THE PLOT THUS FAR
The film reveals the realities of drone warfare-the violation of international law, the loss of life, and the far-reaching implications for the communities that live under drones.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“Unmanned: America’s Drone Wars” is a short documentary, but it is to the point. Director Robert Greenwald has tackled similar hard hitting material in the past, but I don’t remember him having such laser focus. Watching as he cuts through his examination on the attacks of the FATA is nothing less than amazing. The 35 victims he interviewed provides some background for this. But, nothing stands out like the captured footage.
The United States is very quick to adapt technology to murder the greatest amount of people. That being said, the use of drones are a double edged sword. They saved American Armed Forces, but they get deployed with the same distaste for human life that accompanied the excessive use of napalm in Vietnam. Decades from now, these same people will get to feign ignorance when showcasing the long-term psychological deployment of these devices. I hate how history will inevitably replay itself.
The DVD comes with a commentary, interviews and short film. The Dolby track sets a stage, but it doesn’t have anything to show off outside of archival footage. I’m not sure of that was the purpose of it, but it works. Plus, the transfer isn’t too bad for standard definition. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: 01/14/2014