Redacted 2007

This harrowing film delves into the heartbreaking real-life incident involving the violent rape and murder of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl at the hands of U.S. soldiers, with stark, shocking visuals that may deeply affect viewers.

Inspired by one of the gravest atrocities committed by American military personnel in Iraq post-2003 invasion, the film does not hold back on portraying the sheer brutality of the war, aiming to convey a powerful message. Utilizing an intentionally episodic structure, Redacted weaves together various narratives of the Iraq war, seemingly from different perspectives.

One segment, crafted by a French filmmaker, illustrates U.S. soldiers patrolling checkpoints, while another highlights a crucial blunder made by a superior officer dealing with hazardous waste left on the roadside, which culminates in a disastrous explosion. The film gradually builds to the tragic climax involving the beautiful young girl, who is uncovered by troops during a raid on an Iraqi residence, as they seek evidence for their mission.

On a fateful night, the drunken, morally compromised U.S. soldiers engage in a jarring discussion about returning for the “skank” they previously encountered during the raid. This leads to a grim turn of events when one soldier, equipped with a camera on his helmet, records the horrific act of the girl’s assault.

The narrative then shifts focus to the repercussions faced by the military as they enact justice against the perpetrators. In a haunting final scene, a soldier associated with the criminals candidly recounts an unforgettable war story, one that encapsulates the plundering and tragic death of the Iraqi girl, a tale that will linger with him forever.