FIGHTING SPIRIT: THE JOURNEY OF A WAR CHAPEL is a powerful documentary that chronicles the long and rich history of U.S. Army Chaplains who help soldiers both physically and spiritually. Since George Washington, Chaplains have accompanied soldiers into battle, serving as their spiritual and moral advisors and risking their lives to save others. The film focuses on the story of Pastor Emil Kapaun, whose body was identified 70 years later and brought to America after he disappeared as a prisoner of war in North Korea. This offers healing to Justin Roberts, another pastor who was inspired by the 419 pastors who came before him.

FIGHTING SPIRIT is a compelling, heartfelt film about the often overlooked courage of Army Chaplains. Some of the re-enactments of the film feature dated and strange visuals. However, real-life images and photographs are wonderful visual aids to tell the tremendous story of the courage and faith of many priests. Some of the priests represent false religions, but the film argues that they can work together despite their religious differences. There is some war violence in FIGHTING SPIRIT too, but nothing graphic. MOVIEGUIDE® recommends caution for young children.

(BBB, CC, PPP, VV, M):

Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements:

Strong moral and biblical worldview with some Christian references, as well as very strong patriotic elements that highlight the sacrifices, courage, and unwavering faith of U.S. Army chaplains;

Bad Language:

No bad language;

Violence:

There is war violence throughout, some real-life footage and some re-enactments, some blood is shown, there is also gunfire, explosions and talk of death, injury, suicide and the horrors of war, but the film is not overly graphic and there are no horrific images there;

Sex:

No sex;

Nudity:

No nudity;

Alcohol Use:

No use or reference to alcohol;

Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse:

Smoking or drug use is prohibited;

Miscellaneous Immorality:

Some of the priests offer “hope” but since they are Buddhists, Muslims, and other non-Christians, they cannot offer real hope.

FIGHTING SPIRIT: THE JOURNEY OF A WAR CHAPEL is a documentary chronicling the history of the U.S. Army Chaplains who served and sacrificed for the physical and spiritual benefit of countless soldiers. FIGHTING SPIRIT tells a heartfelt, engaging story about the often overlooked bravery and sacrifice of Army Chaplains with a strong moral, patriotic worldview that includes some positive Christian themes and references, but there is also some war violence and references to pseudo-religious chaplains in the service.

The documentary opens with Justin Roberts, a chaplain with the 101st Airborne in Afghanistan. He describes his post-traumatic stress disorder and stories of hardship as a pastor. Viewers also hear about past heroes from other Army chaplains. Justin learns that the body of famous priest Emil Kapaun has been discovered after 70 years. The priest died as a prisoner of war in North Korea. Justin begins a journey of healing as he describes all the faithful pastors in history.

The documentary tells the stories of many priests. Stories including those who served under George Washington, where it all began, the Civil War, the World Wars, Vietnam and Iraq.

A particularly moving story about faith and perseverance is from Jeff Struecker, whose story was featured in the movie BLACK HAWK DOWN. He exemplifies true courage as a result of his Christian faith, which results in him returning to battle several times to save those he can. He says his perspective changed in the film to “stop preparing soldiers to face the enemy and start preparing them for eternity.”

There are other wonderful, encouraging stories about chaplains’ faith and their willingness to serve soldiers, often armed only with their faith. The film ends with Justin Roberts finding healing by learning the inspiring stories of those before him.

FIGHTING SPIRIT is a powerful, well-produced documentary honoring the unsung heroes of war: U.S. Army Chaplains. Some of the reenactments are aided by outdated effects that distract from the touching stories being told. But the film excels when it uses real-life footage from Justin Roberts’ deployment or archival photos and videos of other chaplains.

Faith is at the forefront in this documentary, and it is a powerful story about the moral courage, perseverance, faithful service and heroic sacrifices of diverse clergy. MOVIEGUIDE® draws attention to two points of attention for viewers. First of all, there are examples in the movie where priests teaching Buddhism, Islam and other false religions instill the same hope in soldiers as those carrying Bibles. Even so, there are many powerful moments when men from different backgrounds work together despite their religion. Secondly, there are some scenes of violence in FIGHTING SPIRIT.

But ultimately, THE FIGHTING SPIRIT is a beautiful documentary about sacrifice, love and faith. MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution with young children due to depictions of war violence and references to non-Christian religions.