Mile Marker

Mile Marker is an intense and heartfelt documentary released in 2017. It was created by Korey Rowe, a two-tour veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, who chronicled his journey in the film as he traveled nearly 7,000 miles across the United States to self-reflect and draw attention to critical issues affecting veterans.

The narrative propels forward via Rowe's challenge to confront his past while openly narrating his emotional journey as a U.S. veteran. It takes the viewers on a journey through his past military experiences as well as his personal struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and drug addiction.

The film employs both the power of personal story-telling and in-depth interviews to highlight broader themes of societal concern. It makes a bold attempt to tackle the misunderstood psychological effects of war, as well as the impact on veterans and their struggle to reintegrate into civilian life.

Throughout the 90-minute burn, Mile Marker pays homage to Rowe's military comrades as he records a series of revealing and poignant interviews with fellow veterans suffering from PTSD. These raw conversations shed light on prevalent issues such as addiction, mental health, and an incompetent VA system which unfortunately leaves many veterans neglected.

The style of the documentary is a mash-up of road movie and personal diary, combined with news report sequences. Korey Rowe’s lens captures the beautiful landscapes of America - from the bustling streets of New York to the serene beauty of the Midwest - but the majestic scenery comes in stark contrast to the disheartening stories of traumatized veterans we meet on the way. It’s a reminder that even the most prosperous nations have struggles of their own, hidden in plain sight.

Rowe's journey is punctuated by stunning cinematography that captures the natural beauty of America's diverse landscapes. The movie offers a mesmerizing dose of American travelogue that beautifully juxtaposes its darker themes. Meanwhile, the soundtrack plays an instrumental role in maintaining engagement, with a blend of melancholy and hope manifested artistically.

Mile Marker does not shy away from difficult topics; instead, it directly engages with them, provoking an open dialogue about PTSD and the society’s responsibility towards veterans. It presents this through a combination of Korey’s personal odyssey and the often haunting testimonies of Rowe's comrades-in-arms. In doing so, Mile Marker takes on a balanced approach, not merely stopping at inflicting guilt or stirring sympathy, but proposing alternative solutions. One of these includes the medical use of cannabis instead of the traditional pharmaceutical options, showcasing the potential benefits of medical marijuana for veterans dealing with PTSD.

Deeply humanistic at its core, Mile Marker serves as a profound documentary that poses questions about our ethical obligations to the soldiers who serve our country and the social systems designed to aid them post-war. Rowe's intimate lens allows the audience to engage candidly with the experiences of American veterans who, despite facing the unspeakable horrors of war, demonstrate a heroic degree of resilience and courage.

Overall, Mile Marker is a thought-provoking documentary that strikes at the heart of a pressing societal issue, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll. It serves as a moving testament to the trials of America's veterans and their enduring spirit. While Mile Marker is certainly a challenging watch emotionally, it is an essential one. From its breathtaking visuals to its candid testimonials, the documentary offers a poignant look at both the personal and social struggles of our veterans.

By documenting his journey to address his trauma and other indices of PTSD among veterans, Rowe has not only gifted his audience an eye-opening film on the current state of affairs but also a call to society for being more compassionate and understanding towards the physical and emotional wounds of heroes returning from war. As much as it is an exploration of chronic pain and suffering, the documentary also fosters hope, resilience, and the possibility of healing. This aspect of the film especially helps in humanizing veterans, thereby stimulating empathy in the audience, thereby making 'Mile Marker' an essential and emotionally charged documentary experience.