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Why We Fight
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Metascore
68 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: This documentary is an unflinching look at the anatomy of the American war machine, weaving unforgettable personal stories with commentary by a "who's who" of military and beltway insiders. (Sony Pictures Classics)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Steven Rea
    100
    It's impossible to imagine anyone, right-leaning or left, coming away from this hugely important documentary unshaken by its representation of the United States and its military establishment.
  2. Newsweek
    Reviewed by: David Ansen
    60
    This scary, eye-opening documentary looks back from a post-9/11 vantage point to see how Ike's prophecy has come horribly true.
  3. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Kyle Smith
    38
    This rehash of familiar pacifist arguments offers neither heat nor light. It's "Fahrenheit: Room Temperature."

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 2 out of 10
  1. Navid
    10
    We are at the point in history that our collective action has far more horrendous effect than we can enviosn. "Why We Fight" tells us, in a subtle way, what future will be awaiting us. In 1906, no one could predict the coming of WWI and its massive killing of human beings...I think, we are all blind, and the only thing that will sober us all (humanity on earth) is a massive catastrophic war, graver than any war we have seen...… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. Riren
    5
    This documentary is unfortunately highly biased and tries to coerce rather than inform, a trend in modern documentary. It does not even come close to answering the sociological question of violence in America, or even the U.S.'s reasons for going to war throughout so much of its history. However, it is very informative about the military industrial complex - indeed, if 45 minutes were cut off the film, it could be repackaged as a documentary about just that, though then the film wouldn't be as sensational. It employs the tired, old propoganda tricks, like quotes taken out of context, a few anonymous quotes used to indicate the minds of millions, and musical montages that don't technically state an opinion but still beat you over the head with it. The film's real answer to why we fight is that there is a vast organization of businesses that profit off of war, and that they have infected politics to make sure they keep raking in the billions. This is a disturbing part of the answer, but unfortunately it is only a part - and the rest isn't that U.S. citizens are all dumb and none of the politicians care. Don't get me wrong, it's a great question. Hopefully a better documentary will try to answer it someday.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. FloydB.
    2
    If people are to be awakened to what is going on about why we create wars of aggression, this documentary is not very good. What was the producer afraid of? I bought the DVD waste of money.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 10 User Reviews

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