The Tillman Story: Blu-Ray (2010)

I just want to start by saying that I think everyone should see The Tillman Story no matter what your political views are. It's obviously told from a leftist point of view but I have no reason to believe that the story presented in this documentary isn't completely accurate.

For those unfamiliar with Pat Tillman, he was a NFL player (and a very good one at that) who left behind a lot of money to enlist in the Army after September 11th. While in Afghanistan he was killed by friendly fire. At fist the military claimed he was killed by the enemy. Later they changed their tune and admitted he was killed by friendly fire but may have attempted to cover up the facts of how it happened.

The TIllman Story is as much about Pat's family (and specifically his mom, Mary) as Pat himself. He was no doubt a unique individual and they are a unique and very driven family as well. The movie is very powerful and moving. While it definitely does make the military out to be shady, it still leaves some (though admittedly very little) room for interpretation as to whether the Gov't used Tillman as a propaganda tool or tried to honor a  national hero. I personally have a great respect for the military and specifically the people who serve, while still maintaining a lack of faith if a bureaucracy's ability to always do the right thing. I think the film captures both aspects of that very well.

The technical aspects of the blu-ray are fine but there is no real need to see this film in high-def just as long as you see it.

Again, I encourage everyone to see The Tillman Story and form your own opinions about what happened and it's aftermath. It's a great and simultaneously sad story that needs to be heard. Even if you disagree with what the filmmakers are saying, it's good "food for thought" and discussion material. It also does a great job of humanizing Tillman. He was a much more complicated human than just someone famous who died serving his country. Hopefully someday we'll all know the full truth.

Ratings:

Movie: 4.5/5
Blu-ray: 2.5/5