As a Retired US Marine with diagnosed Combat PTSD ... I was reluctant for weeks to watch this film. Not because I didn't think it would be a good watch; but because it's oftentimes difficult for us combat veterans to watch such films, movies/documentaries.
Please forgive me as my review may appear as ramblings; I assure you the following notes were written as I was stopping and starting (studying) the film. A few of the film's statements appear in quotations.
Sitting in my apartment with my heat set at 74 degrees (I live in Buffalo, New York and it's February). 1st few minutes watching I literally got cold chills!! Actual cold shaking emotional chills. Had to stop & start film several times.
In terms of suicidal thoughts/attempts I've been there. Twice!! I won't give details.
This film will certainly serve to help combat the negative stigma of Military Combat PTSD
I started crying; really shedding tears at the statement "This is my reality."
The section about DISCIPLINE !!! 100 percent accuracy
"Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome; Marine!"
"Something to strive for"
They speak about "getting help"! Believe me when I tell you ... that's much easier said than done. For multiple reasons. MOST times; Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Therapists; although they mean well, have absolutely NO clue about what we've experienced or continue to experience. And it further drives us away from such "help". I'd welcome sharing more on this.
The stigma!!! The stigma is one of the main reasons for the difficulties. Not seeking help. Once diagnosed ... in most instances it ruins your life more. Then we are FORCED to fight even more against a "system" which begs us to come to them for help!! Only those who actually suffer from Combat PTSD can understand fully.
When the guy said, "We signed up for two wars. The war there ... and the war back home." That hits hard and honestly.
The "Nerve Damage" scene!
"Single minded willingness to put our duty before ourselves."
"The fight's not over."
"Is it me or does life have a funny way of "phuking" with you?" (paraphrased)
"We usually take it to our graves."
Susan Gallagher as Mary, "He hides it well. That's what soldiers do. They go overseas; and they do what they do. And when they return they're never the same."
And there are a couple scenes I simply can not comment on. Too emotional. Too close to home. Too triggering
I can't recall a film which has made me so emotional and more focused to keep going simultaneously than this one. Kudos to everyone involved. All Cast & Crew. Producers, Directors, Writers, etc. Special thanks to Susan Gallagher who constantly brought "22 The Unforgotten Soldier" to my attention by her constant postings.
The combat scenes ...
The group therapy scene ...
The church scene when Daniel was speaking about his Mother's death.
*side note My Mother actually saved my life from the grave back in 2017 with an Epic conversation with God & Jesus
"It isn't hard for men like me and you to die. It's the will to live that's is difficult."
Seeking help is hard; especially when seeking it for ourselves. However; when we recognize it's about the people we love; we're better able to seek help!!
We bottle things in because it's oftentimes detrimental to our financial, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing to release the lid off the jar.
Films like this can go a long way in Preventing the "22 Suicides A Day" because it gives civilians and non-military a better understanding ... a better perspective. More can be done.
As a Retired US Marine Veteran and SAG-AFTRA Actor I'd welcome being a consultant on followup films
The boxing, workout scenes ... My therapy is My Dungeon (my weight room)
Y'all have absolutely noooo idea how the statements "Semper Fi Marine. OohRah" affects us with such Pride and Humility. Thank You for including it at the 1:43:00 mark towards the end of the film.
Thanks for the selfless service of all of my fellow Military Veterans and a Special Semper Fi to all of my Brothers & Sisters of The United States Marine Corps!!!
I'll be recommending "22 The Unforgotten Soldier" to my Military Veterans & Friends.
OOHRAH.
Guest
Feb 28
Replying to
Such a beautiful review! 🙏🏼😍
Guest
Feb 28
25 February 2023
Fantastic movie with a very important message - a must-see for everyone! The acting, cinematography, storyline, music, props, etc are all well-done and there's no gratuitous violence, yet the physical and emotional devastation of the horror of war is strongly conveyed and the viewer shares in the reality of the characters. We get an inkling of what they go through. We learn that so many of our fellow citizens are going through life in great pain, continuing to sacrifice for their country everyday, long after active duty ends. At the grocery store and gas station in our own day-to-day lives, we may see men and women in uniform and say "thank you for your service". If only we could see the "invisible uniforms" and the hidden wounds and scars of our veterans! To all of them, we need to offer our support and gratitude for their service and open our eyes to their agony. "The Unforgotten Soldier" does exactly this; it should be played in schools and colleges, community centers, houses of worship, everywhere.
Guest
Feb 28
22 February 2023
Everyone should see and hear the message of this movie. 22 The Unforgotten Soldier shocked me when I found out that the 22 meant how many suicides per day that our vets are committing! It brought tears to my eyes. Sam Medina, you did a good thing here, you probably will never know how many lives you have touched. I hope that after seeing this movie, more people will contribute to the well being of our veterans. Having all the veterans in the movie made it so real. I will continue to share this movie with everyone, it is certainly worth the watch! Congratulations to you, Sam Medina, and your entire crew! Job well done!
Guest
Feb 28
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2023
I recommend this movie to anybody who appreciate a good story.
Guest
Feb 28
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2023
Sam Medina, Carla Seneca and all of the cast delivered a great performance. Highly recommend.
Guest
Feb 28
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2023
This movie spans two generations of war veterans (Vietnam and GWOT) and draws on powerful emotions to deliver a message that while the path to recovering from the scars from war are long, it is a path and a journey that doesn’t have to be navigated alone..
richcoble
Feb 25
I didn’t last half an hour before the tears started flowing. As a retired combat vet, this film hit home like none other. If you watch only one film this year, make it this one. You may begin to understand the impact combat has on our daily lives.
Guest
Feb 19
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2023
Excellent film based on heart breaking true events. So many don’t realize what these military veterans go through on a daily basis.
You can tell a lot of hard work and tears were involved in making this incredible film.
Guest
Feb 19
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2023
This movie was a little slow but really showed the internal battles that veterans continue to fight after returning from war. I hope it can help us as civilians start to understand.
Guest
Feb 19
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2023
What a wonderful movie, it helps understand what soldiers endure after coming home. Even people who has suffered with depression, can relate to this movie. Our soldiers need better treatment and more help.
Please let’s support this movie!
Guest
Feb 19
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2023
Excellent movie, really enjoyed it
Guest
Feb 19
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2023
I absolutely loved that this film brings home and to light the fight our brothers and sisters continue to fight on a daily basis. The film also uses real soldiers and veterans that are still fighting that mental war at home. 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸
Guest
Feb 19
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2023
Emotion. Powerful and amazing. Not many people understand a brotherhood be it as an athlete or a soldier- this not only gives an insight of what goes on but also a realization of what people go through on a daily basis. Must watch!
Guest
Feb 19
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2023
Sam Medina brings right to the heart of anyone watching some of the struggles many veterans deal with on a daily basis. He did a phenomenal job of letting the world know just how understated the rate of veteran suicide is and is helping bring it all forefront.
Guest
Feb 19
UXO Technician/Team Leader
I don’t post much. I’m not sure the last time I posted anything on this forum.
I worked in the movie industry for about a year. As a transportation worker in the movie industry the work was good, I won’t lie. I got to rub shoulders with some great actors and crew. The money was good and watching how movies were made, the work put in, the time, the effort by actors and crew alike.
As I stated, I worked with some great people. I still talk to some of them. My brother still works in the industry so I still get the skinny on how filming goes.
I worked with one actor in particular I admire more than most. Sam Medina. We talked at length about a great many topics, none of which I will divulge because that’s a promise I made to him and every actor I drove for. But I will tell you that Sam’s work ethic, his dedication, his time and his effort to put everything into his craft mimics those of champions.
I recently chatted with him about his latest project.
22 - The Unforgotten Soldier
If you watch one movie this year, make it this one. If I had my way, it would get at least an Oscar nod!
Sam wrote, directed, produced and starred in this movie. As a combat vet, this movie hit home.
Buy it or rent it. However you can watch this movie, do it! I promise you it is worth it!!
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26 February 2023
As a Retired US Marine with diagnosed Combat PTSD ... I was reluctant for weeks to watch this film. Not because I didn't think it would be a good watch; but because it's oftentimes difficult for us combat veterans to watch such films, movies/documentaries. Please forgive me as my review may appear as ramblings; I assure you the following notes were written as I was stopping and starting (studying) the film. A few of the film's statements appear in quotations. Sitting in my apartment with my heat set at 74 degrees (I live in Buffalo, New York and it's February). 1st few minutes watching I literally got cold chills!! Actual cold shaking emotional chills. Had to stop & start film several times. In terms of suicidal thoughts/attempts I've been there. Twice!! I won't give details. This film will certainly serve to help combat the negative stigma of Military Combat PTSD I started crying; really shedding tears at the statement "This is my reality." The section about DISCIPLINE !!! 100 percent accuracy "Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome; Marine!" "Something to strive for" They speak about "getting help"! Believe me when I tell you ... that's much easier said than done. For multiple reasons. MOST times; Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Therapists; although they mean well, have absolutely NO clue about what we've experienced or continue to experience. And it further drives us away from such "help". I'd welcome sharing more on this. The stigma!!! The stigma is one of the main reasons for the difficulties. Not seeking help. Once diagnosed ... in most instances it ruins your life more. Then we are FORCED to fight even more against a "system" which begs us to come to them for help!! Only those who actually suffer from Combat PTSD can understand fully. When the guy said, "We signed up for two wars. The war there ... and the war back home." That hits hard and honestly. The "Nerve Damage" scene! "Single minded willingness to put our duty before ourselves." "The fight's not over." "Is it me or does life have a funny way of "phuking" with you?" (paraphrased) "We usually take it to our graves." Susan Gallagher as Mary, "He hides it well. That's what soldiers do. They go overseas; and they do what they do. And when they return they're never the same." And there are a couple scenes I simply can not comment on. Too emotional. Too close to home. Too triggering I can't recall a film which has made me so emotional and more focused to keep going simultaneously than this one. Kudos to everyone involved. All Cast & Crew. Producers, Directors, Writers, etc. Special thanks to Susan Gallagher who constantly brought "22 The Unforgotten Soldier" to my attention by her constant postings. The combat scenes ... The group therapy scene ... The church scene when Daniel was speaking about his Mother's death. *side note My Mother actually saved my life from the grave back in 2017 with an Epic conversation with God & Jesus "It isn't hard for men like me and you to die. It's the will to live that's is difficult." Seeking help is hard; especially when seeking it for ourselves. However; when we recognize it's about the people we love; we're better able to seek help!! We bottle things in because it's oftentimes detrimental to our financial, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing to release the lid off the jar. Films like this can go a long way in Preventing the "22 Suicides A Day" because it gives civilians and non-military a better understanding ... a better perspective. More can be done. As a Retired US Marine Veteran and SAG-AFTRA Actor I'd welcome being a consultant on followup films The boxing, workout scenes ... My therapy is My Dungeon (my weight room) Y'all have absolutely noooo idea how the statements "Semper Fi Marine. OohRah" affects us with such Pride and Humility. Thank You for including it at the 1:43:00 mark towards the end of the film. Thanks for the selfless service of all of my fellow Military Veterans and a Special Semper Fi to all of my Brothers & Sisters of The United States Marine Corps!!! I'll be recommending "22 The Unforgotten Soldier" to my Military Veterans & Friends. OOHRAH.
25 February 2023
Fantastic movie with a very important message - a must-see for everyone! The acting, cinematography, storyline, music, props, etc are all well-done and there's no gratuitous violence, yet the physical and emotional devastation of the horror of war is strongly conveyed and the viewer shares in the reality of the characters. We get an inkling of what they go through. We learn that so many of our fellow citizens are going through life in great pain, continuing to sacrifice for their country everyday, long after active duty ends. At the grocery store and gas station in our own day-to-day lives, we may see men and women in uniform and say "thank you for your service". If only we could see the "invisible uniforms" and the hidden wounds and scars of our veterans! To all of them, we need to offer our support and gratitude for their service and open our eyes to their agony. "The Unforgotten Soldier" does exactly this; it should be played in schools and colleges, community centers, houses of worship, everywhere.
22 February 2023
Everyone should see and hear the message of this movie. 22 The Unforgotten Soldier shocked me when I found out that the 22 meant how many suicides per day that our vets are committing! It brought tears to my eyes. Sam Medina, you did a good thing here, you probably will never know how many lives you have touched. I hope that after seeing this movie, more people will contribute to the well being of our veterans. Having all the veterans in the movie made it so real. I will continue to share this movie with everyone, it is certainly worth the watch! Congratulations to you, Sam Medina, and your entire crew! Job well done!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2023
I recommend this movie to anybody who appreciate a good story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2023
Sam Medina, Carla Seneca and all of the cast delivered a great performance. Highly recommend.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2023
This movie spans two generations of war veterans (Vietnam and GWOT) and draws on powerful emotions to deliver a message that while the path to recovering from the scars from war are long, it is a path and a journey that doesn’t have to be navigated alone..
I didn’t last half an hour before the tears started flowing. As a retired combat vet, this film hit home like none other. If you watch only one film this year, make it this one. You may begin to understand the impact combat has on our daily lives.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2023
Excellent film based on heart breaking true events. So many don’t realize what these military veterans go through on a daily basis. You can tell a lot of hard work and tears were involved in making this incredible film.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2023
This movie was a little slow but really showed the internal battles that veterans continue to fight after returning from war. I hope it can help us as civilians start to understand.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2023
What a wonderful movie, it helps understand what soldiers endure after coming home. Even people who has suffered with depression, can relate to this movie. Our soldiers need better treatment and more help. Please let’s support this movie!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2023
Excellent movie, really enjoyed it
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2023
I absolutely loved that this film brings home and to light the fight our brothers and sisters continue to fight on a daily basis. The film also uses real soldiers and veterans that are still fighting that mental war at home. 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2023
Emotion. Powerful and amazing. Not many people understand a brotherhood be it as an athlete or a soldier- this not only gives an insight of what goes on but also a realization of what people go through on a daily basis. Must watch!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2023
Sam Medina brings right to the heart of anyone watching some of the struggles many veterans deal with on a daily basis. He did a phenomenal job of letting the world know just how understated the rate of veteran suicide is and is helping bring it all forefront.
UXO Technician/Team Leader
I don’t post much. I’m not sure the last time I posted anything on this forum. I worked in the movie industry for about a year. As a transportation worker in the movie industry the work was good, I won’t lie. I got to rub shoulders with some great actors and crew. The money was good and watching how movies were made, the work put in, the time, the effort by actors and crew alike. As I stated, I worked with some great people. I still talk to some of them. My brother still works in the industry so I still get the skinny on how filming goes. I worked with one actor in particular I admire more than most. Sam Medina. We talked at length about a great many topics, none of which I will divulge because that’s a promise I made to him and every actor I drove for. But I will tell you that Sam’s work ethic, his dedication, his time and his effort to put everything into his craft mimics those of champions. I recently chatted with him about his latest project. 22 - The Unforgotten Soldier If you watch one movie this year, make it this one. If I had my way, it would get at least an Oscar nod! Sam wrote, directed, produced and starred in this movie. As a combat vet, this movie hit home. Buy it or rent it. However you can watch this movie, do it! I promise you it is worth it!!