60
This scary, eye-opening documentary looks back from a post-9/11 vantage point to see how Ike’s prophecy has come horribly true.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
50
Unconvincing and ineffective; the many patches of ideological montage, growing like kudzu throughout the film, weaken the impact of its best moments.
70
Jarecki's film forcefully argues that the much abused word FREEDOM cannot paper over the conflicts between capitalism and democracy.
30
Wall Street Journal by Joe Morgenstern
Mr. Jarecki undercuts his own case -- not just undercuts but carpet-bombs it -- by using the same propaganda techniques he professes to abhor.
75
Ultimately, Why We Fight reveals itself as yet another leftie doc with an anti-war agenda. But the mere fact that it takes time to ask questions and listen to opposing viewpoints sets it apart from the pack.
70
Los Angeles Times by Kevin Crust
The long line of recent muckraking documentaries that has preceded Why We Fight does nothing to diminish its force.
50
The New York Times by Manohla Dargis
Mr. Jarecki forcefully, if not with wholesale persuasiveness, argues that our business is specifically war.
91
Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman
Jarecki is no glib ideologue thumbing his nose at power.
75
Christian Science Monitor by Peter Rainer
In addition to the usual pontificators like Gore Vidal, whose world weariness has assumed Olympian proportions, the director provides interviews with such right-wing counterparts as Richard Perle and William Kristol. Nobody is allowed much time to develop an argument.
90
Picture sets the gold standard for political documentaries.