Corps Man

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Briana C @MsBriana 1d This film is incredibly powerful and so beautifully told. Dave’s story of survival (in several forms,) love, friendship, loss, injustice and the human spirit will absolutely move you. The use of old photos and archival footage instantly transports the audience to Dave’s world. Whether it be in a camp in Vietnam, on the medical ship or a port in Hong Kong — it feels like you’re there. And then you’re snapped back to present day with Dave sitting in his kitchen sharing his story. His delivery is simple. It’s quiet. It’s raw. As he recounts his experience, you can see the pain and struggle in his eyes. He bares his soul for the audience and it’s one of the bravest, most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed. I’m thankful for the director and his team for recognizing the need to share this with the world. Their beautiful film is a poignant reminder of how the LGBTQ community’s contributions to our nation are often overlooked. Now, more than ever, this film is a must-watch. See more Mel S @Melnicsan2 5d Like Dave, I realized I was queer at a young age. You learn to "hide" it or try to fit in as he explained. Joining the military even today could prove to be a risk if you're queer. When Dave joined, it was against the law. The consequences were severe. He felt he needed to serve his country, as did many other gay men at the time. They knew they could separate their sexuality from the needs of war. It was meant to be that "The Group" found each other and could give these men a sense of belonging. So many veterans deal with PTSD and other long-term effects well after service. Dave's post-service years have been spent fighting for the rights of gays in the military. He has helped make great strides for the community 50 years after his service ended. I highly recommend spending an hour watching this film. It's well worth it. See more Stephanie S @RT33776244 6d Corpsman is far more than a documentary about a group of gay Navy corpsmen who found one another during the Vietnam War. It's a story of friendship, loyalty, courage, and the bonds that can only be forged in extraordinary circumstances. The men carried Zippo lighters engraved with "The Group", a simple symbol of a chosen family. When one of them passed away, Dave, the heart of the documentary and a lifelong activist, took his friend's Zippo to carry his memory forward. It's a quiet, deeply moving reminder that the people we love never truly leave us. This film reminds us that humanity isn't defined by labels. Good people come in every shade of life, gay, straight, and everything in between. At its core, Corpsman is about service, love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship. It is more than worth your time. It will stay with you long after the credits roll. See more Brian P @RT67238523 6d This was such a great window into the life of soldiers who while not only dealing with the terrors of war, had to deal with the additional fear of being outed as gay into an unfriendly military policy. As a fellow veteran, the over arching emotion I felt during much of this film was anger at the injustice of it. These men were risking their lives, and deserve the honor and gratitude of a nation, but many had to fight just to reinstate their earned honor - and some never received it. The story telling was incredible - EVERYONE should see this film! See more Randy S @Randy816 Jul 8 Incredible insight into a side of soldiers in Vietnam that is relatively unknown. Dave is articulate in presenting the challenges he faced in an environment that praised him for his military dedication but admonished him for his personal life. See more Mary Beth S @Mesande Jul 7 Corps Man is a rare documentary because it doesn't just tell a story; rather, it brings back history that has been lost to silence. The documentary is centered around corpsman, Dave Lara and his brethren in arms known as The Group. This moving piece uncovers an untold chapter of the Vietnam War; gay servicemen who risked everything by serving authentically, with bravery and courage in a world that demanded secrecy. This documentary is so moving because of the extraordinary emotional precision brought out by director, Christopher Sanders. It does not sensationalize the danger that these men were living in; rather, displays how courage takes the form of quiet loyalty, shared fear and the unspoken bond of survival. The film does a great job in balancing the brutality of war with the tenderness of human truth. Christopher Sanders gives the story the restraint and respect it deserves while also allowing Dave to carry the weight of the narrative. This is a must see! See more Read all reviews

Corps Man

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