Korengal is a powerful documentary that details the lives of U.S. military personnel in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan during 2007 and 2008. Through candid interviews and never-before-seen footage, director Sebastian Junger paints an unflinching portrait of the harsh realities faced by soldiers fighting in this remote region.
The film follows the same platoon featured in Junger’s award-winning documentary Restrepo, which focused on their time spent at an outpost in a Taliban-controlled valley. In Korengal, Junger shifts his focus to exploring the war’s psychological impact on these soldiers and how they cope with its aftermath. As we observe them struggle to make sense of their experiences, we are forced to confront our own beliefs about war and the human cost of global conflict.
Korengal offers an honest look at what it is like for these soldiers to fight day after day — often without respite — as well as how they find moments of laughter or solace amidst frequent violence. The film also serves as an important reminder that wars affect more than just those who fight them; civilians are impacted as well, creating long-term repercussions for entire communities.
Korengal is essential viewing for anyone wanting to gain a greater understanding of America’s involvement in Afghanistan, and for anyone wishing to appreciate the sacrifices made by those who have served there. It is a powerful reflection on what it means to serve your country and how war changes both those who fight it and those who watch from afar. We highly encourage everyone to watch this thought-provoking documentary about courage, survival, loyalty, sacrifice and love — something all too often taken for granted by us civilians living in relative comfort far removed from war’s front lines.
