and justice.
• Anti-War T-Shirt – ‘Question Everything’: A comfortable and stylish t-shirt featuring a bold ‘Question Everything’ design, inspired by the film’s call to critical thinking. Made with high-quality materials for long-lasting wear.
• Vintage Military Poster Collection: A set of high-quality reproductions of vintage WWII-era posters, including those referenced in the film. Examine the methods that were used to sway public opinion and increase military enlistments.

🎧 Soundtrack

Why We Fight features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Not Dark Yet” – performed by Bob Dylan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Band of Brothers – Beethoven scene from Ep. 9 – Why We Fight

Ever wonder how war’s impact is portrayed beyond the battlefield? This scene from Band of Brothers, featuring Beethoven’s music juxtaposed with the grim reality of a concentration camp, is chillingly beautiful and really drives home the episode’s message.

*BAND OF BROTHERS* (Episode 9) REACTION

Want to relive the intensity of Band of Brothers ‘Why We Fight’ episode? Watching someone experience it for the first time is incredibly moving. Check out their raw reactions and see if you feel the same way!

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