Redacted

Redacted

Year: 2007

Runtime: 90 min

Language: english

Director: Brian De Palma

DramaCrimeWar

During the Iraq War, a unit of American soldiers finds itself embroiled in a disturbing incident that sparks a military investigation. The film interweaves the soldiers' perspectives with those of Iraqi civilians and journalists, highlighting the complexities of war and the manipulation of information. Through a blend of video diaries, documentary-style footage, and news reports, the story explores the differing realities of those involved and challenges viewers to consider the truth behind media portrayals of conflict.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Redacted yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Redacted (2007)

Trace every key event in Redacted (2007) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Invasion

The film opens with the backdrop of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, setting the stage for the subsequent exploration of the chaos and violence that ensued. This pivotal moment is crucial to understanding the conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by soldiers on the ground.

2003 Iraq
2

Soldiers on Patrol

A segment features U.S. soldiers patrolling checkpoints, highlighting their interactions with the local population and the increasing tension in the region. This portrayal emphasizes the soldiers' day-to-day experiences and the constant peril they face in a war-torn environment.

Checkpoints in Iraq
3

Hazardous Waste Incident

One of the soldiers makes a grave error regarding hazardous waste left on the roadside, which leads to a catastrophic explosion. This blunder significantly escalates the already volatile situation, further illustrating the dangers of warfare and negligence.

Roadside in Iraq
4

The Raid Begins

During a military raid on an Iraqi residence, the soldiers discover a young girl, whose life will soon be tragically altered. This moment marks a turning point in the narrative, as the girl unknowingly steps into a nightmare driven by the soldiers' misguided judgment.

Iraqi residence
5

The Soldiers' Discussion

On a fateful night, a group of intoxicated soldiers engages in a disturbing conversation about returning for the girl they previously encountered. This conversation exemplifies the moral decay and desensitization among the troops in the face of their actions during the war.

Night
6

The Assault

The soldiers, driven by their depraved decision-making, commit a horrific act against the young girl. One of them records the assault with a camera mounted on his helmet, capturing the atrocity that unfolds in front of them—a striking reminder of the inhumanity of war.

Iraqi residence
7

Aftermath of the Attack

Following the assault, the film depicts the chaos and shock that ripple through the ranks of the military. The incident forces the soldiers and their superiors to confront the consequences of their actions, leading to a complicated investigation and discussion of justice.

8

Seeking Justice

As the military seeks to address the crimes committed by the soldiers, the narrative examines the complexities of accountability in wartime. The process of enacting justice unfolds amidst tensions between covering up the incident and the necessity for repercussions.

9

A Soldier's Reflection

In a haunting final scene, one soldier linked to the perpetrators candidly recounts the events that led to the tragic death of the Iraqi girl. His story encapsulates the horror and guilt that accompany the soldiers' actions, leaving a lasting impact on his psyche.

10

Message of the Film

The film closes with a powerful message about the brutality of war and its far-reaching effects on both the victims and the perpetrators. It serves as a stark reminder of the moral implications of military actions and the tragedies that arise from combat.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 15:14

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Fractured War Realities like in Redacted

Unflinching war stories pieced together from conflicting viewpoints and media.Movies like Redacted that use a multi-perspective, documentary-style approach to explore the grim realities of war. If you were gripped by the fragmented narrative and the search for truth amidst media manipulation in Redacted, these films offer a similar, challenging viewing experience.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives reject a linear, singular point of view. Instead, they employ an episodic or collage-like structure, blending video diaries, news reports, and firsthand accounts to present a complex and often disturbing event. The story's truth emerges from the gaps and conflicts between these different versions of reality.

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They are grouped by their shared structural approach to storytelling and their thematic focus on the subjectivity of truth in high-stakes, violent environments. The mood is consistently anxious and somber, driven by a journalistic impulse to uncover a reality obfuscated by propaganda and trauma.

Stories of Moral Collapse like in Redacted

Stories where ordinary people succumb to brutality under extreme pressure.Movies that explore the harrowing theme of moral corruption under extreme circumstances, similar to Redacted. If you were captivated by the soldiers' descent into atrocity, these films deliver a comparable experience of heavy drama and psychological unraveling.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a gradual but inevitable slide into darkness. Characters are placed in high-stress, dehumanizing environments—often wartime or similarly brutal settings—that erode their ethical boundaries. The plot builds towards a pivotal act of violence or betrayal that serves as the point of no return, culminating in a bleak and tragic resolution.

Why These Movies?

They share a core thematic focus on the fragility of morality and the capacity for evil within ordinary individuals. The tone is uniformly dark and intense, the emotional weight is heavy, and the endings provide little to no redemption, aiming to provoke sober reflection rather than catharsis.

Unlock the Full Story of Redacted

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Redacted Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Redacted, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Redacted Summary

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Redacted Spoiler-Free Summary

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