Last Letters Home: Voices of American Troops From the Battlefields of Iraq (HBO)

About Last Letters Home: Voices of American Troops From the Battlefields of Iraq (HBO) "Last Letters Home: Voices of American Troops from the Battlefields of Iraq" is a moving tribute to the brave men and women who fought and died for their country in the controversial war in Iraq, as seen through the eyes of their loved ones. The movie carries a strong TV-PG rating because, while it centers on unsettling topics of death and war, it doesn’t depict explicit violent scenes; yet it still may not be suitable for younger viewers. The heart of the film revolves around the last written words from these 10 soldiers, read by family members left behind. The letters give a profound, even jarring, look into the realities of war and the emotions shared by those on both sides of the conflict - both soldiers facing fear and hardship on the front-lines and the families anxiously awaiting their return. Making / Production This HBO film was produced by Bill Couturié, who is known for his dedication towards telling the stories of soldiers and their families. The power of this documentary doesn’t rely on graphic war footage but instead gets its intensity from the raw, honest emotions of the letters and the people reading them. Actors - Various Family Members: The family members of the 10 deceased soldiers play themselves in the film. They provide emotional performances as a testament to their loved ones' sacrifice, imbuing the simple act of reading a letter with profound sorrow, proud patriotism, and sometimes even humor. Trivia / Interesting Facts about it - The film doesn't feature any professional actors. Instead, all the people seen in the film are the real family members of the deceased soldiers. - Each segment of the movie ends with a silent tribute to the fallen soldier, providing the audience with a chance to reflect on the stories shared. - In addition to the letters themselves, the film also features video snippets, photos and interviews, further elaborating the lives and the sacrifices of the soldiers. Awards "Last Letters Home: Voices of American Troops from the Battlefields of Iraq" was nominated and won the 2005 News & Documentary Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Programming - Long Form. Quotes - "I'm doing what I believe in and there's no greater honor than that." – Read by a mother, showing her son's unflinching dedication to his duty. - "Always remember that I died so that you could live your lives free and without fear" – Taken from a soldier's letter, depicting the selfless service of the soldiers. Music, Soundtrack The soundtrack for the film is a somber, stirring score, which underlines the emotions of the letters and the film's overall tone. Some notable pieces include: - "A Mother's Tear" - A mournful composition that plays alongside readings from heartbroken mothers. - "Soldier's Farewell" - An uplifting but melancholy melody that accompanies the sharing of the soldiers' last written words. The film is a poignant reminder of the soldiers' sacrifices and the impact of their loss on their families, offering a unique and personal perspective on the war and its human cost.