STOP-LOSS: Sound Off

anon: Nice film. Thank you.

Respond SGT US ARMY: Hello I am a Seargent in the army, I was stop lossed my self, But I also knew that I had a job to do and that was to serve my country with pride honor and integrity. And anyone before and after me that signed on that doted line knows and knew what was expected of them, And to run makes it worse but yes there are some that do run and you cant blame but most you can. I think movie portrayed and hit ... Read more

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Re: kimberly ane peirce

Suzanne: The Army refused to diagnose my son with PTSD but the VA did after his honorable discharge. He has other disabilities but you are correct, the Army does not want to diagnose anyone with PTSD. Its about the money, of course. There is an estimated 300,000 soldiers who have some form of PTSD. Let your voices be heard: support the troops and speak up for our soldiers!

Respond View Conversation kimberly ane peirce: http://www.salon.com/news/special/coming_home/2009/04/08/tape/ "I am under a lot of pressure to not diagnose PTSD" A secret recording reveals the Army may be pushing its medical staff not to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder. The Army and Senate have ignored the implications. By Michael de Yoanna and Mark Benjamin Editor's note: Last June, during a medical appointment, a patie... Read more nt named "Sgt. X" recorded an Army psychologist at Fort Carson, Colo., saying that he was under pressure not to diagnose combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Listen to a segment of the tape here. Apr. 08, 2009 | "Sgt. X" is built like the Bradley Fighting Vehicle he rode in while in Iraq. He's as bulky, brawny and seemingly impervious as a tank. In an interview in the high-rise offices of his Denver attorneys, however, symptoms of the damaged brain inside that tough exterior begin to appear. Sgt. X's eyes go suddenly blank, shifting to refocus oddly on a wall. He pauses mid-sentence, struggling for simple words. His hands occasionally tremble and spasm. For more than a year he's been seeking treatment at Fort Carson for a brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, the signature injuries of the Iraq war. Sgt. X is also suffering through the Army's confusing disability payment system, handled by something called a medical evaluation board. The process of negotiating the system has been made harder by his war-damaged memory. Sgt. X's wife has to go with him to doctor's appointments so he'll remember what the doctor tells him. But what Sgt. X wants to tell a reporter about is one doctor's appointment at Fort Carson that his wife did not witness. When she couldn't accompany him to an appointment with psychologist Douglas McNinch last June, Sgt. X tucked a recording device into his pocket and set it on voice-activation so it would capture what the doctor said. Sgt. X had no idea that the little machine in his pocket was about to capture recorded evidence of something wounded soldiers and their advocates have long suspected -- that the military does not want Iraq veterans to be diagnosed with PTSD, a condition that obligates the military to provide expensive, intensive long-term care, including the possibility of lifetime disability payments. And, as Salon will explore in a second article Thursday, after the Army became aware of the tape, the Senate Armed Services Committee declined to investigate its implications, despite prodding from a senator who is not on the committee. The Army then conducted its own internal investigation -- and cleared itself of any wrongdoing. When Sgt. X went to see McNinch with a tape recorder, he was concerned that something was amiss with his diagnosis. He wanted to find out why the psychologist had told the medical evaluation board that handles disability payments that Sgt. X did not, in fact, have PTSD, but instead an "anxiety disorder," which could substantially lower the amount of benefits he would receive if the Army discharged him for a disability. The recorder in Sgt. X's pocket captured McNinch in a moment of candor. (Listen to a segment of the recording here.) "OK," McNinch told Sgt. X. "I will tell you something confidentially that I would have to deny if it were ever public. Not only myself, but all the clinicians up here are being pressured to not diagnose PTSD and diagnose anxiety disorder NOS [instead]." McNinch told him that Army medical boards were "kick[ing] back" his diagnoses of PTSD, saying soldiers had not seen enough trauma to have "serious PTSD issues." "Unfortunately," McNinch told Sgt. X, "yours has not been the only case ... I and other [doctors] are under a lot of pressure to not diagnose PTSD. It's not fair. I think it's a horrible way to treat soldiers, but unfortunately, you know, now the V.A. is jumping on board, saying, 'Well, these people don't have PTSD,' and stuff like that." Contacted recently by Salon, McNinch seemed surprised that reporters had obtained the tape, but answered questions about the statements captured by the recording. McNinch told Salon that the pressure to misdiagnose came from the former head of Fort Carson's Department of Behavioral Health. That colonel, an Army psychiatrist, is now at Fort Lewis in Washington state. "This was pressure that the commander of my Department of Behavioral Health put on me at that time," he said. Since McNinch is a civilian employed by the Army, the colonel could not order him to give a specific, lesser diagnosis to soldiers. Instead, McNinch said, the colonel would "refuse to concur with me, or argue with me, or berate me" when McNinch diagnosed soldiers with PTSD. "It is just very difficult being a civilian in a military setting." McNinch added that he also received pressure not to properly diagnose traumatic brain injury, Sgt. X's other medical problem. "When I got there I was told I was overdiagnosing brain injuries and now everybody is finding out that, yes, there are brain injuries," he recalled. McNinch said he argued, "'What are we going to do about treatment?' And they said, 'Oh, we are just counting people. We don't plan on treating them.'" McNinch replied, "'You are bringing a generation of brain-damaged individuals back here. You have got to get a game plan together for this public health crisis.'" When McNinch learned he would be quoted in a Salon article, he cut off further questions. He also said he would deny the interview took place. Salon, however, had recorded the conversation. On the tape and in his interview with Salon, McNinch seemed to admit what countless soldiers not just at Fort Carson but across the Army have long suspected: At least in some cases, the Army tries to avoid diagnoses of PTSD. But McNinch did not directly address why the Army discourages these diagnoses, in either the interview with Salon or the tape-recorded encounter with Sgt. X. The answer probably has to do with money. David Rudd, the chairman of Texas Tech's department of psychology and a former Army psychologist, explained that every dollar the Army spends on a soldier's benefits is a dollar lost for bullets, bombs or the soldier's incoming replacement. "Each diagnosis is an acknowledgment that psychiatric casualties are a huge price tag of this war," said Rudd. "It is easiest to dismiss these casualties because you can't see the wounds. If they change the diagnosis they can dismiss you at a substantially decreased rate." A recently retired Army psychiatrist who still works for the government, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said commanders at another Army hospital instructed him to misdiagnose soldiers suffering from war-related PTSD, recommending instead that he diagnose them with other disorders that would reduce their benefits. The psychiatrist said he would be willing to say more publicly about the cases and provide specific names, but only if President Obama would protect him from retaliation. Salon has dubbed the soldier in this article Sgt. X because he asked not to be identified for fear that it might affect the medical evaluation process meant to gauge his level of disability. He was highly reluctant to speak, but agreed to do so after learning Salon obtained the recording and other information about it from a medical worker at Fort Carson and a congressional aide. The sergeant spoke with Salon in the presence of his Hogan & Hartson attorneys who are helping him to secure a proper disability discharge from the Army for PTSD and a brain injury, diagnoses now affirmed by independent doctors. Sgt. X never planned to go to the media -- he says, if asked, he will not talk further about the recording with news organizations. Sgt. X probably received his traumatic brain injury when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle buckled in an explosion during his second deployment to Iraq in 2005-06. It was the worst of a handful of nearby blasts he'd survived, and it knocked him unconscious for 30 seconds. When Sgt. X regained consciousness, he saw that the toes of another soldier had been sheared off. The tank hull had buckled and the inside had filled with smoke. Some of his fellow soldiers were soaked in blood.. Even after that, as a point of pride, the crew insisted on accompanying their disabled tank back to their headquarters. Besides causing his brain injury, the blast had exacerbated an injury to Sgt. X's hip, but he faced the problem with little complaint. He numbed the pain with Motrin. "You don't report problems," he said. "It's a stigma." When Sgt. X returned from the war to Colorado Springs, though, he had a problem with anger. After he terrified his young son by screaming at him, Sgt. X's wife suggested he seek help. Nearly breaking into tears while recounting the screaming bout to Salon, Sgt. X said he agreed to his wife's request and sought mental care for the first time in his 16-year military career. Sgt. X, like so many others on the post, went to the fourth floor of Evans hospital in search of mental-health assistance. There is some evidence that Sgt. X's experience with McNinch represents part of a broader scandal, as suggested by the former Army psychiatrist who told Salon about identical problems at another post. Last year, VoteVets.org and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) released an e-mail from Norma Perez, a psychologist in Texas, to staff at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility there. In addition to the Army, that department also provides veterans with benefits. "Given that we are having more and more compensation seeking veterans, I'd like to suggest that you refrain from giving a diagnosis of PTSD straight out," Perez wrote in the e-mail dated March 20, 2008. She suggested the staff "consider a diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder." As opposed to those with PTSD, veterans with adjustment disorder, a temporary condition, typically do not receive disability payments from the government. Then-Illinois Sen. Barack Obama fired a letter off to the V.A. about that previous controversy, calling the e-mail "outrageous," demanding an investigation. The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee last June held a hearing on that e-mail. Perez claimed she sent that e-mail "to stress the importance of an accurate diagnosis." End of story. VoteVets.org and CREW, the two groups who unearthed the V.A. e-mail, reacted viscerally to this new tape obtained by Salon. "This is further evidence our troops are not receiving the mental health treatment they need and deserve," said Melanie Sloan, CREW executive director. "The president and congressional leaders must hold those responsible accountable and make sure the message is sent far and wide that our returning troops are to be diagnosed as their symptoms, not the military's finances, dictate." "We've heard all kinds of stories from vets who had trouble getting PTSD diagnoses," said VoteVets.org Chairman John Soltz. "It's crucial that we have department-wide investigations at the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to determine if this came from someone high up, and how many troops and veterans were jilted out of a proper diagnosis from the government." Many publications, including Salon, and even some government agencies have documented other instances of reluctance to recognize mental wounds caused by war at bases across the country. * A recent weeklong series in Salon showed how apparent resistance to identifying combat stress ends up grinding down the lowest-ranking troops, sometimes with deadly results. Those articles included, for example, the story of Pvt. Adam Lieberman, who suffered with severe symptoms of PTSD. For two years, the Army blamed his problems on a personality disorder, anxiety disorder or alcohol abuse but resisted diagnosing him with PTSD until after his suicide attempt last October. * The Government Accountability Office, Congress' investigative arm, last October questioned why 2,800 war veterans were labeled with personality disorder diagnoses, another cheap label the Army has been accused of plastering on soldiers instead of PTSD. * In November 2005 the Department of Veterans Affairs halted a review of 72,000 veterans who receive monthly disability payments for mental trauma from war. The department wanted to make sure the veterans were not faking their symptoms. Salon first exposed the review that August. Then Daniel L. Cooper, the V.A.'s undersecretary for benefits, told Salon at the time that, "We have a responsibility to preserve the integrity of the rating system and to ensure that hard-earned taxpayer dollars are going to those who deserve and have earned them." The department stopped the process a month after a Vietnam veteran in New Mexico, agitated over the review, shot himself to death in protest. . * In early 2005, Salon exposed a pattern of medical officials searching to pin soldiers' problems on childhood trauma instead of combat stress at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Salon will explore Thursday how the Army was made aware of Sgt. X's tape, how the Senate Armed Services Committee declined to conduct an investigation, and how the Army absolved itself of any blame for wrongdoing. A unit of the Army's Medical Command (which oversees Fort Carson's Department of Behavioral Health) conducted an "informal" investigation last summer that found potential "systemic" problems that could influence diagnoses, but determined that no one in the Army's Medical Command was to blame. In a report dated July 28, it specifically found that no Fort Carson or Medical Command staff "attempted to coerce or otherwise influence" diagnoses. This directly contradicts McNinch's statements on the tape and in his interview with Salon. If you are aware of a soldier who has served or is serving in the Iraq or Afghanistan conflicts and is having trouble getting a PTSD diagnosis or proper benefits, please contact Mark Benjamin at mbenjamin (at) salon (dot) com. -- By Michael de Yoanna and Mark Benjamin Hide more

Respond Ret./Disabled Sgt. G. Page: The White House website states that the Stop-Loss policy will be completely abandoned. But just today it was announced by the Pentagon that by 2011 the military will still have troops held indefinitely by Stop-Loss but just not as many as there was before. I was told to vote for "CHANGE" and all I got was a bunch of B.S.

Respond Private: Im station in fort campbell,i just got to this unit 5 months ago.when i was assigned to my brigade 2 weeks later,i come to find out the Brigade im assigned to was already deployed.i was happy/dissappointed i wasnt able to be sent overseas.The unit is deploying again later on next year,Meaning im going to be in afghanistan for a 8 months and my stop-loss begins.That doesnt bother me.Coming back and... Read more

Respond Alan Cornwell: This movie made me cry, especially the ending. To me this is a very powerful film. It takes someone who may or may not know what the stop loss policy is and shows the viewer first hand how it effects our best who have served honorably. God bless those protecting our rights and freedom and I pray you all come home safe to your loved ones.

Respond victoria: I saw this movie the day it came out not knowing what to expect, but I loved it. I never knew very much about the Stop-Loss program, but now that I do, I am astonished that our country would do such a thing. I currently write to four soldiers serving in the Iraq war. One has recently returned to the states because he has finished his term there. I can't express to you the relief I felt when I fou... Read more

Respond Viet Nam War Protestor: Stop loss should be in the top ten list for 2008 based on substance, courage and relevance. The indifferent public and critical response to films examining the illegal and immoral actions of the governing elite in Iraq is disheartening to say the least. Nevertheless, duty to a higher calling is the heroic throughline of this great story and Kimberly Peirce and company bestow a high honor by givin... Read more

Respond JLH: My question is this... I am a former soldier, I am just curious as to why we are sending so many back over again and again just chancing death and horror one last time, when we have former soldiers that would like to get back in but the military won't take them even though they are physically able to do the job? Instead of back door drafting the people couragous enough to do the job, Figure out so... Read more

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Re: break christmas girl party

Ret.Sgt. George Page - Disabled : On behalf of every stop lossed soldier, I think the political timing is right for Paramount to send out a gift copy of the DVD to Bush, Obama, every member of Congress and every Governor. Also, include a cover letter that mentions this website and/or reprints this well written post by this Alaskan soldier. Let's get these damned wars over with. I'm so sick of daily hearing the casualty count ri... Read more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

break christmas girl party: Fantastic site guys, good workI Think You SHould See This

Respond anon: I never knew about stop loss until I saw the movie, but the whole idea of it is crap! If the military doesn't have enough soldiers to finish the war, then don't start one to begin with. It's that simple!

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Re: Patrick Gaebelein

Rob Erlick: I am also prior service (greater than 10 years) US Army. I can say more than my colleague above on the stop loss, as I was also affected by it. Before all the rhetoric gets tossed around, it's important to know the details. Yes, there have been stop losses in the past. They are usually defined by MOS. I was months from ETS (separation) when I was stop-lossed in 2002. My new separation date b... Read more

Respond anon: I never new about Stop-loss. Probably never would have if I hadn't seen the movie, It brings sadness to my heart to know they are doing the troops that way,America is about freedom and choices ,They didnt choose to be Stop-lossed. Where's the freedom in that.

Respond Fred: I just saw the movie. My response is less a review of the film, more something about the meaning. I think art has always been the medium of our deep human-hood. Film is the apex of art. Your movie depicts feelings and concepts that are ambiguous, or rather, rich. Always not quite expected— personalities, events, politics,— but always deeply knowable. True. That’s good art. Great art. You... Read more

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Re: rick

anon: is there a book about the movie???

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Re: DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE

anonymous wife: I just watched the movie, and I am so emotional right now. My husband is a Navy veteran, and while he never saw combat, we did experience something that was touched on in the movie. The alcoholism/addiction/mental anguish of all military members is downplayed by the military as a whole. The BCD of Tommy in the movie and his subsiquent suicide, hits very close to home. When sailors and soldiers... Read more

Respond View Conversation DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE:

Respond TS: Before the movie came out, I wrote a post here venting my anger and frustration with army bureacracy, PC, and the incompetence of our civilian leadership. I had gotten out of the army after 13 years and served during OIF 1. I'd been out for three years. I was happy to see a movie highlighting how good soldiers pay for the incompetence of greedy, power-hungry knuckleheads. Little did I know back... Read more then, that I'd be shortly forced back into the army out of the IRR for another tour in Iraq. I'm only 8 days away to my report date and finally saw the movie. I think it speaks for a lot of soldiers who CAN think for themselves. Since I returned from Iraq, my wife has given me two beautiful daughters. I left the army knowing my family was far more important than one man's sick ego. I didn't care if I lost out on a retirement for no amount of money was worth leaving my family for some lie of a war that couldn't even be carried out in a competent manner. I spent two hard years starting up a business that finally began to see success. My wife and I struggled through much difficulty in order save our marriage. All that hard work to move on with my life and now, here I am again. I might as well be a draftee, except that I actually served for 13 years including a tour in Iraq. My girls are 2 and 3. I was a stay home dad after I got out and raised these girls. They are everything to me. I am so broken hearted that I will miss out in some critical years of their lives. They are the age that I was abandonned by my birth family and I swore I wouldn't ever do that to my kids. I am utterly torn that I will now be gone for the next 13 months, in spite of the fact that I chose to move on with my life. I know this is a direct result of some gutless, spineless men who couldn't admit they were wrong. After three years of being bitter, I can't stay like that. I'm accepting my fate and trusting God that all will work out. I am not afraid to die. I've long accepted my mortality. I would be sad if my daughters grew up without their father. That's what pains me most. While life isn't fair and you have to deal with it, I sure do appreciate when gross negligence is pointed out. Here I am, out of the army for 3.5 years and I'm about to do a second tour when I know of some who have yet to fulfill even one complete tour. All this, while others are on 3rd, 4th and even 5th tours and it disgusts me. But I don't blame the soldiers. They are doing what they must to save their own little worlds. I blame the administration. It's funny how it's all about being in charge and responsible for everything when it comes time to fry a little boss, but no one wants to accept responsibility when the commander in chief is a complete screw up. I'm not looking for sympathy. I merely want a way to speak freely without the burden of that life-sucking communist lying tool known as political correctness. Hide more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

sierra: wats the song called at the beginning that the soldiers sing

Respond Ret. Sgt. George Page: Please don't be fooled. The abuse of the original intent of the Stop-Loss policy means the military must throw more money at the problem. Best GI Bill ever and now even the down payment on a house, should make many fall for enlisting. However, after doing countless Stop-Loss combat tours will you survive long enough to ever get to use any benefits? See www.airbornepress.com for a reality check... Read more

Respond Dominique: This was such an awesome movie. It really gets you thinking and realizing what's going on in Irag and in the lives of the soldiers and their families back home. It's a really touching movie and I think it's one everyone should see. I really liked that fact that is was based on what so many soldiers have gone through (being stop-lossed). I'm not Americain however I still think the movie shows some ... Read more

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Re: Sarah

Ret. Sgt. George Page: Hi Sarah, You couldn't have said it any better. What the hell are we doing to our troops ? This is the worse tragedy in the history of our world. See what's posted today on a Ret. Col. and Chaplain's website at: www.airbornepress.com

Respond View Conversation Sarah: I never understood what really went on, but why would I? I am a senior in high school. But when I was handed the movie by someone who had looked into the Iraq situation and its soldiers much more closely than I had, she just said "watch it, maybe this will spark your attention." All i saw was channing tatum and ryan phillippe. But after watching this, it makes me so moved by what they are doing a... Read more

Respond Adriana: The boys broke my heart. It was so difficult to see their reality, even if it was a glimpse of what they go through. There was something incredibly sincere about the way the subject matter was approached and in the end, you realize that they have to go back. There is no other choice. It is a hard but important movie and I am grateful that it was made. I'm anti-war in general, especially this ... Read more

Respond Nancy: I was touched by this movie and am amazed that these loyal and courageous soldiers are treated so unfairly. The actors in this movie were unbelievable especially Bryan. I pray for our men EVERY NIGHT that they will be treated justly. God bless them for their bravery and loyalty!

Respond Chris Romero: Damn! Had I realized what this movie was before it hit video I would have paid the theater price. Disturbing and powerful. Two overused words that fit this film nicely. Did you every get that disgusting feeling of vomit in the back of your throat because you were angry at the events? Did you ever get just a little fearful of, and yet root for the main character of the film. Did you ever ... Read more

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Re: anon

anon: My prayers are with you, and I just want to say Thank You for all your hard work...its men like who are true American heroes & it saddens me that this is how you are rewarded. May angels watch over you!!

Respond Oliver: The movie's great. Different than I thought and I waited a long time for it to come out. But it's growing on me and I'll pick up the DVD on the 8th when it comes out. But the so called war... I was on board at first despite the heavy critisism around campus and on CNN et.al., mostly because my friends with eyes-on could still belive in what they were doing, said, "Of course it's hell, it's war". A... Read more

Respond Ret. Sgt. George Page: Just purchased 2 DVD's as gifts for others. Also, hear it from a real Stop-Lossed trooper at: http://ivaw.org/membersspeak/you-ll-be-fine

Respond Bob: I just viewed the movie in the DVD format. Thank you, Kimberly for having the integrity to present a film that addresses a rather volatile issue. I would like to address the Stop Loss policy and movie from a Retired OEF Reservist's point of view. At the start of the Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Noble Eagle, the Stop Loss policy was necessary to ensure that a repeat of u... Read more

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Re: Tractorman

anon: I completely agree with Tractorman. I have been stop lossed for 8 months now, and I am serving with a number of people who have been stop lossed for over a year. We are constantly told to re-enlist to get compensated. In my unit, those of us that are stop lossed are looked upon by our Chain of Command and especially our NCO Support Channel, as if we somehow owe the unit something. Excuse me fo... Read more

Respond tim ashby: k. peirce: you're just simply a fine filmmaker, all there is to it. so know my "analysis" comes from a big fan. the stop-loss issue was the perfect vehicle to strip politics out of whether we should be in iraq and enabled viewers of whatever opinion to get into the skin of our troops and most importantly the protagonist. it takes courage to put yourself back on the conveyor belt that drops... Read more

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: Thank you again for seeing the movie + keeping the dialogue going.

Many are asking when the STOP-LOSS DVD comes out.

I am very pleased to say it will be available on TUESDAY, JULY 8.

It has a lot of wonderful special features: commentary, deleted scenes, an extended making-of documentary, and footage of all the main actors – Ryan, Channing, Joe, Victo... Read more

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: You can PURCHASE THE DVD and enter a contest with some great prizes.

For more details go to:

www.kimberlypeirce.com/stoplosscontest

Would love to hear what you think of the DVD.

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: In the next 2 weeks, I will be talking about the STOP-LOSS issue, the movie and the DVD on CURRENT TV, MYSPACE IMPACT and CELEBRITY PAGES, LEONARD MALTIN and LAURA FLANDERS TRUE GRIT --

I will be attending a press conference in Washington D.C. for members of Congress on the STOP-LOSS COMPENSATION ACT – being submitted by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Betty Sutton (... Read more

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: AN UPDATE on recent events in the news on the Stop-Loss policy and soldier welfare.

7/2 - Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama ties ending Stop-Loss into his plan to strengthen our military;

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/07/02/obama_to_highlight_service_and.html

(McCain has historically called STOP-LOSS a “back door draft.”)

6/... Read more

Respond brooke: When does this movie come out on DVD? i have not seen it yet and i cannot wait...it looks so great!

Respond anon: I can't wait for the DVD to come out. I bet there are amazing special features. Kim Peirce, I am a huge huge fan. You did a fantastic job with Stop-Loss and I can't wait to see what you come out with next. I also can't wait for your first Oscar win as best director.

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Re: ROBERT

DME: Al-Qaeda & Osama bin Laden aren't fascists so you can't know the definition of fascism. The greatest fascist threat in over 60 years is the current administration and its dictator.

Respond anon: I just saw this movie in Sydney Australia. It is a comfort to know the US troops have such talented and committed ambassadors championing their cause. My sincere congratulations Kimberly and crew - well done!

Respond Ret. Sgt. George Page: Please note my "Stop-Loss" movie review link change to: www.airbornepress.com/052908movieindex.html The Movie Review website is approaching 90,000 hits and counting.

Respond Ret. Sgt. George Page: My Special Contributor "Stop-Loss" Movie Review was just posted on the all run by Paratroopers website at: www.airbornepress.com Great movie Kimberly !!!

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: As I’ve been doing press and publicity on the movie for domestic release and now for International and DVD, I’ve noticed an amazing change in the way the country is talking about issues of soldier welfare and STOP LOSS.

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: When we started making STOP LOSS the movie in 2004, about 50,000 soldiers had been Stop-Lossed and YET the issue of Stop-Loss was relatively unknown amongst soldiers in service and almost completely unknown amongst civilians outside of the military;

During our research and the making of the movie, the number of Stop-Lossed soldiers swelled to 70,000. Then due to the "surge," that numb... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: 4/21 -- NATIONAL PRESS CLUB

I, along with two highly decorated Stop-Lossed combat vets, Channan Suarezdiaz, President Seattle Chapter of IAVW, Navy Commendation of Valor for saving lives of 2 soldiers and Purple Heart for becoming 90% disabled from RPG hit, and "S." Combat Captain of Arms, Stop Lossed in 2004, let out, IRR'ed currently being forced back to Iraq, and Suzanne Miller, f... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: 4/23 -- Stop-Loss policy + welfare of soldiers was on the front pages of:

NEWSWEEK, USA TODAY, CBS, HUFFINGTON POST, DEMOCRACY NOW, NBC, WASHINGTON POST, NPR, STARS AND STRIPES etc. http://www.blog.newsweek.com/blogs/soldiershome/archive/2008/04/22/the-stop-loss-continues.aspx http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/04/fallout-from-5.html http://news.aol.com/political-machine/2008/04/22/... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: 4/25 – JOE SCARBOROUGH SHOW.

I was on the JOE SCARBOROUGH show speaking of soldier welfare and Stop-Loss policy.

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: 5/18 -- NBC NIGHTLY NEWS AT THE PENTAGON

airs a special on STOP LOSS the movie and STOP LOSSed soldiers and the welfare of soldiers in general.

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: RECENTLY: Colby Buzzel, who wrote MY WAR is STOP LOSSED after being out for 3 YEARS

From: Paul Rieckhoff Conversation: Colby Buzzell (author of My War) to be deployed to Iraq

Subject: Colby Buzzell (author of My War) to be deployed to Iraq

PAUL REIKOFF head of IAVA -- "I have no words to express how angry this makes me. See below. Colby is one of t... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: 5/20 - NYTIMES: BOB HERBERT OP ED CALLS STOP LOSS POLICY "RUSSIAN ROULETTE"

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/20/opinion/20herbert.html? The country that professes to be so proud of its men and women in uniform is playing Russian roulette with their lives by sending them into the war zone for three, four and even more tours. Stop-loss, the involuntary extension of an individual's term in ... Read more

Respond Lisa: My daughter and I went to see this movie the night it opened in our town. I cried through the whole first 30 minutes of the movie, because it gave me a look at the life my son has lived for the past 8 months (deployed,Sept.1...Iraq)I immediately came home to do an internet search of the person who wrote this story... it was so real, as if the person had been there themselves or been a close relati... Read more

Respond Natan: saw the film recently, really enjoyed it, have to say the opening scene is one of the most memorable action war scenes i've ever seen. it puts you right on the edge of your seat for the rest of the film. some great performances throughout, exceptional camera work, vfx and make up is fantastic. i really enjoyed the small town feel, in this way it reminded of boys don't cry... you really have a t... Read more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Falyn: I haven't got to see your movie yet I am an Army wife and I was wondering when it will be coming out on video because thats really the only way i get to see it.

Respond Natalie: Anyone that liked stop loss should check out this ryan phillippe site www.buzz-star.com/rphillippe www.buzz-star.com/rphillippe www.buzz-star.com/rphillippe www.buzz-star.com/rphillippe www.buzz-star.com/rphillippe www.buzz-star.com/rphillippe

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Re: Laura DeRuyter

Rdenne: Dear Paul, Thank you for your efforts on all fronts. I read you on ‘Huffy’s Post’ Is it too much to ask our government to help our combat veterans? On December 20, 2004 the Department of Veterans Affairs, diagnosed me as having PTSD. Actually I was diagnosed in April of 2001 however it took the VA another few years to put it in writing. Hurry and wait right? We know the drill. The thing is,... Read more

Respond tom mccollister: i also can"t wait for the dvd. it is disgusting to see the gross that Iron Man made vs.stoploss.nobody in this country will face the realty of iraq.its sponge bob,wwe raw,amer.idol,dancing with stars etc.great movie and great truth will show dvd to my friends thanks.

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Re: Ellsworth

gagsKayargo: Hello. I am DruMotana I am like this forum. Excuse me me for my emotions!

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Cindy King: My son is back in. He survived Baghdad and returned to civilian life. Now I can't find him. Sgt Jeff King US Army. Your mother misses you.

Respond anon: Can't wait for the DVD. In 1990, I spearheaded stop-loss for the Marines. Anyone ask me? Nope? You might be surprised to know what I think.

Respond Danielle Weiss: Absolutely loved this movie. I have seen first hand what can happen to soldiers when they come home from war. My father is a Vietnam War Veteran and he still wakes up in the middle of the night screaming as if he were in the middle of the war. It is a shame what the government is doing to the men and women that are fighting this war. They have a good point that the president has declared that the ... Read more

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Re: RememberOurFathers

R Denne: Read another book or two pal. The C.I.A. did not suport WMD data.

Respond Joshua King (Little Rock, AR): ok can someone please message me and tell me if they know why some theatres have stopped showing this movie! I have seen it and it is awesome but when I went to take my sister to is it ws no longer showing. send me a message anyone

Respond View Conversation

Re: R.Denne

Laura DeRuyter: Is this true? About R Denne???

Respond BOSTON HERALD : Jaine L. Darwin and Kenneth Reich are co-chairs and co-founders of Strategic Outreach to Families of Reservists.

Inner war knows no truce

The movie “Stop Loss’s... unerring look at the invisible casualties of war - the men, women and their loved ones who suffer emotional trauma long after the war is over - was long overdue.

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/opini... Read more

Respond Lindsay Gushulak (N. Michigan): I just wanted to say that this movie is so accurate. It truly portrays what the soldiers of the Infantry go through everyday. My husband is 11 months into his 2nd tour to Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division and this movie really hit home. He is only there now because he was stop-lossed the same month he was supposed to be out of the Army. Not only were the scenes in Iraq accurate but much of the m... Read more

Respond Robbin: IF they can fight for us, I think it is time we fight for THEM! God Bless our Troops...Thank you for doing this movie!

Respond Glen Talon N.H.Chairman ACWV: My son Jason just came back from Iraq rummor has it his unit will be deployed again in December. My Father served during Korea I myself am a Cold War Veteran if your up for a challange and you wish to have films of impact please see our website at americancoldwarvets.org get to know the small amount of Heros whom are a small part of the 407,000 lost during the cold war era(46years) this EXCLUDES ... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: I am just getting back from an amazing trip to D.C. where we screened STOP LOSS the movie to the NATIONAL PRESS CLUB.

I along with two Iraq Combat Vets

CHANNAN SUAREZDIAZ, Navy Commendation of Valor and a Purple Heart,

"S" who is currently a COMBAT CAPTAIN OF ARMS, was STOPLOSSED and now IRR'ed, and

SUZANNE MILLER, the mother of a currently STOP LOSSed ... Read more

Respond anon: This movie hit me hard: my closest friend was stop-lossed and served three tours in Iraq as a turret machine-gunner. His unit saw the most action and experienced the highest death rate of any unit over there. When he came back he'd panic when he woke because he didn't have his gun. I wept at the end of the movie - so much of it is so gut-wrenchingly personal to me. But in a way the movie was catha... Read more

Respond LISA: I absolutely agree with this movie and with the soldier. I think it is ridiculous and if people are gonna complain that they are being irreasonable then why dont you sign up for war? I think Bush is an idiot for even putting the troops in this compromise. I think no one honestly realizes how horrible it really is when fighting out there. My best wishes to all the troops!

Respond KF: Possible reason people are avoiding the film--residual of the propaganda spread for so long. Check out info about the story the NYT broke yesterday: ...top [White House] officials recruited dozens of "military analysts" to spread favorable views of the war via every major news channel -- without revealing they were working from Pentagon scripts and often lobbying for major military contractors. Th... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: Tueday, April 22, 2008

YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

CHECKOUT TODAY’S NEWS -- STOP LOSS POLICY is on the covers of many major publications -- USA TODAY, CBS, HUFFINGTON POST, DEMOCRACY NOW, NBC etc.

USA TODAY More Forced to Stay in Army http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2008-04-21-stop-loss_N.htm

CBS NEWS Army Won't End Stop-Loss Practice In 2008... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: TO THE PERSON ASKING FOR THE LINK TO THE OBAMA SITE AND PETITION TO GATES

LINK TO OBAMA PETITION IS --

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/organizing/4rrkw

Other suggestion: write to each SENATOR - regardless of your party affiliation.

MCCAIN, CLINTON and OBAMA.

They have ALL expressed their concerns that STOP LOSS is not good for th... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: TO THE PERSON ASKING FOR INFO ON THE DESIGN FIRM and PUBLICITY FIRM -

Studios hire trailer companies to cut competing trailers; a publicity firm represents the movie and the talent involved.

If you send me your email (to this site, put "CONFIDENTIAL FOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE") I will send you contact information for this or have them contact you. I don’t feel comfortable publishi... Read more

Respond CrQ: Hi, does anyone know what advertising agency worked on advertising campaign for Stop-Loss. I am particularly interested in knowing about what agency, or agencies, worked on the trailer and poster design. Thanks.

Respond View Conversation

Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

anon: Kimberly, I'll google then. I was referring to the Obama site, which only had links to signing up for an event to go to the film as a group early in April. Nothing to a petition. Thanks for the response.

Respond Heather: My boyfriend works for DOD and is in Iraq..this movie brought everything home...right down to digging a hole in the ground!!! Maybe this will open some eyes and get them the support and help they need when they come home!! Thankyou for a great movie!!!!

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: "anon -- I tried going to the web-site you referenced and there wasn't anything about action to prevent the stop-loss policy." Which site were you referring to? Obama's site has a petition to Gates. Many of the Vet associations have them as well. Just let me know.

Respond View Conversation

Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

anon: I tried going to the web-site you referenced and there wasn't anything about action to prevent the stop-loss policy.

Respond Adam: It was a great movie loved it very much. Right now I am doing a research paper on it that has to be 10-18 pages long. The thesis will be about ending the stop loss policy and how it affects our nation..the history..and w/e else i can come up with. Thank you for writing this movie because i am greatly interested in this because i am thinking about joining the service and it is good to know how thin... Read more

Respond Brian Puttmann: I believe the movie depicts the situations for many of our troops very acuratly. My son Matthew was supposed to get out of the Army in Dec. of 2007. He was informed that he would be going to Iraq in Nov. of 2007 for a 15 month deployment. He is now close to half way through his stop loss serving in Sadar City Bagdad. One of his best friends was stop lossed from Aug. 2007 and sent with Matthew in N... Read more

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Re: Proud Sister & Friend of A US Ar

George Page: Just prayed for your brother and you for God's protection, peace and love to surround both of you. God Bless.

Respond Disabled Sgt. George Page-Vietna: Everyone meeds to see this movie for the plain truth reality of the failed Suicide Mission of the Stop-Loss policy disaster that is so vividly revealed. Then join with me to start a movement in front of every recruiting office, holding an American flag, with me wearing all my medals and you wear yours too if you have them (if not then I'll show you how to get them free}, and then also carry a pro... Read more

Respond Sabastion: I have to say that this movie very accuratly portrayed how it is for MANY, not all, but MANY soldiers when they return to "society". My father is a vietnam veteran and my older brother is a desert storm vet. I saw this movie with both of them and both cried, and said that it was the most real and intense display of what it was like for them coming back. Adjusting to there families, being "normal",... Read more

Respond anon: The news today said a new Rand Corp. study found that 300,000 soldiers reported at least some symptoms of PTSD and/or depression. The report also said 300,000 also likely have traumatic brain injuries. The Rand Corp. is not some lefty nonprofit, but one of the main think tanks informing US government strategy. "The researchers said 18.5 percent of current and former service members contacted ... Read more

Respond KF: All the links here to take action are great. I just wanted to add that there's legislation currently pending to create a "GI Bill for the 21st Century" to truly guarantee cost-free education to all who served. Here's a link to an Op-Ed in the April 10th LA Times about it. We should all send messages urging support to our senators and representatives. This is something concrete to show real app... Read more

Respond Lorena Patterson: Well first I really thought this was a great movie. I love to watch military movies. I own many! The acting in this movie was great and touched a little too close to home. I'm not sure if the actors ever read these messages, but it was an amazing movie and I truly enjoyed it. You guys are wonderful actors and have matured a lot in your movies. Yes I have seen a variety. Very interesting role chang... Read more

Respond anon: the end of the movie gives the numbers of how many soldiers have been stop lossed since the movie does anyone know those numbers or where i can find them?

Respond Greg Fleming (Pittsburg, PA): : From a three time OEF and OIF solider who has been stop lossed this movie is so dead on. Relates realisticly to the reintergration from the combat zone. I plan on using this movie as a training aide. Hooah!

Respond View Conversation

Re: "Thumper 6"

anon: Im so sorry for you and all the fine young men and women who have served our country and been crapped on by our government. God bless you and may you find peace and have a special place in heaven. Thank You.

Respond View Conversation

Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

anon: This movie made me realize just how much I hate Bush and his cronies who support this war.Let his precious daughters be the first to volunteer to go fight his war. I think we should take all the death row prisoners and lifers and give them a 6 week boot camp training and send them over to fight this stupid war instead of sitting in prison doing nothing. I do not want to see any more of our wonderf... Read more

Respond JESSIE G: This moving was very touching to me. My boyfriend is currently serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. It really gave me some good insight into why soldiers act the way they do upon their return back home. The movie made everything very realistic.. To all our US Soldiers, Thank You!!

Respond View Conversation

Re: anon

RememberOurFathers: First of all, foreign intelligience services came to us with the information, the information that corraborated with our information was indeed likely used when the appeal was made to the UN, which was not in disagreement about Iraq breaking resolutions, but was in disagreement in how to handle Iraq. So given what you have said, explain how Bush "lied" again?

Respond View Conversation

Re: RememberOurFathers

anon: Yes, but you have to realize that all these intel services are quoting each others' opinions. The consensus view was likely based on a very small amount of separately sourced evidence. Most of them were probably convinced because we were convinced. We were most likely swayed most by what Mossad thought, since they have better sources. Mossad had reason to err on the side of paranoia as they wer... Read more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce 3 of 4

anon: Kimberly, this film is so powerful I've been drawn back five times. I feel a bit strange to go back after a second viewing--like it's some kind of disrespect to the real soldiers to be captivated by the drama enough to want to see it again. But the characters you created and the cast brought to life are so engaging, I've wanted to see it and view it on multiple levels, beyond the first blossomin... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: I am collecting stories for a book possible doc. on the experiences of STOP LOSSed soldiers and their families.

If you want to share a story please tell me the story and provide me an email address to contact you.

If you want your email kept private, just say that in the email and we won't publish it here.

If you want to contact me privately, I will be setting u... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: Thank you for seeing STOP LOSS in theaters, for spreading the word + for writing your passionate comments.

Please keep it up.

Many have asked what you can do to help.

Its been a fascinating week.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES SEN. McCAIN, CLINTON and OBAMA and many admirals + generals AGREE MULTIPLE TOURS and STOP-LOSS are not working

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: SUN 4/6 GEN. PATRAEUS + PENTAGON OFFICIALS say REDEPLOYMENTS (enabled by STOP-LOSS) are dangerous for soldiers http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/washington/06military.html

McCAIN HAS CALLED STOP LOSS A "BACKDOOR DRAFT" NUMEROUS TIMES

http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,FL_loss_092704,00.html

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: WED. 4/9 SENATOR CLINTON PROPOSES "END TO STOP LOSS POLICY"

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2008/04/09/clinton_proposes_end_to_stop-loss_policy/1244/

Endorsed by 39 admirals + generals (including Rear Adm. David Stone, Brig. Gen. Michael Dunn + Brig. Gen. John Watkins Jr.) CLINTON says over 70,000 troops have been STOPLOSSed. "We must end STOP LOSS now." (KATIE COURIC ... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: THURS. 4/10 ON PBS NEWSHOUR PRESIDENT OF "VETERANS FOR AMERICA," BOBBY MULLER and TOP GENERALS SAY “END STOP LOSS.”

Muller points out that many high-ranking military officials – Gen. Casey, Gen. Cody, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Mullen, have warned that the administration's policies are overstretching the armed forces: "they're on record. This is not sustainable."

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: FRI 4/11 OBAMA SAYS MILITARY OVERSTRETCHED BY MULTIPLE DEPLOYMENTS

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/11/washington/11prexy.html FRI. 4/11 – OBAMA’s site says "SUPPORT OUR TROOPS - END STOP LOSS."

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/meeting/4rr33

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: SAT. 4/12 - OBAMA’s site says “Support Our Troops - SIGN THE STOP-LOSS PETITION – tell Defense Secretary Robert Gates END STOP LOSS, BACKDOOR DRAFT

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/organizing/4rrkw

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: SUN. 4/13 COLIN POWELL + GENERAL RICHARD CODY, Army’s vice chief of staff, say current troop levels in Iraq + Afghanistan are unsustainable and are damaging America’s readiness to meet other security threats.

STOP LOSS and the welfare of our fellow citizens who have risked their lives for us + their families is coming to the forefront.

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: To help, you can:

Check out the sites to the LEFT -- NEXT STEPS -- where we suggest how to help troops.

Write to each Senator www.johnmccain.com, www.Hillaryclinton.com, http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/organizing/4rrkw

Please keep seeing STOP LOSS in theaters, spreading the word about the movie and telling us what you think.

Respond TA: I just posted a discussion I had with Kimberly concerning an analysis of efforts to spread the word about the movie using Facebook. See: http://www.tomhcanderson.com/2008/04/14/stop-loss-director-kimberly-peirce-and-tom-h-c-anderson-discuss-the-movie-and-online-youth-marketing/

Respond GREG: Apr 10 2008 6:26 PM From a three time OEF and OIF solider who has been stop lossed this movie is so dead on. Relates realisticly to the reintergration from the combat zone. I plan on using this movie as a training aide. Hooah!

Respond Mark: My 19 year old son and I saw this film, today. I have never been "pro" war. This movie reminded me that this is the same US government who waged war in Vietnam and never apologized for an illegal and immoral war then. So, what this "back door" draft they're calling stop-loss is will never be acknowleded as "wrong" by this government. As long as the politicians don't have to go fight or lose the... Read more

Respond Stacy Addison: This real is very real to me, my husband is in Iraqw right now and has only 9 months left on his contract when he comes home, a stop loss is a real possiability to us I hope not, I don't think I could do another 15 months with out him.

Respond anon: This movie was so good and hit home seemed like I knew each and everyone of the persons in the movie because my family and friends have been where there

Respond View Conversation

Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

anon: Thank you for sharing your story. I respect you for taking a stand, and wish you luck. I was very moved by the film and hope it will help your effort. Please encourage those running this site to publicize any direct actions, at the very least petitions, that are being organized on your behalf. -A grateful American

Respond MCAIN and STOPLOSS: SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN CONDEMNS STOP LOSS POLICY AS A BACK DOOR DRAFT

“Stop Loss" Continues Chicago Tribune September 27, 2004

LOS ANGELES - Luis Prosper has spent more than half his life in the Army and was looking forward the prospect of a new life starting at middle age.

But that all changed when the Defense Department issued a "stop loss" order forcing some... Read more

Respond Hadiza: Dear Ms. Pierce and everyone involved in making this film: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. From the moment I first read about Stop Loss, I knew I needed to see it, because of its director and, more urgently, because of the subject. I've been waiting for someone to bring me closer to the troops who are sacrificing for my country, but too typically self-involved to go there on my own. I can't imagi... Read more

Respond southern girl megan: I loved EVERY minute of this movie. My boyfriends deployed (through the Marines) but I could still relate an enormous amount! My emotions were so up and down and at one point in the movie I was so pissed off! In the end it all tied together better than I could have imagined!

Respond View Conversation Proud Sister & Friend of A US Ar: any one reading this please pray for my brother he was deployed too iraq on monday hes doing a 15 mouth tour please pray for him

Respond marissa: omg..i went and saw stop loss the weekend it cam out and it is like my new favorite movie..haha i went and saw it agin and let me tell you steve brandon and tommy (in the movie) were all looking fine as ever! lol..but its just th ebest movie and i think everyone should see it

Respond Fromo: WOW this movie was absolutly amazing!!! i give some much credit to all of our troops! i dont know how they do it! oh course i cried through the whole movie, it was so real it gave me chills. I think us being in the war still today makes this movie even more real! i myself am a firefighter & emt and ive seen alot of stuff but nothing that even comes close to what the men & women are seeing and deal... Read more

Respond Manda: I read many reviews before going to see this movie. Of course, i would of saw it anyway because of the great cast! But when you actually see this movie, its not just about the cast anymore, it completely steals every emotion you have inside and twists them all around, leaving you stunned. This movie was amazing and i cant think of any other word to describe it. There were so many negative and po... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: anon

RememberOurFathers: My friend, no one can enlist their children into the military, and there are many of our Nation's "upper classes" who are in the military, just ask John McCain's son. President Bush and Dick Cheney did not lie, it was not just the CIA that believed Saddam Hussein had "WMD's" or the capability of producing "WMD's", it was MI6, the Mossad, the Russian Federal Intelligence Agency, the Czech's Intelli... Read more

Respond VV: I’m a combat veteran and if this movie has moved you, please volunteer and help vets at a VA hospital and if you can’t do that, please vote.

The politics in this movie inspires… it doesn't preach..it’s a story moves you. As a soldier I can tell you that it's accurate and honest.

Respond Christopher Benckendorf: Thank you for making such a great movie that truly tells the story of our vets. I am a Marine Corps vet of the Iraq war, and it was so amazing to me that someone actually got the feelings and emotions of what it is like to return from war down so well. I think that this was the most emotional film I will ever see because in some ways it was like looking in a mirror. I am so glad that someone to... Read more

Respond kellie schmitz: ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS MOVIE, MY SON IS A CORPROL IN HTE MARINES THIS REALLY HIT ME HARD MADE ME REALIZE WHAT MY SON IS GOING THROUGH , I CRIED, I NEVER KNEW ABOUT THIS STOP-LOSS LAW, i AM VERY INSPIRED AND i WILL HAVE A VOICE i HOPE PEOPLE WILL HEAR, THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME A VOICE, GOD BLESS YOU, AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS MOVIE VERY HEARTFELT THANK YOU I CNAT SAY IT... Read more

Respond Fred: Dear Ms Peirce, Congrats on getting a "A" review from a New York critic (New Yorker)! I know Oliver Stone has complained on the "back of the hand" dismissal by New York on certain west coast productions. Thanks for slipping into the public's mind the mental burdens on the returning combat vet! YOurs is a microview of this lamentably forgotten lesson of the effect of war. We have forgotten how ... Read more

Respond b: WE LOVED THE MOVIE!!!!!!! Really, very powerful....not dressed up war.....not anti or pro....just REAL...go home with your own message....but go home with something to think about........very very powerful. We went with our neighbors who now are your best advertising agents. We are getting everyone in our community to go see it. There is a mothers book club who is going to see it and all the nur... Read more

Respond doctors teaching "stop-loss": A therapist, Larry, who wrote a book "the Making and Unmaking of a Marine" and treats vets with ptsd and lectures to other therapists and Doctors told me he was speaking at a Grand Rounds (Docs listening to Docs) at Four Winds Psychiatric Hosp. in Saratoga last week and the big topic was "Stop-Loss". He was a killer....is now a poet. Incredible transformation. One of the things they discussed was ... Read more

Respond Lorraine: I just watched this movie yesterday. Not my wisest decision to walk in while my husband is on his third tour to Iraq. This one is 15 months vs. the 12 months the last two were. I was an emotional mess when I walked out of the theater. I can't remember a movie making me cry so hard. Everyone in this country should see this film. The line SSG King says about his box in his head being full and ... Read more

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: Thank you for seeing Stop-Loss in theaters. I have been touched by your enthusiastic, emotional responses.

Many people are curious about how soldiers are responding to the movie. So I thought I’d take the opportunity to tell you a bit about the process of working with soldiers during the making of the film and their responses to the movie when I screened around the country (on our ... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: Bobby

Director Kimberly Peirce: I wanted to post and address a STOP LOSSed soldier’s comment because it’s so interesting and about something I never imagined was an issue.

This soldier, Bobby says even though he is Stop-Lossed, he hasn’t yet seen our movie STOP-LOSS because the main character SGT. BRANDON KING goes AWOL after being called back.

BOBBY says if he had known what choice SGT. KING make... Read more

Respond q: i'm sorry to say i was one of two people watching this film, i'm sorry to say because all of america needs to see this film. it is time this country face reality, the reality these young men face every day. i'm so sorry you are in the position you are in. i'm older, i never went to war, i never had to, but it is a poor excuse for not doing more to stop this one. i am a film maker like kimberly, i ... Read more

Respond View Conversation Ellsworth: Best film about Iraq yet! A real masterpiece that should be required viewing by all high school students. Incredibly moving and frustrating at the same time because after seeing the film I was filled with rage and anger over this absurd and corrupt war. Bush and his cronies, those criminals responsible for this outrage should also be forced to see this film and ponder the searing affect that th... Read more

Respond View Conversation Bobby: I have commented on this page before because I was so against the fact that you made a movie about someone who choose to go awol after being called back. I must say I think you did yourself a disservice by not putting in the trailer that he returned to do his tour. While I understand this is part of the suprise ending, I belive alot of military like myself who was stop-lossed decided not to see ... Read more

Respond anon: Saw Stop-Loss. I must say that I was really, really impressed. I walked out of the theater quite choked up. The last few minutes really tugged on my heart. My friend looked over at me and said "are you crying" I tried to cover it up and said no! haha.

I had a lot of hopes for this film. After box office war duds like "Lions for Lambs" "The Kingdom" and "In the Valley of Elah" I wa... Read more

Respond anon: Go see my friend Kimberly Peirce’s new film, Stop-Loss. Powerful. Poignant. Infuriating.

Respond Jackson: Stop-Loss - The latest film made about the trials of coming home from war is every bit as gripping and haunting as the Oscar-winning films The Best Years of Our Lives, The Deer Hunter, Coming Home, and Born of the Fourth of July. Stop-Loss also marks a group of Hollywood's finest young actors staking their claim as the future of great American cimena, and writer/director/producer Kimberely Peirce... Read more

Respond anon: NORMAN LEAR says, "like any great film, and Stop-Loss is a great film, it can help the viewer to experience that "feeling"... Stop-Loss did that for me. I feel as never before for the men and women fighting it and for their families."

NORMAN LEAR

Where Is My Troop Train?

Posted April 7, 2008 | 04:24 PM (EST) Read More: Anti-War Films, Norman Lear, Stop-... Read more Loss, War Movies, Breaking Entertainment News

In the last 20-minutes of a flight that brought me home from half way around the world the other day, I read about a movie called Stop-Loss and knew I had to see it as soon as I could. Not because it seemed to be an anti-war film. As related to the current war, I needed no help in that department. Not because I understood it to be grim and I dig grim. I think it was because -- as much as I thought I knew about how so many American families and their G.I. sons and brothers and fathers and distaffs were suffering in this war, I wasn't truly "feeling" it. Oh, I moaned to those who'd listen. And I "felt" it just the way I've felt about distant suffering all my life. You know what I mean -- a famine or natural catastrophe in some distant place on another continent, we're sorry, truly sorry, maybe we hurt for a moment, maybe even write a check in an effort to feel we've done something about it, but then we're just as likely to grab a nosh from the refrigerator on the way to bed and enjoy an untroubled sleep for the full night.

I've been there, done that, to coin a coinage. As I read about Stop-Loss I think the reason I had to see it as quickly as I could and did was the need to "feel" what so many American families at a considerable distance from so many of us are feeling as the war impacts them directly.

So what about Stop-Loss and its effect on me? I'm not fool enough to think any film, however great, gives the person who's seen it the right to think his experience equates to that of a participant in or victim of the action it portrays. But like any great film, and Stop-Loss is a great film, it can help the viewer to experience that "feeling," if only fleetingly. Stop-Loss did that for me. I feel as never before for the men and women fighting it and for their families.

During the Vietnam protest days there was an indelible photograph of a group of students lying on the track in front of a troop train. Where, I wonder, is my troop train? Hide more

Respond Tracy: This was truly a beautiful and extremely moving film. I've encouraged almost everyone I know to go see it. There are so many issues that it deals with, and I give so, so much credit to both the men and women who have been stop-lossed and their families.

Respond Melissa: Amazing movie...was so disheartened by America's preference to see another Vegas movie instead of this honest and well made movie. My husband spent 2 years in Iraq, the 2nd time he was stop lost. The relationships and issues the soldiers face when they come home together are very real and the most realistic I've yet seen in a movie...

Respond Kaitlin: Hopefully since it's an MTV released movie (produced by Paramount) and the actors are extremely good looking, more people of my generation will see this movie. It's a wakeup call that this is happening right now and whether you support the war or not, soldiers deserve our loyalty, support, and admiration for everything they have sacrificed.

I can't speak highly enough of this movie,... Read more

Respond Derek: Kimberley Pierce direction is absolute and pure. Whether it be gender issues or soldiers she keeps the viewer inside the mind of the actors. Boys Don't Cry depicts the mental anguish of identity loss and Stop Loss also reveals the anguish of identity loss through adrenaline rush mixed with heighten states of war create lethal outcomes and also loss of self and identity. I feel sad for the critics ... Read more

Respond Anthony: I finally had the opportunity to see STOP-LOSS over the weekend and was thoroughly impressed with the filmmaking, story telling and performances, beyond that I was outraged to learn exactly what the term “STOP-LOSS” meant and could not believe that our government is allowing this to happen to the young men and woman fighting this war as well as what it is doing to their families and communities. I... Read more

Respond Lola: What a powerful piece of fimmaking. Everyone must see this, everyone. Go. Tell your friends. The emotional truth here needs to be experienced by all out there enjoying the freedom these men are dying for. And for those men to then feel betrayed by the government they put their life on the line to protect??? That's just wrong. I'm so angry, so ashamed, so sad.

Respond sil: I love Stop Loss. I am so proud of you. I think that what you've captured is so serious and so right, it is tender and angry and sexy, an elegy and a raised fist. I can go on. Your research is impeccable and your delivery beautiful. it is everything a soldier goes through when they come back. I felt I was seeing what the boys Ive been talking to have told me.

Respond Helen: I saw "Stop-Loss" yesterday and was BLOWN AWAY!!! My roommate and I cried about four times and the audience clapped at the end. Best movie I've seen in so long so congrats!!

Respond anon: Here is a very interesting and relevant article about loss and military families in Killeen, TX, home to America's largest military base.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7336427.stm

Respond Fae: This movie took me back to a time that I had forgotten. When my husband called me from Iraq and told me he had been in an ambush and then the time he was in the battle of Falljah in 2004, and I couldn't talk to him on Thanksgiving or Christmas. I cried at the opening sceen and was probably the only one in the theatre that had tears in my eyes. I'm so greatful to have him back home. Thank you for t... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Debby: Why is the movie only showing in major cities. I live in rural Arizona and can't find a theater within 100 miles showing this movie.

Respond justin: Kimberly, Brava, I saw your movie—opening weekend no less. Also, I am encouraging all my teen-age employees to see it as soon as possible. There were so many things I liked about the movie, I can’t really coherently summarize them, and anyway you have professional critics singing the movie’s praises to review. If you can just indulge me, I just want to share a few observations of what I though... Read more

Respond anon: It has been reported in the news that a lot of vets are committing violent crimes the most common example is domestic violence which you showed in the movie. I was raped by my friend (more specifically it was my roommate's boyfriend who I was also close with) who is a vet who's behavior was almost a mirror of the characters portrayed in the film. Alcoholism was just really only part of the problem... Read more

Respond View Conversation "Thumper 6": Does this surprise you?....its "Mind over Matter" The Government doesn't mind and the VETERANS dont matter. We never have, and we never will. 80% of the Homeless on the streets of the good ol' U.S.A. are VETERANS. "Support the Troops" My A**! I served my Country for over 15 years, and the only thing I got out of it was more injuries than I can count, NO Medical support and lived homeless and hungr... Read more

Respond anon: Monday, April 7, 2008

6:00pm PST News Hour with Jim Lehrer (KCET) Kimberly Peirce will appear on the show.

7:00pm EST News Hour with Jim Lehrer (WNET) Kimberly Peirce will appear on the ... Read more

Respond SGT Z: As an Army National Guard Solder I am currently getting ready for my second tour to Iraq. As we approach our “stop Loss” date, our Battalion is being swamped with Interstate transfer request (IST's) to other states and any other means by soldiers in getting out of this deployment. Many of my fellow soldiers that I had deployed with during OIF-II can probably relate to many of the feelings the char... Read more

Respond Arijana Johnson: The best movie of the YEAR!!! Thank you so much for showing the rest of people here in US the reality of life of US troops.

Respond Stella: I was incredibly moved by this film when I was able to see it this weekend. I feel like I'm on every liberal political mailing list out there, but have not heard of this problem before. I'm amazed that groups like MoveOn have not picked up the cause yet. It is terrible that our country is treating its volunteers in this way. They served their time. What can we do other than calling out se... Read more

Respond Anthony - Los Angeles: I finally had the opportunity to see STOP-LOSS over the weekend and was thoroughly impressed with the filmmaking, story telling and performances, beyond that I was outraged to learn exactly what the term “STOP-LOSS” meant and could not believe that our government is allowing this to happen to the young men and woman fighting this war as well as what it is doing to their families and communities. I... Read more

Respond Ex soldier/Army Wife/Military: I am responding to the 'Former Soldiers' comment of being stop lossed and seeing people crack. I was in the exact same situation of being pregnant and both my husband and I going back to Iraq. They were sending me back to join my husband who was not even stationed at my base. They were sending my daughter to my family until one of us came home. They had no sympathy, my husband already had serious ... Read more

Respond Former Soldier: I am so glad someone made a movie about this. The American Public needs to see this, and do something about it. My unit was stop loss-ed I saw my friends in my platoon crack the previous tour was my first but not theirs. I was stop-lossed and got pregnant they sent my husband to Iraq for a thrid tour and said I would be joining him after my daughter was born, and my father would care for her unti.... Read more

Respond ParatrooperMom: This movie is very timely. The following is a link to a newspaper article about a phenomenal group of soldiers who recently returned from Iraq. http://www.adn.com/military/story/344718.html I personally think this nation needs to reinstate the draft. That would bring these issues out. More people would take notice. The majority of people in this country have no clue about what is going on in ...... Read more

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: Thank you for seeing STOP LOSS in theaters, for spreading the word about the movie and for posting as that further inspires people to see the movie in theaters which will keep it in theaters longer.

I've been reading all your posts -- I am incredibly moved by the outpouring of support for the movie, your connection to the characters, your concern for the soldiers + their families, and y... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: Interesting article FRONT PAGE of todays NEW YORK TIMES deals with many issues in our movie STOP LOSS --

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/washington/06military.html

Army Worried by Rising Stress of Return Tours to Iraq -

Army leaders and pentagon officials are expressing increased alarm about the mental health of soldiers who would be sent on multiple deployments... Read more

Respond Dave: I have seen the movie three times in theaters and today I decided to see it again. There were lots of soldiers in the theater. I realized there are many military people in Virgina. I like the movie more each time I see it. It's a very powerful film. People always cry.

Respond Rich: Kim- both "Boys..." and "Stop-Loss" deal with masculinity- about a male need/desire to bond. Many filmmakers try to deal with this but most fail- you succeed. You are very talented- and you really get this idea of camaraderie and male bonding right- it was what was best about "boys" too.

Respond ST: Kim, Congratulations!!! Your film is so amazing and powerful. I saw it at a packed screening today.

I remember seeing "Platoon" and "Born on the Fourth of July" when I was growing up. I remember reading "All Quiet on the Western Front" and the poems of Wilfred Owen. Your film is as powerful as all of those, if not more. But I never thought in my lifetime I would see a film abo... Read more

Respond Shana: I went to see stop-loss with my friend for a second time. Very powerful and sad to think of all those men- you captured the feeling- the movie stays with you-the other people at the movie who i talked to agree completely. people were crying.

Respond hal: Kimberly, I just saw stop loss and it was awesome. You did a good job and I must say that although it's anti war, it's not anti iraq as some conservatives may believe. I think it just tells it like it is from beginning to end. Even the end with the guys going back is a testament to the brotherhood of soldiers and the commitment to america. Make more movies in the future and I look for stop loss to... Read more

Respond iraqi war veteran (2003-2004): We enjoyed this brilliant, absolutely brilliant movie. Extremely down-to-earth, no frills, bare-bones and, above all, honestly laid out, like cards on a table. Only thing I would have changed, is I would have made it a 3 hr movie and included a bit more trauma centered around life in the combat zone. I would also have included the realism of the harsh treatment soldiers come up against when so ... Read more

Respond wenjo carlton: My dad was stop-lossed before they had a name for it. My film, "If We Never Left This Room" is about the mental disabilities he sustained as a result of his combat in the Korean War as well as my complicated relationship with him. It is a personal exploration of the how the traumas of combat sustain themselves over time and effect both the veterans and the families around them in the practical, e... Read more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Lois Bernard: Just saw film, was unaware of the numbers of stop-loss, the film touched me and angered me, NO ONE should have to be torn from their families in this way against their will. Why is the news media not reporting the price of the "surge" in precious lives?

Respond harmmin: OMG i loved the movie, so many of my friends have been stop-lossed before...so i can totally relate to the movie. i reconized many of the company patches in the movie as well. since my family is a big part of the army/military with other branches. great job on the movie, def worth buying when it comes out on dvd. thanx harmmin(army gf/daughter, and sister)

Respond Harmmin: Apr 3 2008 9:11 PM OMG i loved the movie, so many of my friends have been stop-lossed before...so i can totally relate to the movie. i reconized many of the company patches in the movie as well. since my family is a big part of the army/military with other branches. great job on the movie, def worth buying when it comes out on dvd. thanx harmmin(army gf/daughter, and sister)

Respond Angel of death: thanks for what you're doing here. one of my best friends was stop-lossed, and he was going to see his 2-year-old daughter for the first time when they sent him back. he's a medic in the 110th airborne, currently tasked to Venom group, 25 years old, and he's never seen his daughter; yet he's willing to kill and be killed for his country. show me the justice in that. (Apr 4 2008 1:17 AM)

Respond Alana : I just saw this movie last night and it was soo beautiful and real. I could not stop crying. No one left with a dry eye in the theatre. It really hit home with a lot of people because these characters put a face to soliders that they might know. These soliders are friends, family and loved ones. I knew these soliders came back with trauma, but many people didn't know. Thanks for opening up our ey... Read more

Respond Jessica: The movie was amazing. Im leaving soon and it deff had me crying at the end. the movie felt so real.. there should deff be a part to. This was one of the best films i have seen in a long timee.

Respond Elise Rose: I've seen this movie a couple of times. Everytime this movie touches me. It is the first movie that I've seen that is actually about something. The facts at the end of the movie are so startling that I cry every time i see them.The actors that were choosen for this film brought so much to their roles. For all of the people that are living with this situation my prayers go ou... Read more t to you... Read more

Respond Dave: Hey, saw the movie, loved it! What a great look into what's going on over there and what these guys (and girls) have to go through when they come back. I didn't know that this was happening. Some really great acting, too. I'm impressed all around!

Respond Jessica: Apr 3 2008 9:13 PM The movie was amazing. Im leaving soon and it deff had me crying at the end. the movie felt so real.. there should deff be a part to. This was one of the best films i have seen in a long timee.

Respond View Conversation

Re: Jason Knorr

Linda: I appreciate you speaking out! It is unconstitutional.

Respond View Conversation

Re: soldier's wife

Linda: Good post! You tell it like it is. How many senators have kids in ther war?

Respond Linda: It makes me very sad to see how the government is choosing to disrespect soldiers who have done their Job!! Perhaps I might view the policy differently if we really were defending ourselves. Thanks to those risking their freedom to provide these soldiers with a new identity. I think the US Govt really needs to take a good long look at some of these policies....and whether they really exhibit what ... Read more

Respond Dr. Barbara Berman: I thought that this was a phenomenal film in many regards. I thought the approach was great, directing - great, acting really off the charts in many cases, but the ending really confused me and made me wonder what you were really trying to say with the film. I'd be interested in what your experience was like directing this, and I'm even more interested in what stop-lossed soldiers thought about ... Read more

Respond anon: i am a Canadian who viewed this film tonight. I found it extremely powerful, and just the throught of being stop-lossed made me sick to my stomach. You did a wonderful job of making people aware of this hellish war. It's time to stop supporting this war, and start brining our soldiers back home. Stop letting the government dictate your life!

Respond Jon Hall: Below is my response to a particular movie critic: Frank: Most movie critics seem to have fairly well defined "vantage points". Rarely will you find one that would be equally impressed with a simple romantic comedy (Dave 1993) as they might with more of a "critic's" movie, The English Patient (1996). The reason that I will usually go to your website first, is because you seem better suited ... Read more than most of your peers, at evaluating a given movie within the genre / context within which it was created. It says something about your flexibility and a sense of humor (Little Miss Sunshine),- that combined with the depth and insight that comes with it. I would characterized most of your reviews as tough, fair and usually accurate (i.e. close to my own personal taste). B+ So thank you the time and thought you put into creating them. As for Stop Loss,- I honestly think you under-rated it. Kimberly Peirce, who made such a powerful debut with “Boys Don’t Cry” in 1999, in her sophomore effort adds to the ranks of films on the Iraq war that very few people will volunteer to see, not merely because the topic is difficult but because, in the final analysis, it’s so terribly uneven( what do you mean by this?). “Stop-Loss” deals with a rightfully controversial matter of military policy and is undoubtedly deeply felt, but the treatment is unfortunately shrill and melodramatic (Disagree) . Among pictures about soldiers coming home from today’s battlefield, it’s an improvement on Irwin Winkler’s “Home of the Brave.” But that’s not saying much. The film begins, as Winkler’s picture did, with a genuinely harrowing fire-fight, in this case in Tikrit, shot with tight-in visceral energy by Chris Menges, in which an American company manning a checkpoint is lured into an ambush during which some soldiers are killed and others seriously injured. The leader of the squad, Sgt. Brandon King (Ryan Phillippe) blames himself for the losses and is glad that his tour of duty is over. Returning his ultra-patriotic Texas hometown to a hero’s welcome along with buddies Steve Shriver (Channing Tatum) and Tommy Burgess (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), he’s surprised to discover that instead of being restored to civilian status, he’s been tagged for another Iraq tour via the “stop-loss” provision that allows the automatic extension of duty to insure a sufficient supply of trained manpower for the continuing occupation. This policy, rightly characterized in the film as a backdoor draft that places an onerous burden on some servicemen in order to preserve the illusion of a fully volunteer army when in reality a quasi-permanent obligation is being arbitrarily imposed, is without question a shamefully dishonest one, deserving of national debate and inviting strong dramatization. (Agree completely) Unfortunately, Peirce and co-writer Mark Richard have chosen to frame their script in melodramatic terms by having King, after dissing his superior officer (Timothy Olyphant) and just escaping a trip to the brig, going AWOL and taking off first for Washington, D.C., where he hopes to enlist the help of the senator (Josef Sommer) who’d just pinned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart on him and then, when that plan flounders on political reality, to New York City, where he plans to purchase forged documents that will allow him to flee into Canada. But that’s only part of the scenario. The person who travels with King on the lam is Michele (Abbie Cornish), Shriver’s fiancée; and his buddy is furious not only because he takes her with him, but because he sees King’s defection as a betrayal. (He intends to re-enlist, despite Michele, because he can no longer live in the civilian world.) And Tommy is unable to readjust to married life, a situation that leads to tragedy. There are sequences in “Stop-Loss” that are extremely powerful—not merely the opening reel, with its home-made videos introducing the squad in Iraq and the horrifying ambush scene, but also the few moments that Brandon shares with his concerned parents (Ciaran Hinds and Linda Emond, both underused) and an extraordinary episode in which he and Michele visit one of the most seriously wounded soldiers (very well played by Victor Rasuk), which simmers with genuine emotion. But too often the picture veers into territory that smacks of melodramatic overstatement. (Seems Harsh) That’s especially true of moments during Brandon and Michele’s cross-country road trip, one in which he comes upon an AWOL family in a seedy motel and, even worse, another in which he confronts a trio of street thugs who’ve robbed their car, which punches across the point about the nightmare of combat he’ll always have to struggle with too broadly. (Is this a fair comment?) I was in the military for four years after Vietnam. It was simple and boring. However, I have a friend who was in Vietnam and still goes to bed with a loaded .45 under his pillow. This scenes hit me in the gut. I never had the sense that anyone in this move was acting. This is exactly the kind of scene that people need to see that have no concept that we are fighting a war. No because this movie puts any political spin on it,- I don't believe it does. They are just showing you (less graphically than Private Ryan) the realities of this particular war. I didn't even know that something like "Stop Loss" existed. A big confrontation between King and Shriver in a cemetery also opts for the overwrought. I disagree - When their relationship turned from life and death personal to anonymous, this seemed like the logical extension of where it might go. Even in its weaker moments, the picture is helped by the cast. This is one of Phillippe’s best performances, showing a strength and vulnerability he missed in “Breach,” and his Texas drawl is pretty good too. Tatum’s beefy solidity is excellent, too (though his total lack of accent is perplexing), and the always interesting Gordon-Levitt keeps a part that might simply have tumbled into cliché from doing so. Cornish, on the other hand, is okay but unremarkable. On the technical side, Menges’ cinematography is almost as fine in the stateside sequences as in the Morocco-shot Iraqi ones, and John Powell’s score is happily unobtrusive. The ending of “Stop-Loss” is a bit of a problem. On the one hand, it testifies to the sense of unbreakable camaraderie and sense of duty among the soldiers that’s one of Peirce’s major points. On the other, it fails to offer a genuine resolution to the very real issue of policy that the picture is meant to highlight. Of course, that ambiguity can be taken as a virtue, in that the absence of an answer, for King or for us, points up the fact that in what seems an interminable war there are no easy solutions, only more pain, though the sacrifices are not equally shared. (Agree completely.) As a judge you have a choice. You can interpret this cinematic world anywhere from the letter to the spirit of the law. Here I think you leaned more to the letter of the law than you needed to. I would have agreed with your criticism if I thought it was accurate. For me, one of the most critical elements of a movie is "take-a-way", - what did I walk away with. Am I walking out happy, sad, thinking, confused.....what. This movie touched me very deeply due to the honesty with which it dealt with a subject matter that most people don't want anything to do with. It must have taken an amazing amount of financial fortitude just to bring it into being. Isn't that alone worth some "critic recognition"? By not giving it at least a B, I think you may have kept some people from seeing it who might have with a better review. Personally, I give it an A-. Another Man's Opinion Jon Hall San Diego Hide more

Respond martha zinger: Just saw the movie. No news, but I left with my anger about this tragic nonsense reinforced.....for a long time, I thought I had NOTHING in common with Mr B.....but, then it occured to me that my kids, like his, are not killing & working to avoid war-time death....I went to college in Beriut. I hate NONE of those people. Wonderful movie, looking @ complexities of friends & family & of the sadnes... Read more

Respond anon: I think that the movie Stop Loss would be a wonderful film. It is time that some one tells the story of the modern day Iraq War Veteran. It is to bad that it didn't make more in the Box-Office. I know that there are tons of people here that would love to see the movie, but that is not possible. My buddies and I have yet to see the movie because, we were stop-lossed and are currently on our third t... Read more

Respond paul eiding: Saw the film tonight and was very moved by the experience. Really appreciated hearing Ms Peirce talk about the film and the soldiers input. As I mentioned to Ms Peirce, as a Viet Nam era vet, the film to me was a bit reminiscent of THE DEER HUNTER. I mean this as an enthusiastic endorsement of the film. I'll be talking about it this Sunday to other members of VETERANS FOR PEACE. We're made up... Read more

Respond Liz: Hey Kim, I saw your movie last night and just loved it. You have leaped and bounded in terms of your craft and I was so moved and involved every step of the way. I particularly appreciated Abbie Cornish's character - it's a woman you just don't see in the movies. Anyway, big congratulations to you, Liz

Respond JDM: Saw the film at sneak preview in LA and Kinberly was the guest speaker. I found it extremely well done and delivered a strong anti-war message.I thought the actors were perfect for their parts. More McCain supporters should see it. After the film, a group of Iraq veterans were in the audience and authenticated the stop loss situation. I must tell you that Kimberly was a terrific speaker and very, ... Read more

Respond Hannah: i just got home from seeing the film and i know it will sit with me for a while... the reality pushed through the performances was amazing. it was tough to watch being so close to people who have lived through those same experiences, knowing that that stuff is real... thanks for telling a story, sparking conversation, opening peoples eyes, and most importantly for supporting our fathers, mo... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: Hey everyone, just wanted to let you know I'll be doing a Q/A at the ARCLIGHT HOLLYWOOD tonight after the 8 PM screening.

Respond R Lang. : Kim:

Saw Stop-Loss yesterday with a friend. We were both knocked out by it. You got under the skin of it all -- the overwhelming tragedy, horror, unending devastation that we will live with for the rest of our lives. We talked on for a few hours after.

I have a lot that I want to say about it, but it captured some of what Norman Mailer did about war and men and loss i... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: We had an interesting note on our MYSPACE page today about how an audience reacted to the movie. Apr 2 2008 3:08 PM "SEMPER FI AGAIN. Here is a true story about fans that just saw the movie with me. I was leaving a theater with one of my buddies who was pretty broken up after the movie because how real the movie was to our lives. We thought we made the mistake of seeing it in a city where there ar... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: This echoes a number of comments I have heard from soldiers and non-soldiers about how the movie is helping people who might not have had much sympathy for soldiers (who are fighting this war) to have sympathy for them – as it’s helping them to understand their lives, their motivations, their feelings, why they might have signed up and what they might have gone through over there and be going thro... Read more

Respond Niki: This movie was great. It was so true. What these men and women have to go through we need to see that and this movie did that the acting was great..

Respond charlotte: i just saw stop-loss with my mom. my cousin is in the army, and i have a lot of friends that are interested in the military. this was a great movie and it really made me think. it made me want to...do stuff, you know? even though i'm only 16, i wanted to get all these people out of iraq

Respond Darryl: Kimberly, Unbelievably powerful film; brilliant story-telling; award-worthy performances

If 'Stop-loss' had come out last year I have no doubt that it would have easily won Best Picture

It will stand with 'Apocalypse Now " and 'Platoon' as the classic films that captured the defining struggles of their respective eras

Congratulations, Darryl

Respond Molly Lee: This movie was amazing. The detail of the portrayal of the U.S. Army was like no other. Channing & Ryan, as well as the other actors, did one HELL of a job. I've seen this movie twice since it came out less than a week ago, and I will be going back again and again. I LOVE IT!! Im also an Army Wife, my husband is still in basic, and although we haven't had any word of him going to Iraq yet, its bou... Read more

Respond Mel Robertson: From one independent filmmaker to another...Kim, you truly are an inspiration!!! I'm reposting my comments from other sites below! EVERYONE GO SEE THIS FILM I saw the film last night at the Wadsworth and was completely blown away by the film's honesty and bravery. It's also gorgeous to look at and the cast is outstanding. Even if you don't like "war" films, go see this one. It's more... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: STOP-LOSS enters 2nd weekend. Thank you for seeing the movie in theaters and sharing your emotions/thoughts with me and each other online, after screenings, and in Q&As.

I hope you will bring your friends and family to see "STOP-LOSS" in theaters this weekend.

We are gaining a growing grass roots following of people who are seeing the movie then coming onto our site... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: I did a screening and Q/A at the VA in Los Angeles this week. It was incredibly moving to me. Many people including soldiers stayed for the discussion, hitting upon the growing sentiment that these are our soldiers and people want to know what’s happening with/to them- especially the camaraderie and coming home aspects. We are planning another screening at the VA soon. I will be at the Arc Light i... Read more

Respond Ric Maddox: I have to say I admired the detail of the portrayal of the U.S. Army soldiers. I was really taken with the opening of the film as well. I served a tour in Iraq as a sniper and felt like I was back in uniform. This is, by far, a film worth going to the theater to see.

Respond View Conversation

Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Charisa: this letter was so moving and its really frustrating to know that they feel so helpless during times like these when they keep getting more and more time racked up before they can come home and see their loved ones, something needs to be done about this but where would anyone even begin to start?

Respond Daniel Franzese: What a great movie!.. Kimberly Peirce is such a remarkable talent. I love how she makes such fun entertaining and moving films. she pulls these amazing performances out of her actors . I am so jealous.I wish more people who made movies made films like this. She teaches her audience things. They walk away with so much for their time and 10 bucks.. people are going to study her films for a long tim... Read more

Respond Stephanie Bajak: When I looked up at that screen I did not see those actors. I saw our friends who suffer from PTSD, I saw my family...I saw MY husband. Thank you for this movie. My husband was active duty Army for 4 years as Infantry in the 82nd Airborne. He is currently in the IRR and has one year left to go. The can call him up at anytime. People need to see this movie. Yes the movie is about the stop-loss poli... Read more

Respond Lindsay: hi kimberly, wow! i just seen this film and it moved me to tears. thank you for making something real and so important to our country right now. i also just read your article in EW and think you're amazing. you are someone with substance! please ... keep trucking on ... you're an inspiration. best wishes, lindsay

Respond MOVIEFONE EDITOR: Moviefone Editor calls STOP-LOSS "THE BEST MOVIE IN THEATERS"

Respond anon: http://www.kcrw.com/etc/programs/tt/tt080402kimberly_peirce

Respond Bryan: Heyyy Kimberly (and everybody else!) So even though last night was the second time I had the privilege to see Stop-Loss, it was SO powerful and hauntingly beautiful, it felt like the first all over again, and rarely does a film linger with me the next day...like I knew the characters personally. Even though most of us haven't just finished a military tour, it's still incredibly easy to relate to... Read more

Respond Chris: Seeing STOP-LOSS inspired me- I have just sent 4370 emails to people in my IATSE locals, and to my veteran's group, and to The Retired SF Officers Association. Tomorrow I will send to members of the House of Reps, and Senate.

Respond John: I cannot imagine what it is you know that enables you to draw such exquisite performances out of actors, but clearly you speak the language. THANK YOU. Keep up the wonderful work. yours, JB

Respond Gol: Well done Ms. Peirce, well done.

Respond K: Just heard you on KCRW with Elvis Mitchell... you were fantastic. So intelligent. I am so happy this movie is getting such a tremendous response- from critics, fans, soldiers, academics, etc.

Respond mary cuevas: hi kimberly, heard you are going to be on the treatment today with elvis mitchell on kcrw, 89.9, santa monica at 2:30pm. will be listening. great exposure. will be going to see your film this weekend. can't wait!! mary

Respond Greg: I hae yet to see your film but it is on the very top of my next movie. I spent 22 years in the Army, and I narrowly escaped stop loss three times. In fact 10 minutes before I was signing out of the Army, my rear detachment Battalion Commander called me and said "do not stop and talk to anyone, sign out and get off of Fort .... immediately). I took her advice and signed out without ever looking ... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: SK - NYC

Melissa: Well said SK. You are a gifted writer and I agree with your sentiments 100%.

Respond Calylily: Kimberly and the Gang in "Stop-Loss" - you won't believe the amazing reviews by fans on 'FANDANGO" - REALLY - i'm serious!!! Go to Fandango, go to Stop-Loss and click on "Fan Reviews" - YOU ARE GETTING RAVE RAVE REVIEWS" from the fans actually seeing the movie. Just wait - the bucks will start rolling in on this movie very soon! It just was not advertised well!! But this movie - is a MOVIE FOR OUR... Read more

Respond Ian: Stop Loss is an amazing film, with realistic performances and great pacing. It isn't afraid to ask hard questions and think about what it means to be an American.

Respond Richard: "Stop Loss" is an amazing, thought-provoking film that carefully balances support for soldiers with questions of how and why this "war" in Iraq is being waged. I was expecting an entertaining film and didn't expect to be so very moved by great performances and outstanding filmmaking. Thank you for making this movie.

Respond DS: the new yorker's david denby just gave stop-loss a good review (http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/cinema/2008/04/07/080407crci_cinema_denby). the nation's most widely-read critics (scott, travers, turan, denby, edelstein) keep coming out in support of the film.

Respond Dave Lambert: Thank you very much for this film. My daughter and I went to see it on opening day. I was somewhat fearful that the movie would be too much for her, since she has two sons (my grandsons) who have served in Iraq, and will be returning this month, for at least a year (or more). The film was an opportunity for the two of us to begin talking about the very important issues that affect each and every ... Read more

Respond Andria in Pensacola Florida: My best friend and I saw Stop-Loss this evening. We expected it to be good considering the director and cast. Good falls considerably short of an apt description. It was profoundly moving. The first 30 minutes or so my thoughts were "ok its a war themed movie, I got this nailed" Then it hit me what I was actually seeing unfold and I was riveted from that point on. The theatre was about half ... Read more

Respond EBH: I am an entertainment attorney and see films every week. I saw your film at the screening tonight at the Wadsworth. I thought it was very powerful and very well done. The first 15 minutes finally brought home to me what it must be like to be over there. I'm actually surprised that Paramount would release the film since it is not a "tentpole" but I can assume it started at MTV Films from the logo... Read more

Respond Mary P: The movie was a moving and timely exploration of the personal effects of the war on a group of young guys who are doing their best to fulfill their duty to their country in an unpopular war, as well as an examination of how the general engagement of men in war deeply affects their humanity, and scars them on some level for life. Kim's film goes straight to the heart of these matters in a courageo... Read more

Respond Marsha : We just came in from seeing your film as a part of our Reel Talk series at the Wadsworth Theater. It is unquestionably one of the most important films of the year, if not ever. I felt as though I were grabbed by the scruff of the neck and made to watch something agonizing, something I read about in only a cursory way because it is too painful to dwell on. Well, no more...We will encourage every... Read more

Respond David L. Weber: I just saw the movie Stop-Loss tonight. It was probably one of the most incredible, surreal movies, I have ever seen. Great acting, real raw emotions, it makes me so very proud to be an American and live in the United States of America! Our military rocks!!! Yes, the Iraqi War has been mismanaged, but yet, our men and women who serve honorably, for very little pay or recognition. How can we the se... Read more

Respond View Conversation SK - NYC: Stop-Loss is one of those rare films that actually has the potential to bring audience members polarized on opposite sides of our American political spectrum, together for a common purpose. Whether you are a right wing Bush supporter or a left wing anti-Bush anti-war advocate, there is no denying that there is a great injustice impeding our brave brothers and sisters as portrayed in this powerful ... Read more

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Re: Niraq

Vinny: You got to work hard to get promoted man. Thanks for your service. Hope your pay gets better.

Respond Chrystal Jordan: We saw the film on opening night. What a moving and refreshing experience! When I first heard of Stop-Loss, I was concerned whether audiences would want to see a film about the Iraq War, but I was aware of Kimberly's storytelling and filmmaking and knew it would be much more than a military account -- she delves so deeply into character's lives and their belief systems, their confusions, their ... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: You have been great supporters- thank you for continuing to tell your friends and family to see the movie, and for sharing your stories and reactions to the film.

I have been amazed- people have been calling and writing me, asking how they can help soldiers and spread the word about the movie -

Continue seeing STOP-LOSS in theaters and asking your friends to see STOP-... Read more

Respond Lisa C. Amato: I wrote this poem after seeing your film. I hope you don't mind that I borrowed your title: Stop Loss my eyelids fell and my heart sank down when i realized you were on that bus back to iraq and i stopped on the way home in the grey and in my bones understood that you were not returning to protect me or my son or america’s crates filled with onions the raindrops seemed to slow... Read more

Respond Josh: The movie was amazing I couldnt take my eyes off the screen the plot and the story was phenominal and the characters were flawless !!! Not to mention it shows the heartache and hard times that soldiers and their familys go through Stop Loss Is Wrong Once you serve your time you should have a choice of going back or not All American !!! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS !!!

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Re: newyorker

annie nocenti: just posted an interview with Kimberly Peirce at http://www.stopsmilingonline.com/story_detail.php?id=1017 spread the word, see the movie!

Respond anon: Unbelievably powerful film; brilliant story-telling; award-worthy performances. If 'Stop-loss' had come out last year I have no doubt that it would have easily won Best Picture It will stand with 'Apocalypse Now" and 'Platoon' as the classic films that captured the defining struggles of their respective eras.

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Re: DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE

Kim: My husband and I are looking SO forward to seeing this movie. I think more light should be shed (by way of film) on our soldiers fighting in Iraq AND what the families back home are going through. I am interested in all aspects of the lives of soldiers: going to war, coming home, interaction within the community and how their lives change trying to get back to living a so-called "normal" life. I h... Read more

Respond View Conversation newyorker: AMAZING NEW YORKER ARTICLE!

http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/cinema/2008/04/07/080407crci_cinema_denby

Respond I: I thought it was powerful, as someone who got drafted into the army in israel and spent two years of service there i always found it interesting how Americans relate to the military, especially when their battles are all "overseas" , what their motivation is to volunteer, is a military made up of volunteers stronger or weaker or doomed from the get go by the very nature of the abstract conflicts... Read more

Respond anon: ""Stop-Loss" could and should win viewers over. It's the opposite of dull, and it focuses on the humanity of the situation, not the politics. Its impact is immediate and emphatic."

http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/31800

Respond DS: Just saw this on a rottentomatoes comments list, responding to the site's piece on the weekend's box office results. Thought it might be heartening. I've looked elsewhere, and it seems like "Stop-Loss" is really being considered the only legitimately GOOD movie of the weekend (One of best reviewed movie of year...ROLLING STONE, Travers; LA TIMES, Turan, NEW YORK TIMES, AO Scott, NEW YORKER, David ... Read more

Respond A: I am a big fan of BOYS DON'T CRY and you have made another masterpiece. I've read so many great reviews and am very excited to see it.

Respond Yun: Thanks for your brilliant filmmaking and challenging the American audience.

Respond anon: You made a movie with meaning that is touching audiences around the country- critics, soldiers, families, older women, younger boys. You have your audience-- if you are reading this and haven't already, or even if you have, GO TO THE THEATER. SEE THIS MOVIE AND GET OTHERS TO SEE IT TOO!

Respond anon: I fucking love this movie. I am so happy it was so real. I am so glad you made THIS movie and not all the other ones you could have done. Thank you for making a STOP LOSS rather than a superhero or 21.

Respond anon: I went to the film opening weekend and was blown away. It made a lasting impression. My cousin is currently in Iraq so it touched me in a unique way. You did a great job. GREAT job.

Respond Jaime: I went and seen Stop-Loss this weekend and love the movie. This movie will hit home for so many soliders and families. I have a lot of friends in the military and I feel this movie finals tells the story as they feel and think. No solider ever comes home the same way they left. This movie tells the true story of the strength of everyone in our military and their families. Best movie I have se... Read more

Respond Peter Landesman: I loved it. The opening sequence was as good and real a violent action sequence as any I’ve seen. And there is a majesty to the way you embrace and understand and portray that layer of America that I don’t see anywhere else that’s not sentimentalized or demonized. You just take it full on for what it is, and isn’t, it’s beauties and its graininess. You don’t try to elevate it or shove it down. You... Read more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

megan: when i saw this movie it completely changed my view on our American Soldiers(in a good way) i new that the mental changes that they might have when they came back were true but now i see it has real and hope and pray that we can do something to bring those soldiers home.

Respond Yun Suh: Just saw "Stop-Loss" in Berkeley, CA and loved it. This is the best narrative film on the current Iraq War (actually US War) to date. It was very powerful and had wonderful performances! You seem to have an amazing ability to understand and capture male anger, confusion, violence and vulnerability. Looking forward to seeing your next film soon. Don't keep us waiting for too long. All the Best.

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Re: Joanne Cardone (Hey Kim!!! Remem

Joanne Cardone: Well I did get to see Stop Loss opening night in NYC and it was exactly what I expected from KP. Real, to the point, no fluff, movie making. I love it and I am so proud of you KIM!!!!

Respond RAYMOND CORELEON ROSWELL: Though I have yet to see this movie I am a US Soldier in the Army. And as it pains me to say it is true what happens in the movie in the military life of a soldier. Betrayal, lies, panic, everything so bad in the world wrapped in one little piece of paper. Stop-Loss is no joke. And unless you have nothing to lose, you have nothing to fear in the military.

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Betsy and SGT David Brooks: I conveinced my husband to take me the this film as soon as it opened. I aways joked that Dave, my husband looks JUST like Ryan, so when his mother and myself saw a preview for this new film called "stop-loss".....I was speachless and the hair on my neck stood up! He was stop-lossed after being a civilian for two years. He received a Western Unin letter telling him to give up everything...me, h... Read more

Respond Sulay Rodriguez: I just got back from a 740 show at the Grove and the theatre was packed... i served in the military so i knew that the movie was gonna hit home for me in some way....i brought my friend, who had never served in the Military but had high expectations about the movie (after all the great reviews). We LOVED the film. it exceeded all expectations....from the beginning of the film, We both started cryi... Read more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Amanda: I know what these soldiers are going through. I am currently in Iraq and I had a friend back in the states and tell me about this movie. Stop Loss is one of the worst things that could ever happen to a soldier, once a person gets the mind set that they are done with the military, they start to find jobs and start hanging out with old friends and doing old hobbies again. Then to be told that the... Read more

Respond Ames Tiedeman: This is exactly why we need a draft. All of us must "bear the burden of war", not a select few. I watched the movie on opening day and found it both moving and emotional. These great men deserve better. They deserve respect, honor, and a a fair deal.

Respond Richard (SEAL) : Hi Kimberly I just saw the movie, and i thought it was very moving and showed how confusing things can be coming home and trying to make sense of things. One thing the movie did not explain though is when you sign up for the military you owe the contry 8 years total. Most do 4 active and 4 in-active. Until you have completed your 8 year contract you can be called back at any time. That is explaine... Read more

Respond Richard: I am going to see your movie later today but i Am a soldier on active duty and have had several of my best friends stop lossed. I believe that its the most low down thing the goverment can do to someone who has already made the sacrifice for 4 years. BNoth of my friends have seen combat and to tell them that you are staying past your obgliation is bullshit. I love the Army and my country but this ... Read more

Respond Sindy King: This was amazing, but ti brought all my worst fears to light. I have been against this war from the start. Against the war, not the young men serving in it. Its a war based on lies and deceit and its ruining the lives of good good men across this country. I always say support our troops bring them home!! I pray nightly for all of our soldiers and their families. I would be the same as this m... Read more

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Re: janet herzog

Vince: Thank you!! You are sweet and smart!

Respond HAlleyBear: I want to thank you so much for making a movie that shows what war does to the brave men and women who are serving in the military. My husband is now serving in Iraq with the 10th Mtn Div and we have 9 months till we are together again. He is one of the most amazing men I know and the fact that I was able to see what he is does and sees on a daily basis was heartbreaking and also comferting. So on... Read more

Respond anon: i really liked this movie. it was hard to watch because i know people over there but i thought it was very true of what's happening right now so i appreciate the bravery of all involved to make a movie that comments on such a sensitive subject. great job!

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce 1 of 4: THANKS TO ALL OF YOU:

For showing so much support for our movie STOP-LOSS, for seeing it in theaters this OPENING WEEKEND, for sharing your feelings about the movie and about soldiers and their families here on the site and for telling your friends to see the movie.

It means a tremendous amount to me and to all the people including the people at Paramount who worked so hard o... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce 2 of 4 : Since I got home last night after the screening, I have been reading your posts and getting calls from people who saw the movie and were moved by it-

Of the many comments we have received, people have said they are impressed with the performances, with Claire Simpson's editing and with Chris Menges' shooting.

Soldiers and military families have said STOP-LOSS reflects what ... Read more

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce 3 of 4: It has been incredibly rewarding hearing your reactions. They bring me back to why I made this movie – I fell in love with the soldiers' stories. i wanted to get inside their stories and authentically portray their experiences during war and upon coming home -and I wanted to share those stories in a way that would move people

People have been calling me asking me how they can help soldi... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce 4 of 4: The best thing you can do is to keep up what you're doing:

Continue to see STOP-LOSS in the theaters, get online either here on SOUNDOFF, on FACEBOOK or MYSPACE and tell us what you think about the movie, tell us YOUR story, and ask your friends to go see it in the theater.

"Word of mouth," is powerful. You have been amazing at spreading the word. Please keep it up.

... Read more

Respond chris H-B: Before I started my career in the film industry...I was in the US army for 21 years,3 years in Vietnam; 9 years in Special Ops, 4 as a Military Attache: got hurt and had to retire.... I have grown to detest this arrogant and heartless administration for what it has done to the Military and the young men. I too, was brought to tears by your treatment of "STOP LOSS". Wonderful casting and brilli... Read more

Respond Melissa Bruzy: I just saw the movie as a soldier it really hit home. Yes I shed a tear it was an extremely heart felt movie. I would rate this as one of the best films I've ever seen. Thank You

Respond Stef Lautenbach (Minnesota Colle: the movie was amazing, my boyfriend and I saw it after I picked him up from training.. he is preparing for iraq this june :( of course this movie made me cry, knowing the one i love that i was sitting next to me is a young soldier. i am so proud of him though.. my boyfriend was wearing his acu's because he had just gotten out of training.. the reaction after the movie was over was chilling becau... Read more

Respond Greg Fleming (Pittsburg, PA): I cannot say how much I loved this movie. I had chills the whole time and several times felt like leaving the theatre cause it was just all too real. Everything in that movie that I saw was true. I think the only inaccuray I noticed was that when the Sgt comes to the hotel to get Sgt King and he has like 6 rows of ribbons. I've never seen a Sargent with only a few years in with that many ribbons. ... Read more

Respond Jon Vender (RIT): I just got back from Stop Loss and all I have to say is WOW! The acting was superb and you crafted a truly moving, meaningful, and heart-wrenching story. I LOVED the film!!! Please do not wait another nine years to make another film! What is on the horizon for you? I also liked how Mark Richard was Preacher's dad.

Respond Corey Allen Jackson: Great film! Glad your back!

Respond Michael Enright (SVA: Thank you for your film, I took my whole film crew for my thesis project out for Stop Loss, there wasn't a dry eye in the damn place, and when the credits finished rolling, and I turned to my AD and said "That is the reason I wanna make movies" I got humble nods and smiles through tears. You are a great American

Respond Donna: I just saw it. It is one of those movies that will stay with you. I hope it does well. It deserves it.

Respond TR: I just saw this movie tonight. It is an Important movie that more people should see. It touches not only your heart but makes you think about this situation, that most if not all of the viewers know nothing about~ Why are we as a Nation letting this happen!

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Re: Jessica

Rebecca L: I was not aware ( must be blind) of this atrocity being done to our military and their family. Instead of stopping the loss, Im sure more will be hesitant about turning their lives over to the government. I am with you in prayer and will begin now to talk and write and spur others to take action.

Respond Rebecca L: I saw the movie today. I had to sit through the credits just to stop crying. I came home and emailed my senator and congressmen. Why is it in only one theater in this area. We drove to another town to see it. Please get it out to more people.

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Re: BETHANY

Mandy: Just watched the movie today. It was awesome. I'm intranced by it. Perhaps because my 18yr old has already signed up for the Marines, and will be going to San Diego on June 9th. This movie makes me aware of challenges I may have to face in the future that I had no idea about. My son is at work now but as soon as he gets home I'm going to have him watch all the vidoes of these remarkable people ... Read more

Respond View Conversation BETHANY: I'm not really sure how to put into words everything I felt after seeing this movie. First of all it had a great script, an interesting perspective, and you probably couldn't have put together a better looking cast. That being said this movie really touched me, much more than I could believe. Several times during the film I had to remind myself that it was just a film. Needless to say I cried more... Read more

Respond BarbaraHartsfield: I went to see this movie yesterday. I thought it was great. I didn't realize that this was happening to our military. I became very emotional, especially when Brandon had to (spoiler). I feel that he had served his time, and that he should be able to resume his life. This was an eye opening movie. I am very upset with the fact that our men and women are there at all. I would hope that they could c... Read more

Respond sailordave: Glad to see this movie is bombing at the box office. Every anti-American/anti-Military movie that's come out in the past several years has also bombed. I served 8 years in the Navy. At least 8 of my relatives have served in either the Army or Navy in WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Bosnia, and this war. It seems since the mid to late 60s Hollywood has been hell bent on making military based... Read more

Respond View Conversation Jessica: Thank you for making this movie. I am going to see it tonight. My boyfriend is in the US Army, and he is also going to be on stop loss. He is currently on his second tour in Iraq, and I would really like to thank you for making this movie because so many people are unaware of stop loss. My boyfriend will be almost a year over his contract. I just want him home now. I only pray that the government ... Read more

Respond An Airman: If the reviews are so great, why didn't anybody see the movie? The reason is that Americans no longer stand for Hollywood stupidity.

Respond Samantha (Sam): i saw this movie last night and it was AMAZING. i was with my youth group leader who actually served in the army and had to leaver her husband because he became abusive after serving in Iraq. anyway, this movie was very touching and eye-opening.

Respond anon: Stoploss was definatley an excellent movie. I had no idea how rough it is over there. I do not think this is a good movie for people w/ loved ones in Iraq. my brother is in Afghanistan right now & I haven't stopped worrying about him since the movie started.

Respond adry: I saw the movie yesterday - I made my friend buy the ticket 5 hours ahead of time and it was worth it. The way you captured the soldiers perspectives - these things are really happening in real life. My fiance got stop-lossed and is in Iraq right now... He re-enlisted also in Sadaam's palace. Like they say in the movie, some soldiers are married to the army... So I can relate to this movie 11... Read more

Respond Ronn Cantu: The Fort Hood chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War flyered the movie theater during the showing of Stop Loss and really got a positive response. :) Similar actions were performed at theaters near other installations as well.

Respond D: Saw the film last night with 2 friends in Detroit. The three of us have seen every film made about this war since the US Gov. started it. No other film has left so many in tears the way this one did. Most of the folks in the theater were older than 40. Liked the film.......still mad about this war!

Respond Bethany: I'm not really sure how to put into words everything I felt after seeing this movie. First of all it had a great script, an interesting perspective, and you probably couldn't have put together a better looking cast. That being said this movie really touched me, much more than I could believe. Several times during the film I had to remind myself that it was just a film. Needless to say I cried more... Read more

Respond Beth: I'm not really sure how to put into words everything I felt after seeing this movie. First of all it had a great script, an interesting perspective, and you probably couldn't have put together a better looking cast. That being said this movie really touched me, much more than I could believe. Several times during the film I had to remind myself that it was just a film. Needless to say I cried more... Read more

Respond Nicole: This is one of the most powerful films I have ever seen. This represents my generation. I am a college student and for so long now Hollywood has been capitalizing on the horrors of Iraq, but what they fail to recognize is our friends, most of us have a list of them who have gone to Iraq and back multiple times, many coming home with the same feelings as the guys in the film. They are all finall... Read more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Margie from Canada: I just returned from watching the movie Stop Loss. This is an excellent film and it is so much more than just entertainment - I am now educated that this 'back door draft' actually occurs; I had absolutely no idea. This is unbelievable, wrong and very very sad. Thank you to Kimberly Pierce, the great actors and the many others who brought this important movie to the screen.

Respond Melanie: I just want to say thank you so much for making this movie. My boyfriend is serving in Baghdad right now and it gives me so much insight to his way of life and what he won't talk about.

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Nancy: There are a lot of other next steps not listed that might be added to this site. Ending the war NOW is supporting the troops and bringing them home, too. Even though the film doesn't take a position on this, it is a powerful statement about the reality of war and military life and might end up stopping some young people from choosing this route. Thanks.

Respond tracy: I went to see this movie today with my friend. I am an Army fiance and she is an Army wife. Both of our men served with eachother in Iraq and just returned. I felt a good deal of this movie was completely accurate. They even put things in the movie that I'm sure only someone connected to the military would get. I also felt they did an excellent job of not portraying anyone like a monster and ... Read more

Respond Andrew: I just saw the movie tonight and I have to saw it was good and emotional and a great portrayal of the emotions soldiers go there after an experience like this. I know because I was there. I served in the Army and was in Iraq for 2 years from 2003 to 2005 and experienced everything your movie portrayed. Overseas and at home. Although I was not stop-lossed myself, there were some people in my unit t... Read more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

anon: wat is that rap song u use at the end of the movie for the credits..plz email me back with the name and artist. THAK YOU

Respond Debi: Just saw this wonderful film. All actors FABULOUS and direction very impressive. I knew this was happening but did not know the actual number of soldiers who have been stop-lossed. This is definitely a "back-door draft" and my heart goes out to the families of these brave heroes who have died and those who are still serving. May they ALL come home soon!

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Darlena: Kim, I'm so disappointed that I missed you at Austin's South-by-Southwest (aka SXSW) Film Festival. You did an awesome job on the movie, I just saw it today (3/28). I'm a bigtime conservative and have supported the war since it's inception, but I welcome all opinions and enjoy discussing the topics because no issue is black & white, it's usually multi-sided and grey. My question for you... Read more

Respond David Deerman: Mam, i'm in the united states army, and for one thing...i really really appreciate for you being the really first one to portray things in such a way that they actually happen...my wife cried her eyes out, and it deffinately hit home for me. Thank you... Hooah!

Respond TASHA: I JUST GOT DONE WATCHING STOP-LOSS. AND IT WAS A GREAT MOVIE. IT WAS DISHEARTENING TO SEE THAT THERE WHERE 81,000 SOLDIERS THAT IT HAD HAPPENED TO AND THEN SOME. I PRAY THAT THIS WILL ALL BE OVER SOON AND THAT OUR TROOPS CAN COME HOME.

Respond Katarina: I wanted to add one thing to my note from earlier. When I was in the movie theater there were other senior citizens who were there and I overheard two individuals say they were watching the movie because their grandson had just gotten back from Iraq and the movie helped them understand his experience. So thank you for your movie.

Respond Katarina: I am 70 years old and I see one movie a year in the movie theater. And I'll tell you I am very much impressed - I think I'm going to see it again, this weekend actually. It moved me very much. Thank you. I heard about your movie website from my grand-daughter so I wanted to write you a note.

Respond Norma: My husband and I are going to see this movie in New Hartford, NY. It looks really good. You did an excellant job on this movie, some of those men I have seen in other movies and can't wait to see how well they do. Congraulations and keep up the great work..

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

annie nocenti: This film is the real deal; told from the perspective of the soldiers. Get ready for a wild, emotional ride. In a time when Iraq movies are not supported at the box office, I urge everyone to get out and see this one, make a standout showing for opening weekend in support of this terrific film. I'll be posting an interview with Kimberly Peirce at stopsmilingonline.com next week.

Respond beth: just got back from seeing the movie. it was amazing! from start to finish i was completely taken with the story and the characters. and the ending was really something. i can't say enough good things about it.

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

jai: As a veteran who served at the end of the vietnam war, and then into the peaceful period after that, I feel for the men and women who are now conscripts by virtue of this policy. At least, in my day, the draft was upfront, and honest. This policy means that no one will have to burn a draft card, or demonstrate in the streets.... keeps this war all sterile like. Especially without pictures of the d... Read more

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: STOP-LOSS OPENS TODAY. I hope you will see the movie this weekend. We had a fantastic premiere with the actors in NY last week. I'll be going to see STOP-LOSS tonight at the Arc Light in LA, as I am finally home.

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Re: anon

Joanne Cardone (Hey Kim!!! Remem: Girl, I am so excited for you! I am going to see Stop Loss tonight here in NYC and I am not at all surprised what you've done in your career since our days at good old Arent Fox... I wish you the best and I would love to hear back from you. Drinks the next time you are in NYC!!!

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Jen: I just saw this film, it came out officially about 2 hours ago. I am speechless and angry. I don't know what to say, but I want to know how I can help or if I can help. How the average American who has no flipping idea how people have let this happen can contribute to the cause. Please let me know.

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: With pre-opening screenings happening around the country, it's been great having so much new dialogue on the site in the last couple days alone. Your comments have been fantastic and I look forward to responding to them.

Again, thank you to everyone who is posting such interesting, moving and personal messages, especially to those who have been affected by stop-loss.

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: I want to share with you another touching note I received- this is from Bob Zimmerman, President of WE THANK OUR TROOPS, who attended the premiere in Los Angeles with wounded vets who are members of a group called Wounded Warriors. He says, "Last night I had a first time mix of Navy, Marines, and Army attending a screening for STOP-LOSS and you got all thumbs up. In a nut shell I heard, WOW Bob th... Read more

Respond beth: check out this audio interview from Military.com. http://podcasts.military.com/2008/03/chat-with-the-d.html

Respond Mother of an Iraq Veteran: Although I have not seen this film, I had a reaction of dread after seeing the advertisement of the film on television. Not only was my son stop-lossed but his year tour in Iraq was also extended for an additional six months. I cannot begin to tell you the helplessness I felt upon receiving his phone call that he would not be coming home as promised. My son along with his buddies were on combat mi... Read more ssions on a regular basis throughout their year tour, with all that that entails. The constant state of readiness that these men and women have to endure has to come to an end, and a year is more than an ample amount of time. Now imagine, having been told you are going home, packing your gear, physically and emotionally adjusting to not having to be on constant hyper-awareness, not only to stay alive, but to insure the lives of your fellow soldiers, your at the airport waiting to leave, and Rumsfeld decides you're not going home, your going back, and at that time for a unspecified period of time. Just think about what is going through your head, if you can possible imagine, I'm sure some of you reading this do. I as his mother had to deal with the obvious amount of anger and turmoil that came from the other end of the phone when he called. It wasn't pleasant, and the worse feeling was knowing that after a year of my son being in constant danger, now he would be right back in the same situation, only he was so weary and emotionally messed with that I hoped that he could function and hang on. Both his father and I did alot of talking him down that afternoon, stating that he did not want to be in a military prison, and to suck it up, "Be a good soldier", and do what he was trained to do, all the time our stomachs are doing flip-flops. Could he survive longer in that war zone or has he pushed the envelope for the last time. As a parent it's a very uneasy feeling, and those next six months were the hardest. Looking back today, he feels that he was screwed over twice by the U.S. Army, re-enlistment was definately out of the question for him based on this experience. To me that is a shame, the Army in some ways was the best thing that ever happened to him. Although I think it's great that a film has been made from the soldiers point of view, it is my hope that by portraying this ill-advised action on the part of the Armed Forces on film, that it doesn't produce negative effects on those still enlisted and on those who are considering it as an option. Hide more

Respond Rick: A friend invite me to the pre-screening of this film. Man..was not aware of the whole stop-loss things and its major impact on soldiers and those around them. Movie gave a very sensitive portrayal of soldiers and a very realistic view of what goes on in the war. I liked that it showed what really happens..how all become victims in this war - women, children, combatants, non-combatants all get ki... Read more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Chris: I totally agree with the author of this letter. I too serve and am about a year from seperation. I will have served out my contract, to include the 4 years of in-active status. I have fulfilled the obligations of my contract and the military should as well.

Respond JOHN: I saw the film last night in SF through the courtesy of CREEDO Moble. Thank you. Incredible film. Ryan Phillippe and Kimberly Pierce deserve Oscar nominations, at the very least. Powerful film, powerful acting. On a scale of 1-4 stars a 5. Not a film to be missed. GO SEE IT IF YOU HAVEN"T.

Respond Ray: I viewed this film in San Francisco through the CREDO Mobile/Working Assets free preview. It is a powerful viewing experience that clearly shows the high cost of war on soldiers, families, friends, and nations. The particular subject matter, "Stop Loss," receives much needed attention. It is a heinous practice forcing young people, against their wills and contracts, to continue to be part of a ... Read more

Respond View Conversation R.Denne: Times writer, Like the character Brandon King in the film you wrote about, I agonized over my decision to go AWOL Or rather ‘desert’ the army back in 1967 over the Vietnam war. That was the year I returned home from that dirty little war to America only to find it wouldn’t be there. During the next few years tens of thousands of servicemen went AWOL. In 1967-1968 alone two hundred thousand c... Read more ourts martial took place. On December 20, 2004 the Department of Veterans Affairs, granted me full disability as a result of what happened to me in the service. I was diagnosed under the ‘Decision’ “Service connection for bipolar disorder is granted and the disability is combined with your evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder.” This is unique because I am the first serviceman granted as having PTSD cause my bipolar. My PTSD was caused from trauma I incurred while in combat {I am a ‘Survivor of Trung Luong.’ June 1966. You can look it up in the http://www.327infantry.org/ (Under Vietnam battles) I served with ‘A Company 2nd Battalion 327th of the 101st Airborne infantry.} My bipolar on the other hand incurred while serving out my time stateside. You see, what happened to me after I made it home was far more stressful and horrifying than anything I experienced in combat. What makes this interesting is that if it wasn’t for the Freedom of Information Act, I couldn’t prove anything. While I was still in the military and after I was released from their custody I tried in vein to seek help for my condition to no avail. I felt that there was something wrong with me and was concerned enough to seek help. Here’s the rub; that was back in 1967. Granted, the military did not know anything about PTSD or bipolar in those days. So I was just pushed along as being a disgruntled grunt. Sorry About That boy now get on with your life. So be it… It is not my style to bore you with my Vietnam experience. You know all too well we all have a story to tell. Blah, blah, blah. Saying that, I believe many people do not realize that less than 6% of Vietnam veterans saw any actual combat doing their tour. And even fewer were involved in hand to hand Hard core combat. Lets say maybe 1%? I can say with confidence I am in the 1% club. Within 72 hours of landing in Saigon, I was fighting for my life. My experience is noted in the book the fields of bamboo by General S.L.A. Marshall. (1971 The Dial Press). Starting on page 68, “A Romp In The Sun.” And in 2000 the INQUIRER STAFF WRITER David Zucchino wrote a story “A VILLAGE, A HILL AND HORROR A TRAGIC BATTLE EARLY IN THE WAR STOOD AS A HARBINGER OF THINGS TO COME FOR U.S. TROOPS. "Trung Luong was a remote hamlet folded into a fertile valley in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam, not far from the South China Sea." I am a Trung Loung survivor. If that wasn’t enough, I served as a door-gunner on a UH 1 B Gun Ship where I survived three crashes. I got my PTSD the old fashioned way, I earned it. What I feel I did not earn, was my bipolar. There were over “half a million” less than honorable discharges given from 1966 to 1973. It was as though many of us who had been in the war realized there was something wrong with what our country was doing and wanted out. {1967-1968 two hundred thousand courts martial took place} Because the system was so overcrowded, makeshift “concentration camps” were set up around the country,{ Known as “Special Processing Detachments.”} Aka S.P.D’s. That’s where I found myself, (1967 1969) after I protested our country’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Not, mind you in the streets, but rather, to my ‘ Band of Brothers.’ Before I did this, I sought help from the military mental hygiene department at Fort Bragg while serving with the 82nd Airborne Pathfinders. (1967) I told the so- called head shrink’ers. That I believed that the war was unconstitutional That our country attacked a sovereign nation with malice and our commander-in-chief was not to be trusted and was in fact, using us to fight an immoral war. It was our duty to stop him at all cost and by any means. I told the head doctors that I had been informed as early as 1966 in the jungles of Vietnam by an ex OSS officer that there isn’t any South Vietnam and Ho was the truly elected leader of his country. I was also told that China was Vietnams number one enemy and has been for over a thousand years. In fact, what I was told back in 1966 was to come out later in the Pentagon Papers. I was told many things that turned out to be the case. (Too many to take your time here). However, this I do know and believed in 1966 that if China was Vietnams number one enemy and Russia was China’s enemy then we were not there fighting the communist threat. To my dismay, the two psychiatrists listening to me rant came unglued. They didn’t think I was mad but rather delusional and had to be dealt with. I was sent back to my unit and held under house arrest. For what I asked? For murder and spreading commie propaganda to the troops at Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. I went ballistic. My military record, exemplary until then, begin turning black. I would not stand to be held and or wait until the military tried to figure out just what to do with me. Acting stupid I thought I had no options. I then demanded a dishonorable discharge. (I felt the just deserts for an elite warrior participating in a dishonorable war). No one would oblige. I was told I was simply confused. So to help matters along, I deserted the military in order to get what I wanted. After being hounded by the FBI and government authorities I was turned in by my own family and friends. Being from Orange County, California, they were doing their duty and thought it was for my own good. Once in the grips of the military system, my life became worse than it had ever been in combat. Sadistic guards wanted to make an example of me because they believed I was a veteran who disgraced his uniform. I was tortured, stripped, and had a gun put to my head. I was thrown naked into solitary confinement where the shadow of the stars and stripes --{designs cut into the ceiling} – covered my body. Where I was forced to eat cereal and water from a bowl like a dog while others watched. I witnessed other prisoners being tortured and murdered. ‘Abu Ghraib in spades’. Right here in America back in 1967 the military guards did the same things to U.S. soldiers in stockades across the country. I survived in and escaped from three stockades and four courts martial. I witnessed the same treatment from guards at every stockade I was in. I do not feel sorry for myself. I joined the military and volunteered to go to Vietnam. I was proud and excited to become a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne. I loved it. That is until I found out what was really going on ‘over there.’ I was not to be part of the BRIGHT and Shinning Lie that was to be known as the Vietnam debacle. Anyway, if you think another Vietnam story is not as interesting as our latest war so be it. Thanks, Richard F Denne ( Toluca Lake, CA. 91602 Hide more

Respond Alexander : Saw it in SF through the Credo Mobile screening. I enjoyed the narrative of the film as well as the raw ending. I think that this film hits hella hard - both the notes of art and activism - and I'm ready to ask Congress to stop stop-lossing our fighters.

Respond Army vet: I had served over 8 years in the Army when I was stop-lossed while deployed for OIF, so I did not have any IRR commitments left. I really felt like I was being screwed over, and that it was a back door draft. It left such a bitter taste in my mouth that even if I had considered reenlisting, that would have ruined any notion of it. Some of my fellow soldiers have been back 3 times already, and t... Read more

Respond Brayton: Yes it harsh that over 4000 of our young men and women have died over there, but keep in mind that in Vietnam we lost over 55,000. So our losses are greatly minimized over previous conflicts. I do support our soldiers and pray for there safe return. My nephew is over there now.

Respond Blackbeltmarine: I am a Vietnam Veteran and we lived for "13 and a wake-up". Every day was one day closer to getting back to the world. I cannot imagine how angry I would have been to be stop-lossed. We ought to bring back the draft and start with the kids of the neocons and especially absolutely no school deferments. Once their kids start getting shot at they may learn this war in Iraq was built on lies and the... Read more

Respond Army Wife: I am ex-military and my husband is in Iraq right now. Stop loss is one of those little known facts about the military that I am very pleased a movie was made about. The public deserves to know that even when you are done with your contract, you are not necessarily done. I don't know how many more deployments the families of these soldiers or the soldiers themselves can handle.

Respond Carolyn : I saw the movie this evening in San Francisco at a showing sponsored by Working Assets. Thank you for bringing to the public's attention the horrible circumstances of the stop-loss policy. Several of us standing in line expressed a hope that Bush and Cheney believe in this war so much they will commit their own children to the effort. Given that both men went to great lengths to avoid serving ... Read more

Respond Ken Hornby: Just saw the preview, it is about time some realism comes to the screen. Time to do more, like how about how our goverment is treating our soldiers when they get home

Respond Jack: I was fortunate to catch a screening of Stop-Loss on Tuesday. The film was realistic, raw, gritty, and emotional. It also went forward without being too preachy or political. It was a study of the human character and I love movies like that. I go to movies to have an experience. And this experience was one that was powerful and moving. GO SEE THIS FILM!

Respond Alana: Ahh yes I all ready went through a stop loss. It is very real and hits home. Just when you think your free you get pulled back in. Contracts get changed. Rules get bent and you feel like you don't have any control over your life. As the saying goes. "Freedom isn't free", not even for the ones who fight for it.

Respond wondering: Does anyone know how many of the 4003 soldiers who have died so far in Iraq were there because they had been stop-lossed?

Respond worried: Our son-in-law is on his way back to Iraq after being stop-lossed. This will be his 3rd deployment, and I'm so worried and so angry. Thank you for making a film which all Americans should see....and which should make Americans wonder if maybe it's time to have a draft again. Otherwise I think these soldiers are going to be stop-lossed forever....

Respond View Conversation

Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

SGT C: To the Stop Lossed Soldier, you do realize you could've still been called back, even after you returned to the civilian world, under the IRR?

Respond Danielle: that happened to my brother in law and know he is a double amputee lost both legs when an IED exploded in Iraq

Respond BryanAmbition: I was struck mostly by the reality this film forces you to imbibe. I was reluctant to see it at first because I don't consider myself a "war film" fan, but within the first 15 minutes, I was completely hooked! The vividness of the film itself, combined with the heartbreaking innocence of the characters, and the decisions they're forced to make have made this film a work of art; a true masterpiece... Read more

Respond Bob Zimmerman: Five star performance all the way around, I really absorbed the story when I saw the film at the premiere - the acting by everyone was great and you did a superb job directing. The party was most excellent, myself, and my wounded warrior friends had a great time. I really liked the intimacy of the DGA Theatre. Thanks, Bob Zimmerman, President We Thank Our Troops, Inc. http://www.wethankourtroops.c... Read more

Respond Jason: The problem is even bigger than your stats at the end of the film indicate. Most of my friends were called up as reservists and under IRR provisions and I can tell you this is actually (and unbelievably)even worse than the stop-loss guys because they are not part of the military economic system when they get called up and many people lose their homes, etc, because they suddenly find their salaries... Read more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

charlie: Kim, thanks for doing this movie! Finally somebody gets the war movies right. By the way is this movie based on real life people or is it made up?

Respond charlie: This movie looks so SWEET!!!! I can't wait for it to come out. This movie comes so close to home because my uncle was in the national guard and was sent to Iraq to serve about three years ago. While he was over there he celebrated his birthday, and that day he was transporting a tank on the rig that he drove and they hit an IED which nearly killed him ON HIS BIRTHDAY. Well he is home now and i... Read more

Respond Shanahan: I saw your interview/photo in 'Interview' magazine -it was great.=)

Respond marine: Hi Kimberly. I am a Marine reservist who saw Stop-Loss in New York. I want to say the film was great; especially because you really captured the miserable humor in a way that no one ever gets. The fact that you got this film made is so important, it's hard for me to put into words. I spent the entire evening trying to figure out how I can help fix this thing and upset that I hadn't tried before. A... Read more side from sadness, I had an overwhelming sense of shame come out that night. I took the train home and it was all I could do not to cry. Though I have formidable political skills and relationships I couldn't come up with any quick answers in how to do so. About 3AM it struck me that someone had solved one of the biggest parts of the problem: you. Because you have made a film where all of the people who have experienced this situation (and they are far more than just the people effected by the stop-loss orders) know that they are not alone in the world. I realize that is what you have done for me and my friends (and as I said I was only a short term reservist who never got called up) and it is an extraordinary achievement.

On the practical front, I have been running my mouth to everyone I can and telling them they should see it. I have also begun to approach political acquaintances of mine to see if there is a way to have something positive come out of this on a legislative level.

The problem is even bigger than your stats at the end of the film indicate. Most of my friends were called up as reservists and under IRR provisions and I can tell you this is actually even worse than the stop-loss guys because they are not part of the military economic system when they get called up and many people lose their homes, etc, because they suddenly find their salaries drastically cut. They don’t count in the stop-lossed stats.

Separately, I have to say something about Ryan Phillippe; you couldn't have made a better choice and I am not surprised he ended up in the role. I had a chance to talk with him for a few minutes after the screening and he lived up to my previous impression of him: he is a real actor and person. This has been obvious to me from the choices he has made as his career has grown and in the fact that he never - and continues not to - blow himself up as a star based on nonsense. Caring about the craft and the project is so rare for an American who has the easy opportunity to be a star that I find him extraordinarily admirable, especially considering the financial sacrifice in not doing so.

(And what a performance by Abbie Cornish. I looked her up and can't believe she is Australian.) Hide more

Respond Chrystal: Hi Kim! We are so looking forward to Stop-Loss! My partner and I are so happy you have another film out. Glad it's receiving tremendous reviews! Cheers to you, Chrystal

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: Hello. I had an amazing 22 city tour across America then LA and NY for a premier and additional screenings. We were lucky in many of our screenings to have among our audiences, military family and a number of vets who appreciated the movie’s authenticity and shared their experiences with us. I will be posting those soon. If you are interested, check out some clips from the tour on the left-hand si... Read more

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: A number of vets have written to me and I wanted to begin to share their incredibly moving stories with you. This is a note that I got this morning from a soldier who is STOP-LOSSED who said I could share the note with all of you. Feel free to post your reactions and stories.

NOTE FROM THE STOP-LOSSED SOLDIER: “I represent a unit called 3/509th Airborne Infantry stationed out of For... Read more t Richardson, Alaska. I am a 4 year specialist (E4) who is due to be released from active duty service in October of this year. I am mere months away from resuming my life as a civilian and about a month ago I was informed that myself and at least a thousand others would be stop loss to extend beyond our active duty time requirements to deploy to Afghanistan. I realized when I signed up back in July '04 that inevitably I would serve in Iraq and that it would be the longest year of my life. I found out back in April '07 that my unit would be extended by an additional 90 days. We carried on with the mission without complaint and did precisely what was asked of us. Home at that moment seemed even more distant and the possibility of seeing wives, children, mom and dad seemed bleak at best.

We arrived back from a long and drawn out deployment in November '07 with 8 less men (just my company) than when we left. The unit altogether suffered the greatest number of KIA's than any other unit serving during that 14 month period. We paid dearly both in the physical and mental realm and some men paid the greatest cost.

No sooner than a month of being back from post deployment leave those with ETS dates later than October 1st were informed that they would be stop loss and that by or around February '09 we would be heading back to another hot spot in the world, Afghanistan, for another 12 month deployment. None of us had even grasped the idea of being back in a familiar world when we're told of the news. The unit has it's eye on what the Pentagon is referring to as a “rapid deployment program” which would actually shorten the length of time a soldier is assured between deployments as well as lessen the time to train up to be combat ready and deal with the vast array of scenarios we will be thrown into by deploying to Afghanistan.

We have formed a group of about 100 men who take exception to this order and are doing everything within our limited power to contest the decision. We feel that this action is nothing short of coercion and furthermore feel that it demonstrates evidence that this "backdoor draft" is a less than flattering example of conscription. It is only a grassroots movement at the time being but with public awareness (due to the release of the film) and congressional involvement perhaps something can be done to counteract this.

There is a web site, which our organization is hosting which can be found at www.armystoploss.com. It was our hope that perhaps this movie would help us bring to light the drastic effects stop loss has on it's brave volunteers and more than that the courageous families and loved ones of these selfless heroes.

The message here is that we are patriotic Americans who left their former lives to make 4 and 5 year sacrifices. We became fighting machines because our country needed us to. We delivered on our end of the contract and now we just want to carry on the lives we so desperately wish to get back to. The sentiment amongst most on the post is that we should just shut up and stop complaining but when you consider the numbers that the stop loss action has effected one marvels at the very thought of a thousand men at once being placed under this category.

It's important that the average American realize that this is happening to soldiers and that something must be done to thwart it. Many of us are prepared to fight this cause to the very end but would rather not see it come to that. The movie we feel will go a long way in defining for audiences the precise agony and disgust we are all feeling about this.

Your characters are as real as the air you breathe, Ms. Peirce, and they number not just in the hundreds but thousands.

We have an uphill battle ahead of us, as the threat of stop loss becomes apparent more and more each day. As our group continues to grow by the tens each day we realize that ultimately we are powerless. A contract is a contract but there are boundaries of decency which are being crossed. The message behind stop loss is a blatant abuse of the young men and women who subject themselves to a volunteer status every day in this country. Deployment time is set for February of next year when we ship off for Afghanistan. There is an inextricable link between the characters of the movie and the very real story taking place in our own lives.

When you consider the paltry pay we receive for doing what it is we do for our country it's a marvel we have been as organized as we have been. It takes funding to make a whole community aware of the predicament we face. This movie is precisely the wind our sails are needing to better illustrate and push our cause.

Regardless of whether Ryan Phillippe's character ends up going back to Iraq or not is of little consequence to us. We are just glad to know that a director took some time to deliver a movie like this to the masses. Thanks for telling it like it is. The average soldier thanks you and this organization is indebted to you for your work alone on this film.” Hide more

Respond anonymous-serving: Due to decreased recruiting goals being met, the army and all services in general are taking "lower quality" recruits. This leads to any number of problems that you can probably figure out...

Not sure if this is covered in the news, I think the Department of Defense has mandated a certain amount of "dwell" time, which is the time that you have to spend back home as opposed to t... Read more

Respond Dorian: Check out this badass trailer that some of the Stop-Loss actors Joseph and Channing made. I snapped it off Channing's Site -- kicks ass!

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Respond robert: Check this out… This article says "critics of the policy, including Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, consider it a "backdoor draft" used to make up for manpower shortages that the Army won't own up to.”

http://www.seattleweekly.com/2005-03-30/news/stopping-stop-loss.php

Respond robert: Interesting article:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,247798,00.html

Says that Defense Secretary Robert Gates "has ordered that the practice — known as "stop loss" — must "be minimized." At the same time, he is looking for ways to decrease the hardship for troops and their families, recruit more people for a larger military and reassess how the active duty and res... Read more

Respond Ada: Kim...... great article in NY Times! At the risk of sounding corny....which my 13 year old daughter always accuses me being.... I felt so proud of you reading the article! What a creative force you have become!

Best of luck in your opening this Friday! I'm looking forward to seeing the movie once again..... it is truly amazing and must be seen by our whole country given the m... Read more

Respond Beth: As the wife a U.S. Marine currently deployed overseas, I'm a bit apprehensive about going to watch this movie. My husband is due home within the next month and the possiblity of him being Stop-Loss is frightening. While I haven't seen this movie yet, I do want to thank you, Kimberly, for putting this out there and informing the American Public about such a real and devastating policy that is happe... Read more

Respond joanthan : i have seen every army movie there is. i think this one is going to be good one. but every one is all about the army. what about the marines and their wives. dont get me wrong every one is fighting a war and every one does a good job and the support that the american people give all the branches is amazing. i just want to see a good Marine movie not like JarHead or Marine. i think it is about time... Read more

Respond Jeanne-Anne: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23729229/ STOP LOSS IS A CAN'T MISS FILM says MSNBC I saw the film at South By Southwest because I love your work, Kimberly Peirce. You are truly one of the greatest filmmakers of our day. And while I was initially apprehensive about seeing what I thought was a war movie- I was blown away- not only is it not merely a war movie, it was incredible. I sat next to you... Read more

Respond Quddus Philippe: I was glad I got to check out the LA premiere. It's an incredibly important and powerful movie.

Respond Donna: Hi Kimberly, My name is Donna and I recently attended one of your pre-release screenings in Texas. I am originally from New Jersey, but now I live in Dallas. My son is currently fighting in Iraq. When you told me about your mother and your experience at the q and a I cried. I could relate to everything you said, especially when you said your mother said you will never know what it's like to fea... Read more

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Re: rick

josh: hey rick i appreciate what you said but im no hero im just another guy try to help out a solder

Respond anon: Stop-Loss gets another A! http://media.www.thedailyaztec.com/media/storage/paper741/news/2008/03/20/Tempo/Reel-2.Real.boys.Dont.Cry.Director.Tackles.The.Govt-3276212-page2.shtml

Respond Ajla: kim, stoploss is amazing. and you are a full on, complete and total badass. yep.

Respond k: Kimberly, I heard you on NPR on Saturday and you sounded great! Are you sure you are not an academic! Haha. Looking forward to the film.

Respond sternfan: You gotta hear this. Howard Stern raves about Stop-Loss and Ryan as a guest. He says "Stop-Loss really is good...that dude [ryan] is fabulous" ... "Scenes in Iraq are unbelievable" ... "Man, [kimberly peirce] she's some director" "ryan's one of the best guests ever" "ryan was super cool/genuine"..."ryan is good looking and cool"

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Respond bob: As a veteran of the Korean conflict, I appreciate the sacrifices of our service personnel. Thanks, gang.

Respond anon: PEACE, POWER TO THE PEOPLE!

Respond View Conversation anon: The Presendent lied to the country telling us we were at risk from Sodom's WMDs. He said we were at grave risk. His administration do the poorest job of planning for war in our Nations history. If our country was at as much risk then why are not the sons and daughters of our nations upper classes making any sacrifices? The reason is because the Government know that if they started drafin... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: josh

rick: Hey Josh. I'm just another soldier, one of many, who is facing the possibility of stop loss. Thank you and your friend for joining man. For every one of you that joins, it provides us soldiers with a sense of hope. You are already a hero in my book.

Respond Military Mom: I am a military mother and until I read the article in the NY Times about your movie I was feeling as though it was too soon to start making movies about this war, feeling like it was Hollywood capitalizing on a great tragedy for this country......I see now that this is a different kind of story and I have read the comments by some of the young people visiting this site. So thank you Kimberly as ... Read more

Respond View Conversation josh: im joining the army with one of my friends to help some solder out thier i know it aint going to do a lot but if i can help one solder out thir come home to see his family then ill do it i just hope when i get done with my time someone will do the same for me i pray for all the troops over thir and july 2 ill be with you see yall later

Respond josh: this movie has made me stop and think it isnt even out yet and millons of people love it so a friend of mine and i are joining up now i know it isnt going to do much good but maybe it will help two solders come home and if its my time to die then god will take me home if it aint then i will come home to my wife and daghter so maybe i can help one solder come home to his family i pray for any soldi... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: Brian Lindsay

Brian: Hi Brian :) , I respect your opinion and thank you for your service as well. I hope you will come back to the fight because we need you Brian. I'm an active duty soldier of 11 years now and have also been deployed many times, not just to Iraq but many places. I was also caught under stop loss stop move. I guess we need to do a better job of voting for people who run this country. I know everyone ... Read more

Respond anon: I was looking for pictures from the premieres and found your fan site, which has tons of pictures and interviews and everything from around the country. http://kimpeircefan.blogspot.com/

Respond Annie: I am a reporter in New York and I wanted to contribute to this site as I think this is a film that could change history. STOP-LOSS is emotion, real, important and powerful.

Respond View Conversation

Re: anon

phoenix7408: I believe in our military, they are true angels in my eyes, (i'm a former military wife), no amount of thank yous our soldiers ever get would be enough for what they do for us. Thank God for them!!! But I do not agree that our government should be able to stop-loss OUR soldiers, the government should have to honor their part of a contract too. I wish I could go and keep a soldier who has already ... Read more

Respond Mike Focareto: I created this... (www. TheVeteranNation. com)... it will always and forever be free. Vets for Vets... Please sign up and pass this on to ALL... family, friends, VETS, and Active Military people that you know... People can also create a 'Memorial Accounts' to honor those no longer with us. Check out Jeromy profil. Our goal is to become strong and powerful and have a voice for all of "us" that g... Read more ave... and that included family and friends... it's free for everyone to join Mike below is on the site. *************************************** Hi everyone...We have started a non-profit organization/foundation that we are really excited about and we invite you to check it out. It is called The Veteran Nation and we are planning/doing some really amazing things for veterans and their families. One of the main projects involves teaming up with major sports teams, leagues, organizations and event venues to provide free and/or highly discounted tickets for veterans. This part of the foundation is called Veteran Tickets Foundation. While this part is still in the development stages, this will be a really exciting benefit for all veterans and their families and we encourage you to stay tuned for more about this! The Arizona Diamondbacks have already become involved and are providing tickets as well as sponsoring a major event on July 4 co-hosted by The Veteran Nation (more details to come). Major LA sports team management is also getting involved early as well as other groups by the minute. The second part of the project is this website that is kind of a MySpace type place for veterans to network, reconnect, etc., and for civilians (friends, family, anyone really) to support, say hi, etc. If you are a veteran or not, please check out the site and support them in any way you can. If you know a veteran, please pass the information on to him/her. The website is completely free and anyone can create a profile and have the networking benefits for free. As you'll see, the site is BRAND NEW so there are a small number of members right now but the word is getting out FAST and this is sure to be a great community so get in on it now! : ) It only takes a minute or two to create a profile and be part of the network. So ... what can you do?... 1) Check out this website and send any feedback 2) Create a profile to be part of The Veteran Nation for free.. watch the membershipgrow! Who knows who you might meet? 3) Forward this information to anyone you know particularly any veterans! 4) Share your support, ideas, volunteer time, connections, etc. with them - anything or nothing at all! Hide more

Respond Wife of a PFC Active Duty soldie: I am extremely anxious to see this movie, as my husband is a soldier in the US Army, and currently a part of a deployment platoon; half of which just arrived in Iraq. My husband's contract is up at the end of Dec '08, but we found out that because of the 'Stop Loss' we have to stay until at LEAST Aug '09, as we can't leave until his fellow soldiers return from this deployment; and it is quite pos... Read more

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Re: Vinny

Brian Lindsay: Well Vinny, where i do believe there is quite a bit of negativity towards the military nowadays, it doesnt seem to be towards the soldiers themselves but at the people making the decisions as to what our soldiers are doing. Rightfully so in my eyes. As for the reason as to why so many soldiers are doing repeated tours, the reason has nothing to do with a "shortage" of soldiers. Yes, the ratio of s... Read more

Respond Amanda: I cannot wait to see this movie! It looks amazing from the previews!

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Re: LaQuishe

Jenkem: To my soldiers wrapped up in stop-loss, embrace the suck and urge your family and friends to vote and get involved in the process. Tell them to vent, not only on random blogs but to their congressmen. Stop-loss sucks...I get it. I really do. But as more soldiers desert, those that choose to finish out the terms of their contract are left with an additional burden to bear because others shirk th... Read more

Respond Army - %**Hooah**%: I hope that this movie lets everyone really know how it really is. I'm getting ready to deploy and I know what we are doing is the right thing for those people over there.

Respond Rebecca: Hello my name is Rebecca. My fiance is in the Army. He is currently stationed in Germany. We will be getting married in July of 2008. His contract there ends in December of 2008 but they are going to be deporting him to iraq in December or January and told him that he can't come back till his 15 months in Iraq are up. I am so anxious to watch this movie. Even though I am going to cry my eyes out b... Read more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Vicki Medic: Hello Kim, I just had to send you a comment to express my sheer excitement and pride with the small part I played in this production. As your Set Medic, I must say that the cast & crew were absolutely amazing, and coming from a die-hard military family myself, the experiences and character developments were humbling. My perceptions were broadened, as well as confirmed. Due to work, I haven't had ... Read more

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: Just wanted to say "HI." We finished our American (22 cities) college/press tour, which went amazingly. We were in ATLANTA, HOUSTON, DALLAS and AUSTIN last week. It was great bringing the movie home, especially to TEXAS since we shot most of the movie in AUSTIN (Lockhart, Uhland, etc.) Its been wonderful sharing the movie and experiencing people’s reactions across the country. We connec... Read more

Respond Air Force Airmen: I am excited to see this movie, having been deployed many times and seen a lot of peoples time extended to make them deploy again. i just hope this movie can help the general public understand what its like...

Respond FRIDAE MATTAS (Toronto, ON): The Film is incredible, very talented woman! I had the chance to see the screening in Toronto. Good luck tonight!

Respond View Conversation Vinny: Hi, I hope this isn't another military bashing movie. We need more people to join our armed forces. We can't live the way we do in America without them these days. There are over 300 million folks in America and only a little over million in our armed forces. We don't need anymore negative light shed on our people. A person who joins the armed forces knows well what they are signing before the... Read more

Respond Sgt.Andrew White: It is a vary good movie.It almost makes me go back when I was in Iraq.

Respond insidescoop: Wow. So much press is coming out about stop-loss. One of my favorites: Peter Travers from ROLLING STONE (check out next Rolling Stone) called "Stop-Loss" ..."The first major movie of the new year that touches greatness."

I was reading up on the premiere last night and heard that you PERSONALLY invited four wounded warriors to attend the premiere. That is so amazing. Stop-Loss is a mo... Read more

Respond PFC Goode: A great movie all soilders, military personal, and anyone who likes war movies should see is Tears of The Sun staring (Bruce wills)

Respond PFC Goode: hey i love the reviews of this movie i will recommend this movie to all my fellow soilders... I adore all the actors that are playing in this movie..

Respond Brian Lindsay: I have to give many kudos to Kim Pierce for tackling this side of the military. Hopefully after seeing the film, more people will realize that sometimes the hardest fight isnt on the battle field but coming to terms with figuring out how to handle the fight and the life back home. The line with the wife saying she cant live another year without touching her husbands face is so moving and truthful.... Read more

Respond Tammy: Hi Kim! I cannot wait to see this film. I have always loved true to life war movies. I do not have a family member or loved one on active duty now. I had a great high school friend who served in desert storm and my late grandpa served proudly in the marines during WWII. Thanks for making this movie and letting the public know about stop loss. I know these soldiers signed a contract, but how m... Read more

Respond Tammy: I cannot wait to see this film. Not enough military films are out there. And this will also open some eyes as to how many tours some of these military troops have to go through. GOD BLESS THE MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES LEFT AT HOME!!!

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Re: Jill Anderson

PFC.Wong: I am also stationed at Ft. Drum with the 10th Mountain Div. Your husband must be in the 2nd brigade combat team, I am in the 3rd brigade which got back from Afghanistan in June of last year, from my understanding now the Division commander Maj. Gen Oates is replacing the 2nd brigade with the 3rd brigade to take the load off the 2nd brigade of repeated combat tours.

Respond View Conversation Jill Anderson: Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

my husband and i are anxious to see this movie.the movie looks amazing and its about time a movie like this comes out. my husband is a staff sgt stationed at the most deployable unit in the world fort drum,ny and has been on 3 tours almost back to ba... Read more

Respond jesaca[loving a soldier]: this movie looks really good. i cant wait for it to come out. by boyfriend is currently in basic for the army so i like watching movies that in a way give me an idea of what he is and will be going through. two great military movies: home of the brave valley of elah -jesaca

Respond los angeles based: KIM PEIRCE IS ON THE COVER OF LA TIMES SECTION WHERE YOU SEE WHAT MOVIES ARE PLAYING! 2 page article as well!

Respond Pfc Lougheed: Thank you for making this movie. It hits home. I don't think that the people back home realize how bad the stop loss policy is.

Respond PFC Lougheed: I deploy in less than 3 weeks. I plan on serving my country and doing my part. When I get back I want to ets and get on with my life. I hope I don't get stop lossed. It's a bad policy.

Respond tobievannatta: Im really looking foward in seeing this film. My husband is serving his second term over in Iraq. Seeing military films seem to bring me a bit closer to my husband while he is away. Its interesting to me to watch movies and certain things that are military to know some of the things that our families and husbands tend to go thru. Can't wait to see it thank you Tobie

Respond SPC Luke Allen: You took the words right out of my mouth on STOP-LOSS. Thanks for making this film. I don't think that most people realize that there is such a thing happening in today's military. Currently Stop-Lossed, SPC Luke Allen 1/10 MTN DIV Kirkuk, Iraq

Respond LCpl Allan: I'm a three year Marine Corps combat verteran and have spent my share of time in Iraq and I'm anxious to see a movie that hopefully attempts to capture how some of us feel after the war and having to deal with stop loss. I hope that I don't get let down.

Respond Henry: Check out this review of "Stop-Loss" I found. It rates the film A+ http://theblog.filmscope.org/2008/03/13/stop-loss-not-antiwar-its-prosoldier.aspx

Respond TJ Wolski: I must say that stop loss does not just effect the Army. My spouse is Active Duty AF and due to the reduced numbers in his career field and at his rank, there is the possibility that stop loss will effect us as well. We only have a year left in this life style and I am totally ready to get the heck out!!! I just saw for the first time the facts about this movie and I would like to see how this is... Read more

Respond beth: I thought this blog post was a really good review of stop loss. not just because he likes the movie, but how well he details the things that he liked, and what makes stop loss different from other iraq films. http://theblog.filmscope.org/2008/03/13/stop-loss-not-antiwar-its-prosoldier.aspx

Respond Abby: Check out this video of Kimberly Peirce and Victor at a screening in MIAMI. Love Victor ;-)

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: Hello from the road, city 21 of 23. We are finally in TEXAS. As Sergeant Brandon Leonard King (played by Ryan Phillippe) says in the movie, "I LOVE TEXAS. I LOVE TEXAS." We screened and did a Q&A in HOUSTON and DALLAS. Tonight we fly to AUSTIN for our South by South West premiere. I am very excited. It has been wonderful being here in Texas. Our screenings have gone amazingly well- in a way we are... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce:

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce:

Respond anon: I am a Clinical Social Worker at Project Victory, a local rehabilitation program for active-duty military soldiers. I attended the screening last night in HOUSTON, TX and I wanted to thank you for arranging reserved military seats for the screening of Stop-Loss last night. Unfortunately because of illnesses and injuries, several soldiers were not able to attend. Those that went, thoroughly enjo... Read more

Respond Dan from Dallas: I saw the screening last night in Dallas and left the theater feeling profoundly moved by this movie. From the story, directing and acting, this movie is what good story-telling should aspire to be. I don't see how anyone can watch this movie and not leave feeling somehow changed and challenged in their thoughts and beliefs on the hard realities of war mixed with feelings of American honor and d... Read more

Respond View Conversation Jason Knorr: I can't wait to see this film! I am a soldier in the 82nd Airborne on month 14 of a 15 month deployment to Afghanistan. I have served 8 years active duty and 4 years inactive duty and am currently stop lossed, in fact over 1/3 of my unit is stop lossed right now. It is my hope that this film will bring light to the American public as well as Congress in showing how unconstitutional stop loss is. T... Read more

Respond Laylatt: this is one of the most moving and amazing films i have ever seen. i recently look a class on cinema and war films and "stop loss" is the war movie of this generation- of this war. well done! can't wait to see it again opening night and watch as you win an academy award next year for best director

Respond Anna: Hey, I am so excited to see this film. I know I am going to ball my eyes out...My soldier is leaving may first for his second tour. I didn't know him during his first so I have no idea what to expect, but I am hoping this movie will help. Thank you to all the troops, this country and the people who support both...

Respond Former Soldier: I am so glad someone made a movie about this. The American Public needs to see this, and do something about it. My unit was stop loss-ed I saw my friends in my platoon crack the previous tour was my first but not theirs. I was stop-lossed and got pregnant they sent my husband to Iraq for a thrid tour and said I would be joining him after my daughter was born, and my father would care for her until... Read more

Respond Kyle Ashleman: ok in ten min of research on the net i know im going to love to movie! I'm sure its going to be a real eye opener to the U.S. population.But im sadden to say this may play a major roll in my life in the comming future! im presently awaiting the return of the one that may very well be the love of my life!! she is one of the few woman in a combat red zones in Iraq. she is a sragent major in the ar... Read more

Respond cj: being a soldier for 20 years this sept08 its really hard for me because this could happen to me for real because i get out with 20 great years may 2009 and my unit is scheduled for deployment right around that time so they can do it to me and i feel if you do twenty and been to 2 deployments in the past bosnia and desert storm/sheild they should give us old soldiers a choice and not make it so lim... Read more

Respond Joe: Hey this looks like a GREAT movie. I am only 15 so i can't see it without an adult. from what i can see though you did a great job in directing ad filming this movie.

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Re: Cassie V

Director Kimberly Peirce: CASSIE V- Thank you for making the drive from West Palm to Miami to see the film; I made the same drive the night before the Miami screening. It's long. I'm glad you came because of the actors and that you were touched by the story and that it had you thinking all day about the soldiers' courage. One of the things I have found most interesting in screening the movie across the country is that sold... Read more

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Re: Katie

Director Kimberly Peirce: KATIE, hope you are holding up well while your soldier has been gone this past year – you may want to check out Sharla and Lindsey's videos and comments on this site– they are both wives of soldiers who are abroad http://www.stoplossmovie.com/SoundOff/index.php?vid=10 and http://www.stoplossmovie.com/SoundOff/index.php?vid=8.

Other wives/girlfriends of soldiers who have watched the... Read more

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Re: Jen

Director Kimberly Peirce: Hi JEN. I sympathize with your situation. I interviewed so many wives and families who showed me what it was like to live with a soldier oversees. It must be so difficult- but the women I talked to somehow were strong and maintained a positive outlook. It's the biggest compliment to hear from people like you, and soldiers and to know that you are excited to see the film.

Respond Jon: This is an interview Kimberly Peirce did yesterday on CNN:

Respond CPL. Storrs's Girl: Hi, I can't wait to see this movie. My b/f was "Stop-Loss" this past November. It was hard on him and many of his buddies. It was hard on me just having the fact of him leaving. I know movies are movies and reality is reality, but I'm curious as to the story line of what occurs in your character's position when he gets stop-loss. In reality for my b/f and I, it has been rough. The separation for... Read more

Respond Jon: "[STOP-LOSS] is not anti-war, it is a pro-soldier movie," Kim Peirce says in this video I found while on CNN.com. Apparently Kim Peirce conducted an interview today on CNN. Check out her interview by going to the link. http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/showbiz/2008/03/11/intv.peirce.stop.loss.cnn

Respond Q: I attended the Houston screening of the film tonight. Although I'm not from a military family nor am I in the military like many of the brave soldiers on this site, I was brought to tears and was able to truly connect with the characters of this beautiful film. The performances of each of the actors were stellar. I absolutely can't wait to see it again when it hits theaters March 28th.

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Jen: Ive only seen previews of the movie...ive been in the army for 3 and a half years and just a few clips brings tears to my eyes. Its hard to explain to your loved ones on your feelings while being both in the army or being deployed. I LOVE how you capture the emotion of soldiers...when you first return from deployment its very hard to get back to "normal" life..i really appreciate you for doing t... Read more

Respond nancytanyao: were did you film the movie and what country.

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: Hello from ATLANTA. We are only 17 days away from our MARCH 28th opening. I am a little behind on posts due to the hectic travel, screening and press schedule as we approach release. Later today I will be posting recaps from PORTLAND, SAN FRANCISCO, SAN JOSE, USC in LOS ANGELES, and ATLANTA; in the meantime, I wanted to catch up on answering some of your questions and responding to some of your co... Read more

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Re: Tim Sweeney

Director Kimberly Peirce: TIM SWEENEY- thank you for your kind words, especially for saying it is “the most balanced look at a complex subject I’ve ever had the pleasure of viewing” and that it is something people should see – I am reposting your comment because I think it says this in a way more eloquently than I would:

“Hi Kimberley, I was at the Toronto showing tonight...and I LOVED your movie. I agree c... Read more

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Re: CPL WAYNE L CHARTIER III

Director Kimberly Peirce: CPL WAYNE L CHARTIER III -- Thanks for serving in Iraq and Afghanistan– You say, “I been diagnosed with PTSD and a Milde TBI- work is hard to find [and] I’m trying to go to college but life is hard. The army didn’t prepare me for this.” Sorry to hear you were stop lossed and that you're finding it hard to move on with your life. Can you tell us more about your experience with stop loss so we can b... Read more

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Re: MAsol

Director Kimberly Peirce: MASOL, thank you for writing in. Glad you were at the Boston screening – I really enjoyed talking with the audience afterwards – You say, “[STOP LOSS] was the most accurate portrayal of a soldier’s personal conflict regarding his duty and what is right.” I am happy to hear you think the film's portrayal is accurate. As I say in prior posts, it was important to all of us to get it right. Reid (my ... Read more

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Re: anon

Director Kimberly Peirce: ANON. Thank you to your spouse for serving and for you for helping him through it. I am glad you have not been affected by stop-loss. Thank you for reminding us of the hardships that multiple tours put on marriage and families. This is the thing I heard most often from the military wives I spoke with. You may want to checkout Sharla and Lindsey's moving videos on their SOUND OFF pages http://www.... Read more

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Re: Jay Oliver

Director Kimberly Peirce: JAY OLIVER – you say, “I have an older brother who is in Iraq serving in the Marine Corp right now with a wife and two baby girls at home. This is his second deployment. He was first deployed on Sept. 18, 2001, exactly one week after the terrorists attacks. My Sister got out of the Army two years ago, about six months after returning from Iraq, she became pregnant.” Thanks for writing in and thank... Read more

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Re: Amanda S.

Director Kimberly Peirce: AMANDA S thank you for your post and for pointing out that the movie is "showing the reality of the affected family members, the homefront, and the lifestyle that those of us in (or married to) the military have to endure..." and that this is a world most civilians don't see often – that's a lot of the reason I wanted to make the film.

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Re: n/a

Director Kimberly Peirce: N/A, thanks for serving and thanks for posting. I'm interested to hear that you were supposed to get out, but you were Stop-Lossed, so you got "pretty upset" but now you can't wait to get to Iraq and help with the mission – can you tell us some about the conditions of you're getting STOP-LOSSED, what about it made you "pretty upset," what did being "pretty upset" look like? How did you handle your... Read more

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Re: IT'S KURTZ

Director Kimberly Peirce: KURTZ. Thanks for posting on my section. How are you?

(For those of you who don't know who KURTZ is, he is an excellent marine who plays a soldier in our movie and helped train our actors. He was invaluable, for all the actors and especially to me and Joe (Joseph Gordon Levitt, who plays TOMMY BURGESS) in helping us to understand and portray some of the feelings (frustrations/desire... Read more

Respond Kelly: I found this great review. http://hangout.altsounds.com/reviews/95607-stop-loss.html

Respond Armywife: As soon as my husband saw the preview for this movie he was thrilled. Finally a movie that shows what can really happen when you sign up for the army. (He will deploy in the summer and was going to be stop-lossed for almost 8 months). No one ever realizes that once you sign that paper, they own you. They can keep you in for as long as they want. Luckily the unit that we are in most likely will not... Read more

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Re: KAZ

anon: You should be proud of your son for honoring his obligation to his country. Without soldiers like him, we could not be the great nation that we are...doing good all over the world.

Respond anon: I never was stop loss. I will doing my first tour in Iraq. In my contract, my ETS is 2031. Officially, it expires 14 Sept 2008, not going to happen if tours are 12 months. Just viewing the trailer has already hit home with me. God speed fellow soliders

Respond Elizabeth: I just wanted to say thanks again for taking the time for the MTVU interview in SF. It all happened so fast and I'm still not quite sure if I just imagined it. The experience meant a lot to me and couldn't have come at a more important time in my education. Thank you for making such a remarkable film that so beautifully tells the important and personal side of a soldier's story. Everyone needs to ... Read more

Respond anon: Hi Kim. I saw Stop Loss and thought it was incredible. It's so great to see a director dedicated to important subject matter. thx for being a great role model to aspiring filmakers.

Respond anon: Stop Loss is in every contract. The typical contracts are 4 years active and 4 years inactive ready reserve as an active duty military or 6 years active and 2 years inactive ready reserve time. All contracts are really for 8 years and stop loss just taps into either the 4 years inactive ready reserve for an active duty member or the 2 years inactive ready reserve for a reserve contract. The stop l... Read more

Respond Chrissie: So I have never written one of these before and actually am not quite sure what to say. My boyfriend is part of the USMC. He has completed two tours to Iraq and as of right now is set to return to Iraq this August or September of 2008. Interestingly enough, my boyfriend and I grew up around the corner from each other. He is someone that I have known all my life; we even dated in HS (he neve... Read more

Respond SPC U.S.ARMY NATINAL GUARD: I HAVE SERVED ALMOST 9 YEARS THIS MAY BUT WAS STOP LOSS THIS MONTH AND WILL BE GOING BACK TO IRAQ IN JUNE. THE FIRST TIME I WENT WAS IN 03 WHEN THE WAR STARTED. IM AFRAID OF WHAT IS TO COME BUT I FEEL LIKE I AM OBLIGATED TO SERVE MY COUNTRY WHEN THIS IS WHAT I CHOSE. I MAY HAVE NOT SEEN A LOT OF ACTION BUT I HAD MY FAIR SHARE OF SOME. I ADMIRE THOSE MOST ON THE FRONT LINES THAT PUT THEIR LIVES AT... Read more

Respond Riley: Hi Ms. Peirce. I also saw your movie at a screening at UofC and it's really refreshing to see someone with such a powerful directing style- someone who really does research. It comes through in your movie. I am going to take my friends opening night as I know buying tickets opening weekend is one of the best ways I can show my support for you and this film. Thank you.

Respond E: Hi Kim. I saw Stop Loss and thought it was an amazing movie. It's so great to see a successful woman in the overwhelmingly male business. You told me after the screening not to be intimidated and to focus on telling a good story and making my art and I wanted to let you know that meant a lot to me and you are really my role model. Thank you.

Respond 3rdyear: Hi Kimberly, I had the pleasure of seeing STOP LOSS at the U Chicago screening and speaking with you (I have framed the poster you signed for me). I love Boys Don't Cry and Stop Loss and just want to say thank you for making believable characters. Characters that are relatable even when their circumstances are far from mine.

Respond anon: its been since august since i have seen my husband who is currently serving over in iraq. And the time for him to come home is gettin closer and closer only about a month left. I just hope they dont take that away from him like they did his r&r!! it hard being on the other end!! but i will say i love being a military wife. can't wait to see the movie

Respond babs: When you're out there and ready to come back there is always that lingering feeling about whether or not you'll be sent back or kept there. Coming home is almost a tease for some of my closest friends. We either had to go into commissioning programs or transfer jobs to have some control over stop-lossing

Respond nicole: i so can't wait to see this movie my lil brother is in band at our school and he was sort of an xtra in the parade scene. he told me that they went to see a movie being made and they got to be some of the ppl to be at the parade so i'm totally stocked i know i prolly won't see him but I know that they were there. nicole

Respond Melissa: My brother in law is in the Marines and I can't wait to see this movie. I was wondeirng also about the soundtrack, I love the music on the trailer and can't figure out who is singing it! Thanks again and can't wait to see the movie! Melissa

Respond Mrs. Pagan: I can't wait to see this movie! My husband is in the army and was suppose to be getting out October 19th of this year... We found out last month that he will deploy to Iraq in November for 12 to 15 months. So yes, he will be stop-loss, he just came home from a 16 month deployment in Afghanistan in August. I just pray for the strength to get through this and that he will come home safe.

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Re: Mary Overgaard

ROBERT: There was a draft during the Korean War and Vietnam War so Stop-Loss in its current form did not apply.

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: 20 days until release on March 28

We’ve been on the road all week. We hit PORTLAND Monday, then went to SAN FRANCISCO, SAN JOSE and L.A. It was a fantastic week of screenings, press and Q/A's (which I'll talk about in a later post)

I am home grabbing a bit of rest before heading out for our next big week of screenings and Q/A's in ATLANTA, HOUSTON, DALLAS, AUSTIN (where we sh... Read more ot the movie), then back to LA.

I want to thank everyone again for all the great posts. I’m really touched by them. They are such a wonderful echo of so much of what we are discovering about the movie and audiences across America, that people want to see emotional/entertaining stories about soldiers -- about their relationships with one another in combat and upon coming home as well as their relationships with their families.

KRIS, thank for supporting soldiers and for posting here on the site. Kris’ husband is “an army reservist (pending med discharge this month),” she handles “her husband’s units' family readiness group.” I learned a lot about FRG, (family readiness group) from my own mother who relied on FRG while my brother was on deployment in Iraq as well as a great deal from other military family we interviewed around the country (for those of you who aren’t familiar, of the many things FRG does, they help families of soldiers to keep in touch with the soldiers while they are on deployment(sending letters and care packages, banners etc.); they disseminate information about the soldiers and the unit to the families, they help family members to deal with the fear and pain absences of their loved ones can cause when a soldier is away on deployment. They are such an important component of soldiers' lives and it's been fascinating and moving hearing their stories.

Please CHECKOUT videos (and comments) made by military wives LINDSEY and SHARLA

http://www.stoplossmovie.com/SoundOff/index.php?vid=10 http://www.stoplossmovie.com/SoundOff/index.php?vid=8

(if anyone wants to post more about FRG for our readers, please do). KRIS, yes, the movie like the trailer brings the audience inside the soldiers’ points of view -- showing how soldiers balance their love of the army with the effects of deployment and their desire to return to civilian life and their loved ones. Thank you for helping us to better understand the soldier's experience and how STOP LOSS affects soldiers and military families.

KP Hide more

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: DEVIN, thank you for serving 4 years and an additional 8 months and 2 days as well as a 2nd tour in Iraq due STOP-LOSS. I’m sorry Stop-Loss has contributed to taking such a toll on your home life and that you are facing a divorce with a child. That must be incredibly difficult. Good luck.

Thank you for posting and pointing out two important issues – one that additional deployments assoc... Read more

Respond PsyOp wife: My husband just returned from Iraq recently. It has been great to have him home. Despite the talk of his BN deploying again (too soon), he wouldn't think to shirk his responsibilities. I truly feel for those who have been treated unfairly due to stop-loss. Several of our soldiers were stop-lossed. It was hard on them and their families, but everyone sucked it up and went on. Life is never fa... Read more

Respond USArmyWife: The word Stop-Loss is a synonym for having the door slammed in your face. I am yet again without my husband. Our children are yet again with out their father. My husband is a patriot and a brave and prideful man, but after all that he has seen and been through, 8 months ago he was supposed to get out and we were going to buy a house, and have the girls go to public school and open our own business... Read more

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Re: a. jensen

anon: Some people have been stop-lossed for MUCH more than 8 years (try up to 25, after serving a full 6). Any contract which can be changed after signing is not worth the paper it is printed on.

Respond SGT U.S. Army: I am a Sergeant in the U.S. Army. I have been to Iraq and was stop lossed 7 months ago. I fulfilled my part of the bargain... what about theirs.I don't regret my decision to join in this time of war, and would do it all over again. I just wish it had been on better terms. I am really anxious to see how this movie turns out. Maybe it will shed some light on what most Americans don't know about.

Respond Charisa McKinney : im so excited for stop loss i cant even put it into words ive been waiting for what seems like forever! im sure it will be amazing.

Respond Andrianna: I viewed this film during a screening at a film class I am currently taking at USC. I was hesitant to watch the film as my brother just enlisted last October and is getting ready to be sent overseas. I was incredibly moved by the film and it made me realize how important it is for the soldiers to voice their opinions on what happened to them while they were deployed. There is a part in the movie w... Read more

Respond View Conversation Mary Overgaard: When did the stop loss clause first appear in military contracts? Was it used in WW II, the Korean conflict or Viet Nam? Has the definition of "war" ever been litigated? I wondered since to this day pundits still refer to Korea and Viet Nam as "conflicts" which I assume would have meant stop loss could not have been used.

Respond Terry Christensen: See this movie and go hear what Kimberly Pierce has to say about it if you get a chance. As many of the comments here indicate, this movie defies expectations in many ways. Stop Loss is free of the cliches and easy answers that we've come to expect from Hollywood movies. Pierce allows us to make our own observations and reach our own conclusions, exercising respectful constraint with her messag... Read more

Respond Scott: I will admit up front that I have not seen this movie and I do not know if I will. My son was stop-lossed after his first tour in Iraq, about 3 weeks before he was supposed to come home. He was killed in action in Baghdad the day before his second tour was supposed to end. Not only was his unit stop-lossed, they were hit with the 90 day extension. Director Peirce, I pray that you were sensitive ... Read more

Respond FreePopcorn: I was at the pre screening last night in San Jose (where because of delays free popcorn was handed out to all - even by the director!) and I noticed that in the movie, when the guys are on tour, they are nostaligic for their lovers. They have photos and videos of their girlfriends and it is done in a matter of fact way. "I have this waiting for me." Its clear (I dont think this spoils anything!... Read more

Respond Spc Cooper: Can't wait to see the movie once it comes to Oregon! Just got back from Iraq in August and am getting ready to have my 'Warbaby' that was made over there:) Proud to serve and proud to be an American Soldier in the U.S. Army

Respond Jimison: My wife and I haven't seen the movie yet. I don't get out of the house much anymore. I'm addicted to prescription pain medicine (fentanyl), clinically depressed, and physically disabled. I am this way because the Army broke its promise to treat me if injured on active duty. I've been home for close to a year paying for my care out of pocket. My condition has worsened. As well, the Army Natio... Read more

Respond James: Hi, saw the movie last night at a sneak preview after kind of a long wait in line and extended delay inside the theatre, but enjoyed the movie very much. I thought I was going to leave mad afterwards due to content and Q&A, but was pleasantly surprised. I served 6 years total duty in the Marine Corps and I am very patriotic and support our troops bigtime. I thought the movie was going to be pat... Read more

Respond anon: I hope this movie does justice to the real situation so many of us and our families have to face...

Respond anon: My husband just returned from his tour in Iraq late last year and then took terminal leave a month later. He is now officially out of the service and I can breath a sigh of relief. We saw a screening of this film in San Jose last night and it hit me hard... an eye-opening experience for us both actually. It's very difficult and painful to imagine if he had been subject to stop-loss. I think th... Read more

Respond View Conversation Patrick Gaebelein: I am prior service (ten years) US Army. All I can say is a military enlistment is a contract, the specifics of which are quite clearly spelled out. Read the fine print. The last thing we need is someone OUTSIDE the military, who never served, reacting to false media accounts. Stop-loss does exist. All soldiers know it exists. It is not a back-door draft, as all soldiers are volunteers and are awar... Read more

Respond Bobby: I just read about this movie. I am someone who was on terminal leave, then called back after 45 days to deploy for my second tour. I guess in this movie they decided to concentrate on the one percent that goes AWOL when they are called back. Thanks for making a movie about a diserter instead of the 99 percent of the people and families that deal with there loved ones returning to Iraq. I am ve... Read more

Respond Jose: I had an opportunity to go to the screening of Stop Loss in San Jose. I am a disabled Veteran, who did two tours in Viet-Nam. It was terrible being back home. I just couldn't wait to get back to Nam. The movie moved me deeply, the flash backs the crazy behavior (I sandbagged the walls inside of my house) had weapons in every window and doors. I was a mess, drank a lot, got in trouble with the l... Read more

Respond Channing Thomson: I saw the film last night in San Francisco and found it both entertaining and thought-provoking. We had a terrific q & a with director Peirce after the screening. I hope she is prepared for the onslaught of negative conservative reaction this film will receive when release. I think it is wise that she focussed on the topic of stop-loss rather than the war in general because this will keep the r... Read more

Respond anon: Hi Kimberly, I am grateful for your insightful, touching, & honest movie.Even though painful to watch it was great with all its complexities. On Tues. in San Francisco you made the comment about the soldiers all wanting to go back. It reminded me of a book called " The brain that changes itself by Norman Doidge". These guys are creating new supportive, helpful relationships and an opportunity to... Read more

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Re: KAZ

a. jensen: I, too, was stop-lossed because i was slotted to get out 2 months after 9/11 occurred. I feel I need to make you aware of a very important thing. Upon entering any branch it is part of the contract that you sign that says you agree to give up to 8 yrs to your service if the service so deems it. So you cant really say it is illegal when your son obviously signed the paperwork...I came in, in 94,... Read more

Respond Amy K.: As a member of the Armed Forces I am so glad there is a way for the civilians to see what actually goes on with service members and their families. I hope that this will influence the gov't in a good way. This was a great idea.

Respond Mark: Thanks for supporting the troops.

Respond Brandon T.: I am the real stop loss deal. Just got out. I never talked about my experience over there with my family. This movie really hits home. I been told this movie focuses on coming home and what its like to come back and then get shipped back out. Thats my story. I am going to see this movie.

Respond anon: As Prior service Army...I Will go see this movie because finally SOMEONE listened to us without questioning our integrity of our beliefs....All I have to say is HOOOOAHHHH!!!

Respond another kim: so can not wait to see this movie! After being active duty Army and serving in Iraq I know exactly how it feels and when I saw the trailer for this movie I was so excited to finally see a movie that isn't just about fighting the war. I will be there on opening night! Thank you!

Respond harmmin: i understand what its like...to get that phone call that their being extended. my fiancee got extended and will be home in bout a month. its hard.....and i cant wait to see this movie with him

Respond mrs. juanita rasuk: VICTOR RASUK, WILL YOU MARRY ME?!!?!?!??!?!?!? My last name is rodriguez like the character you play in sstoploss!

Respond Mrs. Clark: cant wait till your movie comes out... my husband is currently over seas and its a very hard life... i wish people would see that those guys arent doing it all alone... they have us that is helping them do it!!! im a very proud army wife!!!

Respond Genova Lee: Kimberly, I am a huge huge fan. I saw the film in San Francisco last night and it moved me to tears. I have been a loyal fan since "Boys don't cry". I can't wait to see the movie again and again in theaters. I went up to your assistant who said she has seen it 11 times and it's better each time she sees it and she loved it the first time. Also I just saw you/your company peirce pictures have a new... Read more

Respond Jess: damn! abbie is beautiful. i just have to say i've never seen such good websites for movies in my life. between the myspace, facebook, stoplossmovie.com and this, it's pretty incredible. i just saw all this new stuff was added today to stoplossmovie.com ...LOVE IT can i get a signed poster, PUHLEASSSEE Abbie Cor... Read more

Respond Annie: My husband and I just came home after a screening of Stop Loss, and I can't even explain the overwhelming emotion having sat through that movie. It seems so senseless that our country can (and will) force young men (and women) to return to a place of such pain, harm , and misery against their will. On the other hand, I feel as if the legislation is a small part of their commitment to the armed for... Read more

Respond MM: Really interesting interview with Katie Couric and a Stop Lossed soldier who speaks about his experience

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Respond Frm. Army SGT. Jimenez: I feel for your story, I myself was stop lossed, but flying our flag that way dishonors our sacrifice. I learned that living your life without the freedoms that people take for granted, ready to die because someone had to be there, that is sacrifice. That has become the standard for my life, that everything I do from now on be a step forward lest I become a failure. The chances of me getting kille... Read more

Respond anon: Me and my husband are going through this. He was supposed to get out june 14th but now thats the date he's supposed to deploy for iraq. It's his 2nd tour and he's only 21. On top of all that were due to have our baby girl next week and im now faced with the task of raising her by myself for possibly the next 2 years.

Respond Jimmy: Frankly, im wondering why someone will ever make a movie, in this way, about the military. I am an Iraq veteran and by the time i turned 21 had spent 6mo in theatre. When I deployed probably about 2/3 of my unit were hit with stoploss orders (We were deploying for over a year, a sufficent length of time to cover most peoples ETS). Some had small children, were married, had other jobs, had a good... Read more life back home. And Guess what happend? EVERYONE went. No one tried to get out of it. Sure people complained TO EACH OTHER, no one ran to the cameras and complained how the Army treatd them badly. Do you know why they didn't. Because they had a duty a job to do. Ask anyone who has been in the service for any lenghht of time, they will tell you will get dealt a bad hand occasionally. Guess what..news flash.. the army isnt college. Crap rolls at you and you have to deal with it. I mean for people who enlist for college money, do you honestly expect the military is not going to get their moneys worth? And guess what im not some poor person who enlisted because i had no other options. I enlisted at the age of 17, as a private, despite the fact that my parents are in the top 1% tax bracket and could have paid for any college I wanted to go too. So not everyone out their got hoodwinked by some back handed deal. And for the record the stoploss program was explained to me when I enlisted. Granted, not everyone out there, may have had someone go through their contract with them and explain everything, but thats why you READ the contract. Whenver i see this I am reminded by what those guys in Bastogne would have done when some Joe just uped and said "well my contracts up guess im outta here". The Army doesnt work that way for one simple reason..You cant fight that way, let alone win. When I was in Iraq, it was not fun, and I really woulndt want to go back. However, I recognize as does my wife that I have respnosibilites that I signed on to take as does every soldier who takes the oath. If I was called back up i would muster with my unit, complain to my buddies, and then continue on with the job at hand. Because that is what you do as a soldier, that is your function in life. The military has been good to me overall. I am now 23 own my home, drive a new car, and have a wonderful wife, and am not depended on my parents for anything, how many college students can say that. Very few. But to those of you who think a person who does this is some kind of hero, dont worry many others know that United States interests and citizens are defended with the barrel of an M-16 manned by young men and women who give thier lives to do it. Thats the nature of War. To give up everything you have for whatever the people of the United States ask you for. Sacrifice is the life of a soldier. So if you think that an individual should not have to go back. Man up and sign up and take their place. I did and you can to. Hide more

Respond View Conversation KAZ: my son was stop-loss. his 6 yrs was up jan 8th-08 but instead of being able to get out he will be leaving around the 15th of march for iraq.he has been active again scince 10-1-07. stoploss = forced overtime,by the way it is against the law is it not? just another case of the gov and leaders trying to fix their own mess. by down sizing the military by claims of it being a hi-tech force and we ... Read more

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Re: anon

Coop: Yeah, because someone who is 17, 18, or 19 even 20 knows to read the fine print. They trust the government and they aren't looking that far in the future!! They sign it with the intent of serving their country. Lord knows recruiters aren't making sure they know what they sign. IF they do get told to read it closely they probably aren't listening...they are 17, 18, 19 what do they know ... Read more

Respond Coop: I am waiting for my 8 years to be up. I have 6 months left in and can't wait to fulfill my obligation and move on. Looking back...who signs an 8 year contract that can change at any time??? A young person who has no idea where they will be in 8 years. When I joined I was 19 in college and totally excited to see the world and serve my country. Now 7 1/2 years later I have a husband, a care... Read more

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Re: anon

808: What an arrogant statement you made anon. Every soldier has a right to vent out steam, or even state their opinion how they feel about the situation they are going through. Calling him a "whiner" only proves that you are someone without understanding, or compassion. When a soldier has completed his full obligation to the military (including inactive reserves "reserves component"), he should not ... Read more fall in the lines of the stop loss policy "backdoor draft". The stop loss policy, is forcing a Soldier to "involuntarily" serve the military. There is a reason why they are ETS out of the military. Keep in mind for you brain washed people out there. The families of most of these soldiers are not taken care of, this comes from personal experience. It's enough that these Soldiers are ill treated themselves, but to treat their family as if they are just a number as well brings down their moral. To those who are thinking of enlisting, read your contract carefully. Under Section 9. It states that the contract can be changed at anytime by congress. Meaning just because you sign it, doesn't mean that the terms you agreed to are solid. It means without them putting on the original contract documenting the agreement, they can change it. This is where the government gets you. This is the claus in the contract you must pay attention to. Irregardless that you served more than 8yrs in the military giving you all the right not to fall in line for the stop loss, congress can say otherwise. So if you are willing to toss all your rights in the trash can, go ahead and sign the contract. If you are an officer stating that after 8yrs of serving the military (combination of active duty, reserve component) that these Soldiers where not put under stop loss, you are blaintly lying to your own country men. I have proof that they are, because I am married to a Soldier who has more than fully fulfilled all obligations to the Arm forces. By the way this is discluding those who are on Indef status. Those who are "indef" you are under the policy to be put under a stop loss. I feel for all of my fellow family members, and Soldiers who are going through a lot of hardships during this time. I would think out of appreciation for those who volunteered their lives to serve our country. The lease we could do is allow them to exit the military service after fulfilling their 8 yr obligation. Btw the back door draft is only there to make pretend that the numbers are up. If you think otherwise, then why do you need to enforce that policy? If the numbers are up, you wouldn't need a "backdoor draft". That's exactly what a stop loss is. Quit telling these people tall tales of your endless Bullsh*t, it's time to let the American people know the truth of this corrupt government. Don't bother responding to me to create a debate, because I will not acknowledge your ignorance on this subject. Hide more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Mother of a Stop-Loss Soldier in: As a Mother of an Infantry Soldier who is in Taji Iraq for 15 months, he was scheduled out and then Stop-Loss. It is hard to watch our young men go through these emotions. My son was not happy to go again, however, he left again with the 10th Mountain to do his duty and never wavering at the cost of his own life the emotions that his young wife goes through, or how is family is worried. Why is ... Read more

Respond Devin: I signed into Active Duty and was in Basic only three weeks after graduating from High School. My four year enlistment went by faster than I expected, but not before I spent an additional 8 months and 2 days due to my second deployment to Iraq. I did it proudly though, knowing that no-one could ever question my commitment to this country. But looking back now- I see that coming back sooner, be... Read more

Respond Kris: I just saw the trailer for this movie on TV and about started crying.Thank you so much for doing this movie. My husband is an army reservist(pending med discharge this month) and I handle his units family readiness group.I am so glad the general public will actually understand what stop loss means now. Many of the soldiers in my husbands unit have dealt with stop loss and I feel for each one of th... Read more

Respond anon: You don't speak for me or the great majority of soldiers. How about I don't make movies about spoiled hollywood pussies and you stop making lies. Sgt Coppes U.S. Army

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: Just finished a good, long week of screening the movie and talking to audiences and journalists in Toronto, Chicago and Minneapolis. I am writing as I head to PORTLAND, then SAN FRANCISCO, SAN JOSE and L.A. for more screenings.

I am touched by all the posts – by your anticipation of the film, your experiences and feelings about being stop-lossed, and the ensuing debate about the sto... Read more p-loss policy.

We made this movie to tell the emotional story of a patriotic American who signs up after 9/11 to protect his country -- who after completing his tours in Iraq, and coming home a war hero, attempts to put the war behind him and reassimilate into his community when he is stop-lossed and required to go back for another tour.

We wanted to get as deeply inside the soldier’s point of view, inside his relationships with the other soldiers he fights with and inside the points of view of his family so we could bring these characters and this story to life.

I have been drawn to this story of these young men and how getting stop-lossed challenges them and their families for some time now. So it’s fascinating to me, reading the comments here, on our Facebook (www.facebook.com/stoplossmovie) and our Myspace (www.myspace.com/stoplossmovie) pages, seeing just how potent this story and this issue is to so many Americans.

As I see it:

Those of you who support the Stop-Loss policy are fundamentally arguing that when someone enlists and signs a contract that has stop-loss in it (even if it’s in the fine print) he/she either knew or should have known what he/she was getting into and therefore should accept their next tour without complaining.

Those of you who question the use of the Stop Loss policy in this instance are arguing that Stop-Loss is being misused -- it should not be in the fine print of the contract, and as it is only supposed to be used in a time of “war,” and the president has declared the “war” over, stop loss exceeds the terms of the current contract. You have said “stop-loss recycles soldiers who’ve already done their time,” “it’s a back door draft,” and the result is it’s “wearing down the war machine,” (wearing down the soldiers, and their families).

Despite some posts suggesting that only one side of this argument is the “patriotic” one, I have seen there are patriots, pro-military and pro-soldier minded people on both sides of the issue.

More than 81,000 soldiers have been stop-lossed – countless more of their families and friends have been deeply affected. Regardless of the side they take, I am happy to see people, especially soldiers and their families, speaking up about their experiences concerning combat, homecoming and stop loss.

Sharing your first-hand accounts is helping to make people who don’t know about stop-loss more aware as I hope this movie will do. I think telling these stories is part of supporting our soldiers, understanding what they’re going through and therefore what we’re all going through.

Thank you so much for being a part of this discussion -- I can’t wait to read more of your posts.

We are now only 25 days away from release. Hide more

Respond anon: Thank you for bringing attention to the military policy I can only call a "back door draft." I served in Iraq with soldiers who had lived as civilians for nearly two years. They got called up as part of the Inactive Ready Reserve... and then held on active duty for 16 months.

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: On our way to PORTLAND. In addition to PORTLAND, this week we are going to SAN FRANCISCO, SAN JOSE and back to LOS ANGELOS to screen at UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. I wanted to let you know how last week’s tour stops went.

We took off from CHICAGO Thursday night. As we hovered in MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA airspace, about to land, our pilot announced, “In 20 years of airline fly... Read more

Respond Nikki : Thank you for making a movie about my life today. My husband has been put on a stop loss until at least July of 2009. His original ETS date was 3 January 2008. His brigade is currently training to go Afghanistan. Thank you for making "my life" a film. This is the reality of the Army Wives life these days.

Respond KLH: I am a soldier in the US Army, and someone who has been stop-lossed. I am anxious to see the movie. Although I don't like the policy it is something that thousands of soldiers have to deal with each year. A lot of people complain about the policy but do you hanestly think the army is going to spend that much money to train you to just let you go in a time of war instead of complaining about it whe... Read more

Respond Erica: My fiancee is currently in iraq. =( he has been stop lossed within this deployment, but will be out once he is home. hes been gone for 6 months now, and he comes home in december, god i cant wait for december to get here... for now, im just looking forward to this movie

Respond McNasty: I was stop lossed on Nov 23, 2003. My ETS was scheduled for Feb 2004. I fought it and won. Not because I was scared, but because I didn't believe in what we were doing in Iraq. I think this movie will be a great way to tell my brothers and my story. They told me I would fail after I left. Incase they're reading this, I never made under 45000 a year and now I make 6 figures.

Respond j: Check it out: Defense Secretary Robert Gates is trying to figure out how to end a military practice known as "stop loss." http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/5391141.html

Respond Lea: My husband is currently serving in Afghanistan on his 2nd tour for the Army. We have had this happen to a lot of our friends and are praying that when He gets out in 2 years that it won't happen to him 2! Thanks for making a movie about something real! I can't wait to see it!

Respond Harold: I was stop lossed for over a year! I was supposed to get out of the ARMY January of last year but since my company received orders to deploy to Iraq I had to go with them until we were done with our term there. So now I am out of the ARMY and ETS's last month. I was definitely against this since it delayed the time in which I could have been back in college already.

Respond ProudArmyWife: My husband just went back to Iraq after being home on leave for 2 weeks. He like the guys in this movie was one of the fortunate few that got stop lossed. I understand that it says in your contract that you owe so many days but give me a break. When you go to jail when they say its time to get out then its time to get out. It seems to me that our prison system has more respect for its immates ... Read more

Respond Peyton: I can't wait to see this film. You took another risk with a "Green" cast minius Ryan Phillippe. Looking forward to fabulous performances by Ryan and Channing Tatum. I just discovered Channing recently in a tween film and was hoping he would do more serious pieces. Glad to see it happening!

Respond BonJorno: I E.T.S. in May of this year, I just found out that this might be happening to me! TOO CRAZY!!! Let me just say this, Yes I signed the line and yes I have already done over a year across the pond, but when your time is up and you should be out end of discussion! Just because you have the title of U.S. Government that doesn't give you the right to pull a stunt like this!

Respond Phil Newman: I spent 11 years in the Marine Corps. Fought in the first Gulf War! I very much am looking fwd to this movie! The STOP LOSS program used by the military is nothing more than an illegal draft! Phil Newman

Respond Annie: I'm the daughter of a Viet era Vet as well a sister of a soldier currently serving. Yes he's been stop lossed. He's been to Iraq twice and most likely will see that hell again a few more times before he's out. Thank you for doing this movie! So many people have no clue what our men and women are doing over there. The pain it causes them when they return is unmatched. Say a prayer and keep your eye... Read more

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Re: anon

soldier's wife: I sure hope with an attitude like that that your on your way to Iraq. There are close to 4,000 empty slots that need filling. In fact my neighbor at Ft. Lewis was KIA in May and now they need another soldier in field artillery to take his place. The fact is stop loss is wrong. If you've served your time you should get out. Period. If more big mouthed arm-chair warriors would fight we wouldn't nee... Read more

Respond armychick: I just got back from my second tour in Iraq, soon will be going back for my third time. I just want to say remember those heroes we lost...Boys I'll never forget you!

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Re: Andrew

Get SOme: Grunts feel the brunt of the storm, we got admin guys complaining. You're absolutely right!!

Respond BOB: Being recalled after serving 4 years active duty isn' fun. However, when you enlist for active duty your contract is 4 years active and 4 inactive reserve. In reality you have an 8 year contract. I wonder if the moveie explains this fact. When you sign the document you should know what to expect. Granted its no picnic, I myself served recently in the USMC, but thats part of the deal. I guess I... Read more

Respond Roger Deming: served in Vietnam. Wounded three times. am always there for a soldier serving our country. take care and come home safe and sound.

Respond SEABEE IN ARMS: I think this is an important film, although I will leave to defend my country before it airs I just want others not in the military to understand this is just a glimpse of what a lot of "SERVICE MEMBERS" face and we do it for "YOU" the "AMERICAN PEOPLE". So please understand this and SUPPORT those who support your rights to have a normal every day free life. FREEDOM IS NOT REALLY FREE, OTHER DIE... Read more

Respond anon: Just wanted to bring to your attention that in the text of the link to this page, "dialogue" is spelled incorrectly. Sorry, English teacher, can't help it...

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Mel: I just wanted to add that I attended the screening of "Stop-Loss" at University of Chicago this past week. It is one of those films that stays with you after you long after you leave the theater. There was so much to think about. Having worked in 2 PTSD V.A. clinics, I was really struck by the relevance of the content of this film. It explained the realities and trauma of war while suspen... Read more

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Re: NL. Breeze

anon: We have a son who also was involved in the first wave in IRAQ, spent 4 years in, came out and two years later while attending graduate school gets called to serve again, and go back to IRAQ in a cobbled unit , which you have not trained with. Even if you are willing to give extra time later, they are unwilling to make any compromises, and constantly threaten. For those of us that love the milit... Read more

Respond Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans o: Great news from the Capitol about the GI Bill. After the 12,234 letters IAVA supporters sent to Congress, the 76 meetings IAVA Member Veterans held on Capitol Hill and dozens of letters-to-the-editors printed in newspapers nationwide, an updated version of the bill, which now includes equal benefits for those who served in the Reserves and National Guard, was introduced on the Senate floor yesterd... Read more

Respond jen: i just got to go to an advanced screening- it was so much better than i expected. i don't know anything about the military and it was a really strong film. abbie cornish should win an oscar for her performance, and ryan phillippe has never given such a good performance- after seeing this movie i can now say he is a talented actor in addition to being an utter hottie. joe gordon levit is so good to... Read more

Respond pratt: i just got done with my 11 month stop loss and got out the second i got back, stop loss is a bulshit policy, i never got an extra dollar when i signed up or when i got stop lost. stop loss used to be used to add a month or 2 to someones enlistment to outprocess them after a deployment, now its just an over abused way to add years to peoples enlistment. We all know the deal when we sign up about an... Read more

Respond princess kyla: i cant wait to see this movie...support da troops all da way..i can totally relate my boyfriend is in da united states army

Respond wayne: Finally a movie to explain things to others to understand my hardship.

Respond trina: my husband was supposed to ets in january and he was stop loss. we had a baby girl on oct 4 and he left exactly 3 weeks after that. he has already been in afghanistan once and now iraq. its really hard taking care of a brand new baby, keeping up with a brand new house and worrying about your husband overseas. i really hope this movie does a good job portraying the hardships that this causes famili... Read more

Respond anonymous: As a soldier in the Army that was stop-lossed for 507 days per the convenience of the government (that's what it said on all my paperwork anyways) I'm looking forward to seeing the movie. Hey, maybe it will be about me!

Respond Becky Lynn: As Prior service Army...I Will go see this movie because finally SOMEONE listened to us without questioning our integrity of our beliefs....All I have to say is HOOOOAHHHH!!!

Respond mikkl: Fianlly a movie worth watching!! Anyone who has been in the army since the 9-11 attacks can relate with this movie. The two soldiers that my unit lost in Iraq were a part of the stop loss program. Thank you Hollywood for producing a movie worth seeing...... And for getting Channing Tatum for one of the roles. I will definitely be going to watch this!!!!

Respond anon: I am looking forward to this movie and hopefully the media attention that it draws to how our nation's heroes are being used and abused by the government. My brother just got back from Iraq a few months ago and is supposed to be getting out of the Army towards the end of the year. He was looking forward to moving on with his life but the Army is already talking about giving him and others in his... Read more

Respond Christin Baker: Kimberly, I was at the U of C screening and was overwhelmed by the movie - but also by your comments during the Q&A. It was so moving to see how much time and care you took in making sure the voices and experiences of the soldiers were accurately reflected. Just as in the movie "Boys Don't Cry" your images and words are haunting and so real. I encourage anyone who has a chance to see this at a ... Read more

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: Hi. Thanks again for all the great posts.

We're in CHICAGO. It's been great so far – has brought me back to my days as an undergraduate here at the UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO. I've already had a few great run-ins. First, in the middle of the large screening at the University of Chicago last night, while doing the Q/A, I spotted one of my oldest friends, who I hadn’t seen in thirteen year... Read more s, sitting in the audience. Then, when I got back to my hotel, at like 10:45pm, I saw a small film crew sitting in the lobby and looked up to see an acquaintance of mine, the wonderful documentary maker, Barbara Koppel (Harlan County USA, Havoc, Woodstock '94, Wild Man Blues, American Dream, Beyond JFK etc.).

Although our original flight was cancelled because of bad weather, it's been beautiful since we've been here: cold, clear skies, great light and an amazing view of Chicago architecture and Lake Michigan, much like the view I had when I went to school here. I lived in The Shoreland Hotel (a U of C dorm).

Last night's screening was packed. There was a mix of students and older Hyde Park residents. As I described in my last posts, even though there is a commonality to the audience responses across America, each audience has had it's own feel.

People's questions last night reflected the academic environment here at U of C: during the Q/A we started joking that nearly everyone enumerated their questions- "I have three questions…" "I have two medium sized questions" "I have three short questions."

The audience was very drawn in by the film, and wanted to discuss the emotions of the film, the camaraderie, the fact that it was set in the Texas (which in many ways resembles Illinois), that it was working class, that it was so realistic. They wanted to know how I went about casting and making STOP-LOSS – specifically, how we shot the battle scenes and how the script changed from writing to making. Many had not heard of the STOP-LOSS policy and wanted to discuss it. They also wanted to know how soldiers had responded to the film.

Some people who stood up during the Q&A or who approached me afterwards were personally affected by the Iraq war. A group of veterans, lead by a woman vet stood up and said they were so thankful for the respectful and accurate portrayal of soldiers and soldiers’ families in the film. They said the film shed light on an important issue. They also said they were going to Washington in March to participate in Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan Eyewitness Accounts of the Occupations. (This event echoes the original "Winter Soldier" that occurred in 1971).

One woman who is military family spoke to me about her experience treating vets with PTSD. She said the film is incredibly important and accurate in portraying some of the struggles soldiers face when coming home to their families and loved ones after a tour.

Today I am doing press. I want to share something very sad: I was just interviewed by a man whose nephew was killed on a third tour because he was STOP-LOSSED.

Everyone I am talking to is moved that stop-lossed soldiers are writing on the website and that families and friends of stop-lossed soldiers are posting as well. I can't tell you how much this means to me and to the people who I've spoken with who are reading your stories around the country.

If you have any questions or comments about the Chicago screening please post on this site.

Later today we're off to MINNEAPOLIS.

Xx kp Hide more

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Re: anon

Liz: Its true deployments never end becuase there is pain there that you both experience. I misscarried our first child on his last deployment and I was sooo angry for the longest time. What people and even some troops don't relize fully is the effect these combat deployments have on the loved ones and families of these troops. My fiancee wants to go back but sometimes he doesn't fully understand why I... Read more

Respond anon: Could you make the wonderful stills available on a dvd, cd, or on the internet along with the accompanying sound track. it was great.

Respond louis guadarrama: I enjoyed your film so much. One thing I'm not sure of is which scenes, if any, of the beginning of the film, are real, that is, made by GI's?

Respond Dustin Zimmerman: Just seen the film last night at the University of Chicago. It was great. The film could almost fit into a documentary category. I think the overall point you were trying to get across came out clear, so well done!!!

Respond Jerica: I just saw the movie at UIC, and I loved it! It was an inspirational and moving film. I don't personally know anyone who is fighting in the war, so this movie really opened my eyes to what might really be going on in Iraq. Thank you for making such a great film!

Respond Christian: I just saw the film in Chicago; I'd like to say it was fantastic. The imagery and emotion of the film are raw and in my opinion unparalleled in films of this nature. Thank you for making such a great movie. I think your work is amazing. Thank you for making solid movies about real issues. Sincerely

Respond Christian: Is not your opinion one sided. Your wife is a soldier, but you are not. Kimberly Pierce has done the research, have you? Majority of soldiers are male; she made a movie from the soldiers' perspective, a very good movie. There is no reason to bash the movie, calling it irresponsible, is wrong. Also, what would make you think she was cashing in? Movies about the Iraq War are notorious for behaving p... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: Just wrapping up in TORONTO with my actors RYAN (PHILLIPPE) and VICTOR (RASUK). It was great being here with the guys.

Thanks again for the great posts, especially from soldiers who have been STOP-LOSSED, and the wives, husbands and families that are dealing with their soldier being STOP-LOSSED. It’s incredibly moving hearing your stories. I’m looking forward to having more time to ... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: Annie

anon: This one's my personal favorite:

Channing Tatum in Promotional Photos for 'Stop-Loss'

Respond View Conversation anon: One of the big scenes in the trailer was this soldier whining "I honored my contract, why won't the Army honor their's?" Did this moron (or any of the others) read the part in their contract that says, in time of war, when you enlist, you are in until 6 months after the war is over, or until the President says you can get out?

Respond Abioseh: How long will we try to force our ideals onto other nations and people? How many nations have been destroyed and will we continue to destroy in the process? How is that we think we can change a people's way of thinking with violence? How many soldiers have sacrificed for the spreading of these ideals, mentally and physically? How good are our ideals, if this is our means of spreadin... Read more

Respond Jennifer: I went to the Toronto screening and I just wanted to say the movie was great. It was a pleasure listening to you, Victor and Ryan speak afterwards as well. It definitely gives Canadian's another perspective! Thank you.

Respond anon: Thank you for finally making a movie that encompass a different side of the Army. I was for the initial invasion in Operation Iraqi Freedom I and come home safe, my contracted ended and I was going to start my new life with a baby girl on the way and then I got the stop-loss order that involuntarily extended me for 15 months to go back to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III. I saw my ... Read more

Respond View Conversation Annie: Did anyone see this photos of the cast? Uhhh....Hot!

Respond Stephanie: Thank you, Kimberly, for making this film and for bringing it to Toronto. I am an American living in Canada for the past six years, and while some Canadians were intially upset that the government did not send troops to support the US in Iraq, I think now they are grateful. Iraq is somewhat of a mystery to those here - it's often perceived as "typical American warmongering," however, when I go hom... Read more

Respond anon: As a Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, While I disagree with the stop-loss system as it currently stands; however, it seems as though the way that Ryan Phillippe's character in the movie chooses to respond to it is by going AWOL. In the short-term, it may seem like a temporary solution, but the long term consequences can be terrible as well. It's bad enough for soldier to be stop-lossed. I k... Read more

Respond Trina : hello! i am really glad that this movie is coming out. my husband was supposed to ETS in january and was stop-lossed. we got married, bought our 1st home and recently had a baby girl in oct 2007. my husband left when our daughter was only 3 weeks old. this is his second deployment, the 1st one in afghanistan. it is so hard raising a newborn and taking care of a new house at the same time w... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Tim Sweeney: Hi Kimberley, I was at the Toronto showing tonight...and I LOVED your movie. I agree completely with the guy near the front who commented about the typical hollywood (or independent for that matter) movie being either patriotic or a "protest movie", and your movie was probably the most balanced look at a complex subject I've ever had the pleasure of viewing. I must admit, I was completely absorbe... Read more

Respond SGT Shapard: HA HA HA HA THIS MY LIFE STORY!!! LOL And I cant go and see it because I will be stop lossed!!! lol

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: Hello from Toronto. It’s cold and snowy. We’re at the halfway point – this is our 11th (So far we’ve been to Phoenix, Berkley, New York, Columbus, Madison, Boulder, Seattle, San Diego, Miami, Boston) of 22 cities leading up to release on MARCH 28th.

Victor Rasuk who plays soldier Rico Rodriguez and Ryan Phillipe who plays Sgt. Brandon King are with me.

Congratulat... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: Rebecca

Director Kimberly Peirce: REBECCA, thank you for writing in. As I say in prior posts, this was a passion project for many of us – from Reid (my research partner) and I who are both military family to our entire cast and crew, some of whom are military family, some of whom are soldiers. We interviewed soldiers and soldiers' families to understand why soldiers were signing up, what their experiences in combat were and what t... Read more

Respond Retired CSM: Duty, Honor, Country! Shouldn't be any questions here! How many Americans say "not me or mine"? If not you........WHO? Good people sleep peacefully in their beds at night because rough men and women stand ready to do violence on their behalf....... Orson Wells Thank God for the patriot few!

Respond Matt: So... what message are you trying to convey here? i.e: What statement are you trying to make with this movie?

Respond Robert: As a current active duty army sergeant I have seen the effects of stop loss a few times. And I just know I will be stop lossed within the next year. I just found out this morning that I am to report to a new unit which is gearing up for deployment. They will be leaving in about a year and will be gone for 1 year and a half. I am soposed to get out of the army completly in about a year and a ha... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: anon

Sam P.: That's actually pretty interesting...paralleling the opinions of gamers on military policy. Especially when you consider how the two skills can coincide (...gaming, and new-age military technology). I've even seen some recruiting ads where they make joining/fighting in the military seem like one giant video game.

Respond Carina Chesko: This movie is a complete documentary of my life right now. My husband got stop-lossed 6 days before he was to get out of the army for good. The sent him back to Iraq after he had completed a previous deployment to Afghanistan. We're expecting our first child in June and he's missing so much. Thank you for making a movie that shows the hardships we go through.

Respond View Conversation anon: I'm the wife of a soldier who came back from Iraq almost two years ago. The trailer for this movie made me cry because there's a good chance he could be stop-lossed as well. During the time he was away, I lost a parent to cancer and I lost my job. If this movie does anything, I hope it expresses how a deployment never truly ends.

Respond regtried: Hey! This is emma! hows the movie? Are you coming to boston? Or did you? Are you having any premeirs? Hows Sheeri, your mom? Hows Brett? I hope there all doing good!

Respond Rev. David: Thank you for making this movie. This ia an all to common reality for all military. Thye serve their time and the military wants more. We honor our contracts and the military takes more. I'm an Afghan Vet. And I've seen my fair share of this. When will you all see that this is a bogus war and that our soldiers, marines, sailors, and air-men are dying for no reason? Iraq doesn't want us the... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

anon: This type of movie promotes people to think about doing things that have taken place in it. This country has done everything to prevent a draft and instead has used "Stop Loss" as another way to help our armed services with attrition. By using people that have already served and been trained. Hence NOT having a draft and saving multi billions of dollars to train and equip these people from a draft... Read more

Respond 19Delta Cavalry Scout: You know it's funny to hear all the different comment about stop lost aand how it affects us as Soldiers. But it's so true. Most of the time i notcie that solders's as myslf have to sike themselves up to believe that is really a purpose for all this. I what we sighened up for, we knew it would happen. yes both of these are ture in a way. I'm only one voice and everyone has their own opinion. at fi... Read more

Respond anon:

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Respond View Conversation anon: Looks like the word on stop loss is getting out there... on spiketv.com and mtv.com theres links to videos where people are being asked what they think about stop loss and what their idea of patriotism is. i've included two examples

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: Continuing the post from below…

We arrived at BOSTON’s REGAL FENWAY THEATER (from MIAMI) on Wednesday night in time for the screening and Q/A– it’s been really interesting seeing how audiences vary across the country:

SEATTLE tended to be artsy and young; SAN DIEGO was heavily military with Iraq vets and military family as well as college students; MIAMI had ROTC, a... Read more lot of people between 17-20, and was about 50% Latin; BOSTON was mostly military family, vets from other wars (WWII, Vietnam) and college students. (I learned that the greater Boston area contains more colleges and universities in that sized area than anywhere else in the world.)

After the Q&A in BOSTON, people patiently waited to tell me about their experiences and reactions to the film. I appreciated their praise and willingness to share their stories. I will be posting videos from this and other screenings so you can hear the accounts for yourself. In the meantime, I’ll give you an idea of what they said:

One 19 year-old girl who’s brother had just enlisted, and who had no other access to soldiers/military community, thanked us for making the movie, because as she said, it opened her eyes to what he and her family might be going through. She added that the movie inspired her to become more involved in her brother’s life as a soldier.

An Air Force vet who’s father fought in Vietnam spoke of the importance of camaraderie- saying that the camaraderie he saw at the core of our film resonated with his experiences in the military, and that he appreciated the film’s portrayal of the challenges of returning to civilian life, which he saw in many of his comrades- trying to integrate with their families, dealing with alcoholism, etc.

Two girls from the Navy, who are actually now pursuing careers in writing/film, spoke of the similarities between the movie and their own experiences. One of the girls who had left the Navy because of work-related injuries and had to relearn to walk, spoke of wishing she could return to her life in the navy (which echoes the group of WOUNDED WARRIORS in San Diego who also said they’d return to combat if they could.)These girls from the Navy explained that sometimes members of the Navy are given Army training and sent to fight in Iraq and that some of their comrades had been subjected to “Stop Loss” under a different name.

Finally, a vet who fought in WWII said he agreed with one of our characters in the movie – Sgt. Shriver, played by Channing Tatum who says that if we’re gonna be over there [in Iraq], we should fight it to win it, and drop a bomb on their city every time they hit us. It was fascinating to hear his strong point of view and to see the resulting hush in the audience. I look forward to continuing to post from the tour and reading your comments and questions. Hide more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: Hello from my seat on the plane – we’re about to take off from BOSTON for LOS ANGELOS.

I’m a little behind on posts.

This week we were in Miami and Boston.

First I’ll tell you about our experiences in MIAMI, FL then get to BOSTON. I’m from Miami (went to elementary, Jr. High and High School there (South Miami and Sunset)). My family came to the screenin... Read more g in droves. The girls, including my sister, Pilar, gushed over Victor Rasuk, who plays Private Rico Rodriguez. I drank delicious café con leche and heard a lot of Spanish, which was refreshing because I grew up hearing a lot of it. I had a blast with Victor who, along with Ryan Phillipe, is joining me on Monday in TORONTO.

50% of the audience in Miami was Latin…mainly comprised of 17-25 year-old students from University of Miami, Florida International University, Miami Dade College, Sunset Senior High, Varella Sr. High, Nova High, Fergusson High, Braddock Senior High, and South Dade Senior High. We were told only a handful of the people in the audience didn’t speak Spanish.

On the way to the theater (the AMC SUNSET) I rode with Victor. I told him that the audience always laughed at this one line where his character, Private Rico Rodriguez, tells his Sergeant, Brandon King (played by Ryan Phillipe) that he (Rico) would return to fight in Iraq, because if he got killed, his whole family would get Green Cards. I told Victor I was always intrigued by the laughter – and wanted to know why they laughed. The best I could come up with was that they laughed because it was awkward and uncomfortable for people to hear someone talk so frankly about returning to battle in order to get killed for his family’s benefit. We got to the screening and we got the loudest laugh yet.

So during the Q/A, I asked “why?” And one girl explained – we are Latinos/Latinas – immigration is always on our mind -- the scene struck a nerve of familiarity, of something we are used to making jokes about. So we laughed. She added that it was great to see a Latin character in such a positive light. It was nice to understand this line and this aspect of the story through a new lens.

While MY concern had been the immigration line – Victor’s had been the girls. On the way to the theater, he confided that the girls would be “all about Channing.” I didn’t doubt it. The girls LOVE Channing. And there certainly were a number of girls who couldn’t stop talking about him – asking what it was like to work with him and asking if they wrote to him on SOUNDOFF would he read it, BUT, after the screening, the girls commented on how sexy and hot ALL the boys are, including Victor. Then many people in the audience, mostly girls, lined up to get autographs and pictures with Victor. Hide more

Respond View Conversation CPL WAYNE L CHARTIER III: This really hits home for me i been stoplossed twice fo riraq and afgan. I've been in the army since 2000 since i got out of active duty i been diagniosed with PTSD and a Mild TBI work is hard to find im tryin gto go to college but life is hard. The army didnt prepare me for this....! If any body can help me thank you.

Respond View Conversation MAsol: I saw this film last night in Boston. It was the most accurate portrayal of a soldier's personal conflict regarding his duty and what is right.

Respond Dean Davis: My wife is a soldier, and I want people to realize that this film is pretty one sided. There are only a handful of soldiers opinions about this subject. Kimberly Pierce is just as irresponsible as Michael Moore, but she probably couldn't help her self by cashing in on this anti-American cash cow. I have seen that Kimberly deletes all post's that have differing views, so that should tell you how on... Read more

Respond Jack G.: I must say this movie looks really interesting and looks real. As I watch how depressing the previews are it saddens me thinking of our U.S. Soldiers sacrificing their lives for us. We love you all and can't wait for you to return home to us. God Bless you all.

Respond View Conversation Cassie V: I saw the film last night at the Miami screening and I enjoyed it. I think it was worth the drive from West Palm. I wanted to see it because I like the actors in the film, but the story really touched me. The story had me thinking about the soldiers all day today and how much courage they have going over there. I'm glad some of their stories are being shown this way. God Bless.

Respond View Conversation Rebecca: THANK YOU for telling the truth behind the life of a soldier. My husband was home for ten months before he left again last year and this time for fifteen months and when we think of our future we know that stop loss is very possible. Already on the trailer I see scenes that I can identify-- like when his girl says I can't go another year without him touching my face and the song by Snow Patrol i... Read more

Respond View Conversation Katie: My soldier has been in Iraq for the past year and is due to come home this summer... would you suggest someone in my situation see this movie or wait until our loved ones are home?? I look forward to seeing it. God Bless

Respond Phonographfilms.com: Kimberly, Congratulations again on making such an important film. I am honored to have Phonographfilms.com been able to co-present the Miami preview and to reach out to the student bodies at UM, MDC and FIU. STOP-LOSS is an eloquent essay on the reality of men and women who have served. It is a complex reality that has not had its due representation in our media. Despite of anyone's polit... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: Jennie

Josh S.: Hi, Jennie. I know...I haven't been able to stay away from this site, since I first came across it, either!!! Based on what I've seen from the couple of trailers, this should look awesome on the big screen. And best of all...it'll make even more people aware of the SL policy. And, that's definitely a good thing!!

Respond Ada: I was at the AMC SUNSET in MIAMI, FL last night. I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to see your new film. I can't take the end shot of Brandon/Ryan out of my mind... a truly amazing thought-provoking film you've brought to us - can't wait to see it again. I kept thinking that making a film must be like giving birth ... with STOP LOSS, you should be very proud of your offspring. :)

Respond Bruce: I saw Stop-Loss at the Miami screening last night. Stop-Loss was a terrific piece of work. For me it was very intense, gripping and brutally real...but with a very personal story line involving the 3 leads. I am sure it will be very well received.

Respond MIAMI ROVING REPORTER: BREAKING NEWS: Girls Gone Crazy in Miami for STOP LOSS Boys

In a recent incident at a Miami AMC theater screening of STOP LOSS, actor Victor Rasuk was accosted by gushing girls.

At 9pm on a tepid Tuesday night, we entered a local Miami AMC theatre to find screaming fans. They accosted Victor Rasuk, giving him their phone numbers in masses. Kimberly Peirce says Vi... Read more

Respond Pilar Rodriguez: I really enjoyed the movie. The movie really made me understand what was happening to our soldiers in Iraq. I think it's great that you tell the truth. I am so proud of you!! Love, your little sis Pilar

Respond View Conversation

Re: DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE

DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: Hello from MIAMI- up early doing press. Screening went great last night. Victor Rasuk, who plays soldier Rico Rodriguez was with me. Will post later.

A wife of a wounded soldier and a veteran herself was kind enough to contact me privately to ask me to not put quotes around "wounded warriors," because it could be insulting. It’s so great this woman wrote me because this sort of dia... Read more

Respond View Conversation DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: Hello from MIAMI.

THANKS so much for all the GREAT posts.

Sorry I have not posted in a week. We are on our press/publicity/college tour. The tour is going amazing. We are meeting many wonderful people and hearing many great and important stories. Its just been hard getting time to post, but I have been reading everything every day (and have been so moved by your posts... Read more and comments).

First we went to SEATTLE - what a beautiful city, right on the water. Gorgeous dark blue silver clouds hung over the sky. We have some great photos. We screened the film at a great old theatre and had a wonderful reception. I'd love to go back.

Then we went to SAN DIEGO - a pretty heavy military town, with Camp Pendelton and the Navy Seals’ base at Coronado. In fact, Sargeant Major Jim Dever, 25 years in the MARINES, our military advisor (who has done amazing work on so many aspects of the military including advising on Clint Eastwood’s films as well as advising on the CALL OF DUTY video games, and handling many of the funerals at ARLINGTON for a number of years) lives in San Diego. It was great sharing the movie with the military community. We were fortunate to have both college students, and Iraq and Afghanistan Vets attend our screening in SAN DIEGO-

Mike, a 3 tour Iraq vet, thanked us for "getting it right," and opened up about his experiences, fears, and desire to go back to fight because "it's hard adjusting to life back home." He expressed the same deep camaraderie for the men he was in combat with that we've found in interviewing other soldiers and he expressed the same longing upon coming home to preserve the intensity of those relationships despite the challenges that being away from combat presents. He said he is looking forward to his next tour.

We were also very fortunate to have a number of "wounded warriors" and Bob Zimmerman who works with the "wounded warriors," attend the screening. (The strength and bravery these guys exhibit is astounding to me). They too were kind enough to share their personal stories. One soldier in particular told us how he had been injured – it was after a long tour, about a week before they were supposed to return to the states from fighting in Iraq. One of the men under his charge accidently discharged his weapon, killing one soldier and injuring the soldier who was speaking. The amazing thing about this soldier's story and his attitude was that rather than blame the soldier who discharged his weapon or be angry with him, THIS soldier said he felt he could have done more to have protected all his men by reminding them how close they were to coming home and how important it was to be careful. This soldier said he would go back into combat if he could. If he is reading this, please contact me or write in. Bob has asked that we bring some of the guys to the premiere and I am doing everything I can to get these guys in.

Audience members were incredibly receptive -- they asked amazing questions and commented on the authenticity of the film – a woman who's family has served in the military for many years came up to me after the screening and thanked us for portraying the military life with dignity. Her reaction and the reaction of soldiers and soldier's families means a tremendous amount to me for a few reasons –

As military family I feel an obligation to get this right, but also because these are real stories impacting real people in our society, I feel an additional obligation towards the soldiers, the soldiers’ families, and all of us. I know my incredible creative team (from the soldiers and military advisors who helped us, to the soldiers and soldier’s families we interviewed to my collaborators: Reid Carolin, co-writer Mark Richard, DP Chris Menges, Editor Claire Simpson, Production Designer, David Wasco, my brother, my mother and our Producer, Scott Rudin and the many other people who contributed to this film) took this on as a passion project, and feel just as responsible as I do.

After SEATTLE and SAN DIEGO, I suddenly had to reroute on Valentine’s Day (which meant celebrating it in the lounge - it can be done) to take the re-eye to NYC to do a photo shoot the next day with the wonderful LOU REED for INTERVIEW MAGAZINE. I am a big fan of INTERVIEW and its great editor INGRID SICHY so that was a real pleasure and honor. I did a quick stop in West Palm Beach to see some of my family, before heading to where I am now, in MIAMI for a screening, a Q/A and lots of press before heading to BOSTON.

I am looking forward to posting pictures and videos from the road in the next few weeks. And will post more frequently so the posts are shorter and I can start getting back to all of you.

xx kp Hide more

Respond Jaimee Peirce: The trailer gave me chills! I love that you can seek the truth, find it and creatively express it to the world. Love my sister!

Respond John Q: To the soldiers that have posted on here before me. I would like to say thank you for your service. I hope to see this film in my area when it comes out. I myself have not been in the service. My dad was a two tour vet of Nam along wiht his 8 brothers and his father was a two tour WWII vet as well. I myself was stopped at meps because of my health. I do do fund raiser's in my area to send things o... Read more

Respond nin1990: USMC does it better!

Respond sapper21g: thanks for finally making a movie to bring this to light. we(my unit) just got back from a deployment to afghanistan, where we had 15 or so guys stop-lossed in order to deploy. now that we're back i'm getting ready for my stop-loss in order to deploy to iraq here later this year. i have 12months left time in service, but will be delayed for approx. another 9 or more in order to deploy. movies loo... Read more

Respond dustin: i was set to get out in january of '06. my unit was set to deploy in nov. '05 i got stop lossed and was sent to Iraq for my second tour. there were times that i though i wouldnt make it home alive because of the mission i was there for. the only good thing that came from being stop lossed for a year and some change was that when i got back i was a month shy of the 8 yr mark. once i got out the mil... Read more

Respond View Conversation Jennie: I viewed this whole website and have been following the making of this movie since it started. I love the story and can't wait to see the it on the big screen. I am be a bit biased as my son Marshall is one of the extras, but this is still going to be one for the history books.

Respond Robert Kerley: I just watched the "Myspace-promoted Trailer" of "Stop-Loss." It appears, from the trailer, that this film will connect well with many American enlistees, as well as their family members and other associated individuals. However, the trailer paints a portrait of modern-day humans locked into some type of late 1960's-era worldview. The trailer leaves me not being able to help but believe t... Read more

Respond Mando: Hi, My name is Mando I am 30 years old and always wanted to join the Army... I've been way overweight almost all of my life... I never did anything in my life to be proud of... I also never did anything to make my parents proud... My little sister became a Police Officer and my mother cried during the graduation ceremony... and it made me cry cause I was suppose to be the one in my sister's shoes... Read more

Respond SPC ****,John: I to have become the awnser to low volunteers and rising report dates i have felt this but still have signed on for another tour and am proud to do it i know a friend who was a week out and was stopped for 15 months but to everyone i do it because i enjoy it thanks for everything and everyones support especially yours america

Respond Natalie: Thank you people need to know what really happens and why soldiers do some of the things that people don't understand. Thank you for your support!! -Soldiers In Idaho

Respond Clint Royal: Thanks for doing this video,later on in the future i will be in the armed services as a firefighter,i'm a junior firefighter now,but i look forwrad to seeing this video,thank you.

Respond Brownwood Human Rights Committee: Thank you to everyone involved in getting this very important issue to the screen. This dialogue is needed from the smallest rural towns to our Nations largest towns. We will eagerly await Stop-Loss to hit the screens Deep in the Heart of Texas !

Respond anon: I have seen the preview and it had scared me because the STOP-LOSS policy is real and active in the US military. STOP-LOSS is unfair. My son was given STOP-LOSS orders, last Friday, 16 days before he was due to leave the military. He is trying to fight the policy but to no avail.

Respond pv2 seaver: im in iraq right now and when i return to the states i will have a about a year left to go until my unit deploys again at which point i will most likely be stop loss'ed

Respond PV2 DEMING: THIS IS A GREAT MOVIE FOR ALL THE CIVILIANS WHO DONT KNOW WHAT STOP-LOSS IS. THIS IS A GREAT MOVIE TO SHOW THE SUPPORT FOR YOUR COUNTRY. MILITARY SOLDIERS SHOULD GET TO VIEW THIS FOR FREE

Respond cammmo.org: thanks for not being afraid to tell this story. patriotism is alive and well, in this the greatest country ever. admin@cammmo.org

Respond Bob Zimmerman: Kimberly, I participated in your Q&A in San Diego. I had a few wounded warriors with me for the screening. I would love the opportunity to bring a few troops to Hollywood for the World Premiere of this most excellent film. Again, thank you for making this film, it is so powerful. I gave you my business card, if you've got space for the premiere, I've got troops.

Respond Drew: I am an Iraq Veteran Against War, six years in the Army and one tour to Iraq in 2003. It encourages me that challenging the endless requirements that the military is asking of us is entering pop culture. Bring US home!

Respond SPC. Tomolonis, Karl: I really appreciate the fact the you are getting this out in the open. Because not alot of people know what Stop-Loss, Stop-Movement is. I came under stop-loss by a week and got deployed to Iraq for a year.

Respond patrick : Stop-loss is one of the best sites i have browse into on internet. thank you for what you are doing. you are 'very fantastic. keep it up.

Respond D: Just went to the screening in San Diego and I thought the Q&A was really fascinating. I've never seen a soldier talk about his experience before, and at this screening two soldiers gave long, really heartfelt, detailed testimonies on their experiences in Iraq and coming home. It was amazing to see the actual people who are fighting in this war. I really encourage you to see this film- as the soldi... Read more

Respond Spc. Jay E Rogers US Army: I dont know how positive, or negative the light is that you cast on the Phillipe charecter, but I know that you will be villified either way. There is such a "with us or against us" mentality that goes with this war. the problem is that it isnt a matter of with us or against us. The soldiers who go UA or AWOL arent bad people or Good. They each have their own reasons for making life altering decis... Read more

Respond Mary Cuevas: Dear Ms. Pierce, I just read that you are going on a publicity tour. Please have your publicity "peeps" get in touch with Warren Olney or his producers over at KCRW in Santa Monica. Mr. Olney's show, "To the Point," is syndicated and aired nationwide now. He is an award winning and well-respected journalist. I have his email and am going to email him about this very moving website. The v... Read more

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Re: anon

Mary Cuevas: Hi anon, I am so glad you posted that comment. I wish you a safe return. Please speak out when you get home. Mainstream media may ignore you. But college radio stations and public radio may listen to you. We have to keep reminding folks of what is really going on and the blind nationalism that is leading them to do the things you do while out on missions. KPFK is the station here in the LA a... Read more

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Re: Stacy

Mary Cuevas: I am so sorry for your loss. Just plain madness

Respond View Conversation

Re: matt

Frederick: Hey, matt! First off, thanks for your service...we are all very proud and appreciate what you did/do for our country!! I agree with you about the good that I think will come from this film...at the very least...the level of awareness that this film should help to create. I mean, aside from the general public...there are even a few service member buddies of mine who are active, yet aren't even c... Read more

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Re: Sgt. Smith

Shawn Spartan: Hooah Sgt. Smith, and Godspeed!

Respond Shawn Spartan: This movie looks great, but it shouldn't be cast in a positive light that a soldier is going AWOL. Regardless of how terrible stop loss is, it's either that or the draft. People constantly complain about what the military is doing, yet no one seems to have the courage to step up and do something about it. During peace time everyone enlists, but now that we are in war, no one wants to join, what is... Read more

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Re: anon

DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: HOOAH!

Respond View Conversation matt: thank you so much! i am a veteran of the iraq campaign and i was almost stop-lossed for another tour. its about time that this was brought to the peoples attention. many americans dont know what stop-loss is, and they should know what the government is doing to their heroes. thank you

Respond Danny: Hello. I am a recent disabled veteran. Just glad a film is released to empathize with what we have gone through during these tumultuous and dark times while serving in the military. Often people minimize the efforts of those who deploy and those who have fallen. It is a travesty in our recent times. Hopefully this film will shed light on those who are misinformed and ignorant about the men an... Read more

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: I am leaving this morning for my second publicity/college/press tour. I'm excited to share the movie and continue the discussion we've started here online and at my screenings and Q/A's. I'll be going to 16 cities in eight weeks – then we open STOP-LOSS on MARCH 28. I'm going to post videos and stills from each stop on my trip. OK, I'm off to Seattle.

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: Thanks again for continuing to visit the site and making all these amazing posts.

I am truly touched that many of you who have experienced stop-loss are reaching out to express yourselves and to support the film.

I love reading your thoughts and your stories everyday at my office.

I continue to be amazed at how many people's lives have been and are st... Read more ill being affected by stop-loss. I am heart broken by many of your stories, especially this last one by Stacy who is "prior service," who's really good friend was in Iraq with one month left on his contract when he was forced to stay longer and then killed by small arms fire in North Eastern Iraq. Unfortunately, something similar happened to a comrade of a soldier I am close to -- after doing combat in Iraq the soldier went to his 2nd tour, to Afghanistan and was killed.

There is a debate (on this site and elsewhere) about whether stop-loss is right or wrong and whether a soldier should or should not return to combat. Some of you are arguing that stop-loss is right because it's in the contract and the soldier signed the contract knowing it was a possibility he/she could be sent back. Some of you are arguing that stop-loss is wrong -- it may be in the contract, but we're not in a time of war, so it's unfairly recycling soldiers who've done their time, fulfilled their contract and should be let go. I want to hear more on both sides of this.

But, I also want to continue hearing more about the actual experience of being stop-lossed from those who've experienced it and agreed with it, from those who didn't agree with it, from those who returned to combat, from those who didn't return to combat, and from those who face stop-loss now and must decide what to do. Also, I'd love to hear more from the families who are going through stop-loss with their soldiers - the wives and sweethearts, sisters and daughters, husbands and brothers, etc.

We made this movie because we were interested in and moved by the soldiers' experiences – their reasons for enlisting (many to protect their country, their family and their home after 9/11), their experiences in combat (mostly focused on their relationships with their comrades and their longing for home) and their experiences coming home (re-assimilating, relating to their comrades and their families). The soldiers and the families' experiences were already profound and dramatic -- stop-loss, by forcing the soldier back into combat, simply amplified everything we saw our soldiers and their families already experiencing due to combat and homecoming. Hide more

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Re: Stacy

anon: I am a soldier currently on a 15 month tour in Afghanistan. I am so sick of the blind nationalism that many people in my unit share (and for all you army tools out there, we are light infantry) and the things we actually do when we go on missions. I am saddened and embarrassed by the actions of my countrymen and especially by the actions of staff level officers and politicians. This movie will be ... Read more

Respond Roger B.: I was "stop lossed" too and sent to Iraq, it sucked. The worse part was that I had alrady served my 8 year min. My heart goes out to those who are now affected. I have returned to civilian life.

Respond Kate: Hello, Kimberly. I am a writer and a longtime fan. I saw a screening of your film and wanted to tell you I was truly touched. Your directing was (as expected) superb. You have such an eye for detail- so many details were brilliantly done...from the background people to the street billboards to the different ways people write in the film. I wanted to give praise in particular to Abbie Cornish a... Read more

Respond View Conversation Tractorman: For all you people saying about the 8 years, blah blah, please stop insulting those soldier's intelligence. They knew it. I knew it. It's funny that you people don't even know the whole contract. It's for "the duration of the war plus 6 months." That has held up in the court of law. We had people with over 8 years stop-lossed for the last deployment. These people have every right to c... Read more

Respond Travis: My name's Travis-had many buddies stop-lossed for their tours, some by 24 hours, and I'll be stop-lossed for the remainder of my second tour in about a month-and I'm getting out too, and want to get on with my life. Yeah, it sucks, and it's hard on families and the individuals. What no one seems to be acknowledging is that, it is 100% necessary to maintaining the current force structure over here... Read more

Respond View Conversation Stacy: Hi im prior service army...a really good friend of mine was in Iraq and had one month left of his contract..untill the army told him that he had to finish his tour with the rest of his unit. So instead of coming home to his family and friends in apr. of 2007 he would return with his unit in 2008.... he was stop-lossed..then a month after he was "suposed" have been out...he was killed by small arms... Read more

Respond PFC Conklin: I was a MED-Board and my husband will more than likely be stop-lossed. We both joined the Army in a time of war and that's how we are thanked...I'm useless and he's over-used. I will be having my first child around the time he is deployed. Thank you for bringing this ass-backwards way of thanking good soldiers to the light. We signed contracts and then they are ignored when the government feels li... Read more

Respond anon: I am a SSG in the Army I am currently deployed to OIF for my secound time. All 8 of the soldiers under my leadership including myself have been stop-lossed for this deployment. For career soldiers stop-loss is a non-issue but for people that would like to get on with their lives in the civilian world or have that year to spend with thier wives/children it is tradgedy. Look at the divorce rates of ... Read more

Respond Leah: I'am not a soldier or even anyone in the military but I cannot wait to see this movie and see the reality of what our soldiers are really going through. I fully support the Troops and am so proud of the things they have done for this country. People like the men and women fighting in Iraq right now make me proud to be an American. I do wish that this war would end which I'm sure many of us do! M... Read more

Respond View Conversation Sgt. Smith: As a soldier currently serving, I've seen the stop loss policy in action. I'm afraid I cannot get on board with the prevailing opinion here. The simple fact is that all enlistment contracts are for 8 years. If a person signs up for for years active, they still have 4 years left in the Individual Ready Reserve. I'm not going to comment on the morality of the current war, as that is not really a... Read more

Respond Marine.Cpl.(deployed): I have been in the Marine Corps. for two and a half years. Iam a reservist and I have already been deployed twice, I am on my second tour right now. I think it is our duty to defend our nation in whatever means possible,however, being deployed back to back over and over again is wrong. I have friends back home who have been in twice as long as I have and haven't been here once. My wife and I have ... Read more

Respond Sara Elizabeth Stuart: Dear Soldiers, I thank you with great gratitude and support becuase if it wasnt for you laying down your lives for me and my fellow ppl of the united states population then Im quite sure that america wouldnt be very safe. You are missed dearly and supported gladly by me and every one i know and everyone i know knows. WE ARE ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU AND SUPPORT YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO. WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!!... Read more

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Re: SSG David L. Flores

Mary Cuevas: Dear SSG Flores, I wish you a safe return to your home and family in Texas. Please come home and tell your loacal newspapers...or better yet, the national newspapers about how you were sent on 3 tours of duty. Just not right in my humble opinion. Respectfully, Mary Cuevas Long Beach, CA

Respond Marshall: Notta lot of great military movies out there that show what its like for us to come back to the civi world. Cant wait to watch this

Respond anon: I feel this movie is really going to hit home. In October of 2007 my brother completed his first tour and came home. He thought he was out for good and was finally going to be with his family again. Until stop loss. In November he was re-deployed to Iraq for another tour. It's been hard on our family but even worse for him. He says more than anything the soldiers love getting letters and packages ... Read more

Respond SSG Thomas Brasington: Hi, this movies does look good, because there really are A LOT of people who have been stop lossed and sent back for second and third tours. BUT, let me remind you that when a young man signs the paper, he agrees to server an individual service requirement, which also includes and can be extended, in accordance with the contract, up to 8 years. SO, if you signed up for 4 years, your obligation b... Read more

Respond SGT JP: I have been deployed to Iraq twice with over two hundred combat missions, most of them in the to the Karada and New Baghdad. I am currently on orders for my third tour to Iraq. I also have a wife and two children, but I left thousands of brothers in harms way in Iraq and cannot wait to be side by side them again. I will stay and fight til my last brother comes home. Every unit has that troop that ... Read more

Respond Kristin: I wish everyone in this country would just be grateful for the great country we live in and stop complaining. My husband is currently serving his second tour in Iraq and we have a 16 mo old son and I pregnant with our second. I could not be more proud of my husband. A soldier's duty is to honor and defend our great country, above all else. We know this when we VOLUNTEER to serve our country. Do... Read more

Respond Mary Cuevas: Dear Ms. Peirce, I have watched the trailer in the movie theaters and am excited about this film. Folks out there are just not thinking about the members of the armed services being redeployed repeatedly. This is how Bush has avoided the draft. Not that I am for the draft. Absolutely not. But I do feel that Bush shares similar sentiments with Louis XV or his mistress Pompadour (depepndin... Read more

Respond Rabah (formally of Fox co. 1/18: As a veteran who was stop lossed I would like to say you know long before the day you're supposed to be getting out of the Army if you are going to be stop lossed for a deployment, that being said let's keep in mind that our Army is made up of Volunteers who signed a contract with the U.S. government. Most of these volunteers signed their contracts after 9/11 they knew what they were getting into,... Read more

Respond View Conversation SSG David L. Flores: I am currently serving in Iraq on my third tour. I too am from Texas and I have a wife and 2 kids. I saw the trailer for this movie and thought wow finally a movie showing what the hell is really going on in the military. Don't get me wrong being put on stop loss is not a bad thing, until you find out that there are over 4,000 soldiers who have not been deployed. Then it gets bad. So to all of you... Read more

Respond View Conversation Andrew: Im an Army Infantry Veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan x2. Even though Stop-Loss sucks. People fail to relize that if it wasn't for Stop-loss, there would HAVE to be a draft. We are spread thin as it is. And now with the two fronts, people do not want to join and serve their country because they are worried they will be sent to war and possibly give their life. Not to mention everytime a combat ... Read more

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Re: LCPL VENTRY USMC (formally)

Chrissy: I thank you for your courage and for protecting Me and my Family..Its the soliders like you and others that make Civilians like us feel safer at night I dont know what happened to you But if u wouldnt mind id like to hear

Respond Sara: I have learned about stoploss the hard way. My husband has been in the Army National Guard for 11 years. He was due to get out 1/24/08. We got news in October that he has been stoplossed. He left 1/5/08. We have an 11 month old son and a 7 year old son. He has served his time. its very unfair that they would not let him out. He and I are both very angry. I can't wait to see this movie to see what ... Read more

Respond Brent : I served for 4 years in the active army. I was only on contract to serve 2 of them as the "National Call to Service" I was stop-lossed and deployed to Iraq for a year. My fiance is over there now for her second tour in 3 years. I love and miss her! This has to stop! soldiers are feeling betrayed by our country! I personaly have never felt so upset by what the army has put me threw in these last 4 ... Read more

Respond Christopher Foye: This movie better not be some patriotic bullshit about America is so great. Because the truth of the matter is the Stop loss policy and the IRR is just a tool to scare soldiers into reenlisting and if they don't they are forced to stay in service or are called back in the IRR which is nothing more then a VOLUNTEER DRAFT. Both these policies are just soldier victimizing tools to meet numbers, and... Read more

Respond Spc. Oliver 927th Sapper Co.: Glad to see that somebody is finally exposing this problem. Being a service member and future veteran as I head off to Afghanistan next month, I'm glad this is being shown to the people.

Respond anon: This looks like a great movie that might sheld light on a serious subject. I spent 7.5 years in the army, my contract was for 6. i served and was injuried. then discarded. honorable medical discharge. i lost my ng benifets for school because of a LOD. no job, and little if any help from the va. I have no love for the army or this government no more.

Respond Scorch: I see a lot of political statements being made in this thread. Everyone who joins the military understands they have their required active duty time and inactive duty time in which you may be recalled. I really do not see any difference in military life regarding tours overseas because this has always been a common practice. If your not willing to leave all you love behind for months to years at a... Read more

Respond Frank: Iam currently an active duty soldier who as served 4 years and iam affected by stop loss. Iam recently facing charges for insubordinance, due to the issue of stop loss. Iam an iraq veteran asking for help!!!!!!!! We have the right to be heard without any repercussions.

Respond Christopher Gilgour - SRA: Being a veteran myself, It pains me to see these young men and women in this situation. being no more than a tool to wear out. I am so very glad to see that someone is finally drawing attension to this modern tagedy. Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. sincerely, Christopher Gilgour USAF

Respond View Conversation

Re: David

Michael O'Donnell: No it doesn't. We currently wear an IR U.S. Flag the same way on our shoulders. It means that the U.S. is moving forward.

Respond Chuck Hallman: Just wondering what the purpose of this movie is. It is old news that some of our servicemembers have had to serve multiple tours overseas. I have men on my team in Iraq who are on their 3rd and fourth tours in either theater. I am only on my first tour, but I suspect I will be back again. Officers can retire but can also be recalled to duty. That is how the system works. As for wearing down... Read more

Respond View Conversation IT'S KURTZ: Hey Kim, Just wanted to say hi and let you know that this site is going very well. I actually had a veteran that i didn't even know aproach me about this site and we had a great conversation about Military issues and events. He's looking forward to seeing the movie. When will it be out?

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

anon: Wearing down the war machine means they are sending troops over that are tired who have just come back and find they have to train to go again not even six monthst after they have come home. They don't get to see their families before they deploy because there is no time and they are tired from the last time.You can only push people so far. Yes they are America's war Machine but eventually things ... Read more

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Re: Scott "Shooter" Lindley

Director Kimberly Peirce: SCOTT "SHOOTER" LINDLEY, thanks for posting. Thanks for serving. I’m very sorry you and your friend have been disabled. You don’t describe your injury, but your friend having his leg ripped apart sounds very severe. I hope you are both getting the treatment you need. You speak from an important point of view, that of someone who has served in these conflicts (Afghanistan and/or Iraq) and someone, ... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce:

Continuing our discussion of the videos shot/edited by soldiers that we... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: Hello. Great posts this week. Wanted to pass on an interesting article I read recently in the NEW YORK TIMES, about a film school for wounded Marines. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/03/us/ 03wounded.html?ex=1202706000&en= 444c20d6bf4bdfea&ei=5070&emc=eta1”

Reid Carolin also posted it on our facebook site www.facebook.com/StopLossMovie. Check out our facebook page.

Respond Justin: I think this movie looks phenomenal, I have a friend who had been put through the same thing, and its good to finally have a movie about Iraq and what us brave men and women have to go through.

Respond Tim: How long is the movie? Thank you.

Respond Infantry Soldier: I see that this lame site wont even post a soldiers comments, realistic movie there Hollywood liberals. Just keep putting out anti American or anti military crap, so future warriors have to weigh if this garbage is real or not.... Traitorous movie.

Respond Lucas: I THINK THIS WILL BE A MOVIE TO TALK ABOUT, CAUSE I KNOW ALL OF YOU IN THE STATES ARE PRETTY MAD WITH THIS SENSELESS WAR. I HOPE PEOPLE TO REALISE ABOUT THE REAL REASON OF THIS WAR(OIL AND MONEY)CAUSE THAT WAY WE ALL CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE WORLWIDE(I'M FROM ARGENTINA BY THE WAY)SO AS YOU CAN SEE PEACE CAN BE REAL IF WE UNITE. THE BEST COMMANDER IS THE ONE THAT PREVENTS WAR, NOT THE ONE THAT GO... Read more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

kurt: Kimberly Yeah, I hope the movie protrays to me the relationships Stop Loss has on my family and friends. I think about returning to Iraq everyday now. (I will be returning in this summer.) The presidential candidates are being watched closely by me too because I know the new president will affect my future. Will the new president lift stop loss? Will I be able to come home to my wife early? ... Read more

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Re: anon

anon: I SAY HOOAH!

Respond Mike: I was an Army call-up after I got out, can't wait to see this movie so people see some real sacrifices.

Respond View Conversation

Re: Michael O'Donnell

David: it does if the U.S. is not in distress

Respond David: STOP-LOSS CONGRESS ! http://www.stop-losscongress.org/ MARCH 10 to 12, 2008 (Monday to Wednesday) in Washington,D.C: This March, while tens of thousands of Americans in Washington, D.C., and all over the United States participate in acts of nonviolent civil disobedience to protest the ongoing occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan, and when soldiers and innocent civilian victims begin another ye... Read more

Respond Tractorman: I'm stop-lossed. Will be for 21 months total. My Dad spent less time in the military for Vietnam than the amount of time I'm stop-lossed. And I already spent 3 years here, one in Iraq. The Army is "meeting" it's goals for recruitment, but that's only because they're relying on stop-loss to maintain those numbers. Thanks for making the movie, too bad I will be gone for the premiere, but I ... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: Just a moment to say what a great Superbowl that was; best game I’ve seen in years. I had to share this - a friend of mine’s mother was on a plane -- they were watching the game live. But in the last 4 minutes the system went down and they couldn’t watch the final (most exciting) minutes. She said people were literally screaming. Love Superbowl.

I want to thank everyone who has post... Read more

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: LISA, thank you for writing in and sharing your story. It's good hearing from military family and families who are affected by Stop-Loss. I'm sorry to hear your brother was sent back to Iraq. We definitely dealt with concerns that my brother would be sent back and watched as his comrades were. It's tough. When my brother made it home safely, my mom said she literally counted his fingers when she f... Read more

Respond LAYLA: i think this movie will one of the best this year. such an incredible story, cast and director. if any of you have seen boys dont cry - you know how amzing this movie could be.

Respond View Conversation

Re: anon

kurt: Hang in there bud, I am going to get stop loss very soon too.

Respond View Conversation

Re: aron

kurt: aron - thanks for that perspective. I too want to better myself and fulfill my duty to my country and to God.

Respond Blake: Kimberley and all who have posted, THANK YOU ALL for your commitments, I am proud to call myself American because of what you all do. My brother and sister-in-law are both in the army and just got shipped out last Tuesday to Iraq due to stop loss. Thay were signed up for 6 years and were supposed to be out a couple weeks ago. I saw this movie preview and just had to check it out. It's nice to ... Read more

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Re: ROBERT

SGT B: Robert, to begin with your response to my question does not even reflect anything that was asked or said for that matter. If you think that the people of Iraq are not being helped and that we are getting them slaughtered maybe you should try to go over and live there for a little while and talk to the people before you make your assumptions. There have been a lot of people over there with your sam... Read more

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Re: David

Michael O'Donnell: It's just a sign of distress. It doesn't mean anything negative to the U.S.

Respond Jason: Very interested in seeing this movie. I am an Iraq veteran who re-enlisted to serve in Iraq and served with many fine soldiers who where stop-lossed. These were volunteers whom had served their obligated terms and who grudgingly went forward with tours on stop-loss because of their sense of duty and obligation. The problem I had with it was just that. They had volunteered and served and deserved t... Read more

Respond View Conversation n/a: I'm in the US Army, was suppose to get out too, but like a lot of soldiers i've been stop losted this month. I'm pretty upset cause I was suppose to get out; but with all honesty I can't wait to get to Iraq and help the mission.

Respond View Conversation LCPL VENTRY USMC (formally): I wanted nothing else in my life but the Marines.. The Marine Corps was my Life Goal... It Was it for me.. nothing else mattered to me , but what happend to me in the Marine Corps From my chain of commands I will never forget and I life with the aftermath of what happend everyday if u want to kno what happend contact me.... The MARINES Was My life all I wanted to do was to serve and to make sure n... Read more

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Re: Niraq

cavsoldier: If you don't like it, get out. We don't need you.

Respond anon: Caught in Stop loss in 2003! Hopefully the military items in this movie will be authentic (ie wear of the military uniform) or I'm going to be a little dissapointed

Respond Mike: well if anyone reads what the contract says they would know what can happen i was stop lossed and this is an outrage you hollywood assholes seriously need to leave things in which you dont know alone

Respond anon: This is a comment from a current soldier these films hurt us and misrepresent what we are doing and what we have done and how we feel. How dare you try to get the american public to believe this lie. Not only is it a lie but I am ashamed at how my country portays an american soldier. And I bet the guy who wrote this from his perspective was either a fobbit or just a fucking coward.

Respond anon: I have a buddy who shipped out in October for his 5th tour with the U.S. Marine Corps. Either instantiate the draft or double the pay for these boys.

Respond Angie: God bless each and every one of our soldiers, male and female alike. God bless their families and friends that are waiting at home for them, with love and worry in their hearts. Thank you all for keeping us safe.

Respond SFC Retired: Stop-Loss is one of the hardest things a soldier will ever encounter while serving. As some of you know Stop-Loss is a system designed to keep teams together when a unit is very close to deploying and replacements are not available. It is also used when the military does now make it recruiting numbers and do not have people available to assign to the unit. I know the Army's policy is to keep a t... Read more

Respond View Conversation anon: My husband is currently serving his third tour in Iraq. We have never been effected by a stop loss, but we certainly know the hardships that multiple tours puts on marriages and families. He will be home on R&R when this movie comes out, so you can bet your ass we will be ther opening night!!

Respond View Conversation

Re: anon

anon: Hey, it happens to the best of us. My view is, when you join the military, you know what you're in for. These pogues that join for the eduction are clearly not soldiers. Get a federal loan and go to college if you can't handle that you might have to go to war. Anyone that enlists in this day and age and DOESN'T think they are going to be deployed is an idiot. My husband was supposed to get o... Read more

Respond Nick: If those of who have never done time in military feel so strongly againts stop loss why dont you enlist and take there place and stand by your fellow americans instead of participating in the peanut gallery on the sidelines.

Respond mario: just want to say that i think this movie is going to make people open there hearts & minds and see what it is really like cant wait to see it and great cast by the way they fit the parts.from the previews i saw cant wait to see it ,mario

Respond Kara: Although my fiance, Travis, is not experiencing STOP LOSS, he is deployed in Iraq, and anything dealing with the military is something that catches my attention. This movie looks amazing! I will be at the theater, opening day!!

Respond vessa: When a soldier is away fighting or just away its hard to deal with. worrying everyday and wondering if they will come home to you. Its hard. My best friends brother was sent over and got seriously hurt almost killed. It's hard...I support all troops and their families for going through this. because we all know freedom isn't free.

Respond Red: I am married to a solider currently doing a 16 month tour in Iraq. His second my 5th. I think this war is BS and my husband doesn't get to watch the first yr of his sons life becase of that A**hole bush. Its time to GET OUT. P.S Thank you men and woman for what you are doing to keep us safe.

Respond SFC Malone: Im excited to see the point of view the dircetor have about our life. I just got moblized i just return from a tour in korea 5 months ago.

Respond SGT C: I am a Soldier and will be deploying for my second tour in Iraq. I would've been stop lossed this year (my ETS was July 08) but I chose to reenlist, mainly because I want to take advantage of the opportunities the Army offers. I see a lot of Soldiers who complain about stop loss. The fact is, no one forced any servicemember serving to sign up. Even if you don't get stop lossed, your contract inclu... Read more de 4 years of inactive reserve. I signed up for 4 years the first enlistment but even if I hadn't reenlisted (3 more years) I could've gotten called back in those 4 years. Yes it sucks to be deployed. I'm not married and don't have kids but I still have family and friends who I miss when deployed. But I knew what I was getting into when I signed up. Whether you believe in the war or not doesn't matter. Your job is a Soldier and that comes first. Once you sign that contract and put on the uniform, you are a Soldier 24/7. I'm not sure how this movie will play out but what I've seen from the trailer, I don't know. It does suck for those who have had 4 or 5 deployments. It does suck that National Guard and Reserve deploy. I know, my little brother is Guard and he was in Iraq the same time I was. He almost lost his life. This war is in no way like Vietnam. Mistakes were made during the initial push. No one is perfect. The President did not lie though. He used the intelligence he was given and made a decision. I think he made the right decision because had we not taken out Saddam, had we not went into Iraq, then Saddam would be alive and what would stop him from using weapons against us or anyone else? Why is it that every Hollywood movie about this war has to focus on the bad? Why does the media relentlessly report the negative? Things have calmed down since the surge and people are moving back to Baghdad. Ramadi and Fallujah, two of the most volatile places in Iraq at one time, are now the safest. We have forced Al Qaeda to run. Where are these stories? Where are the movies showing the bravery of men and women who have bled and died for all of us? Why doesn't anyone show what my brothers and sisters do daily in Iraq AND Afghanistan? I know the two Soldiers we lost 2 years ago in Iraq did not die in vain. I know the Soldier my brother's unit lost did not die in vain. I know what I did was not in vain. Basically, I'm tired of hearing about how bad the Army is and how Iraq is wrong. The Army gives a lot of benefits to its Soldiers; it's just most Soldiers don't take advantage of them. The Army is paying back 17,000 in college loans for me. I can get my master's degree for FREE. I have been able to save money, buy a car, will be debt free when I do get out. Yes there are things the Army does which don't make sense but that's the way it is. They should get rid of "don't ask, don't tell." They're getting better at treating women with respect but that's not the Army's fault...that's the people in the Army. Some of the old timers are set in their ways and don't want homosexuals or women around. There is not one person in this entire world who is perfect. No one. If you think you are, you better reexamine yourself. And I do believe the Iraq gov't needs to step up and take responsibility but our gov't isn't much better than them right now. They need to stop bickering like children and do what's best for the PEOPLE (both countries). To finish, I am proud to be a Soldier and an American. I believe strongly in what we are doing overseas and it will be proven years from now. I think it's time Hollywood and the media start to show the positive light of the Army and Iraq. I guess that's too much to ask. Hide more

Respond gustav: i was in the army 11B went to Afghanistan can back i was getting out of the army august 12 06 my unit deployed august 10 06 was sent to Iraq wall there I got extended 3 more months i just got out of the army 2 months ago and i already got IRR calling me thats the inactive ready reserves it another way for the army to screw you there trying to make me go back to iraq. well any way i wanted to say t... Read more

Respond View Conversation aron: Being stop-loss can show a lot about being a soldier. People with a sense of duty continue to serve honorably while other find ways to force the military to let them go. I hope this movie shows both sides of this. I have served with people who have made their involuntary extension of their time in service into something that has bettered their military records and themselves.

Respond wes: thankyou for making this film mabye it will open peoples eyes to whats really going on. my freind lost his uncle two months back in the war.

Respond Charles Martin: During OIF II I had 2 soldiers in under my command that were effected by Stop-Loss. Just from watching them through out the year you can see how it affected both differently. One Reenlisted to be an MP, while the other one got out. I am out now, But have friends that just got back from Iraq. Cant wait to see how well you portray that those soldiers affected over the past years!

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Re: Tim

matt: jesus thats a huge comment dude. thanks for serving though, bro. if they called me back i'd tell em to shove it cuz this army isn't the army protecting americans, it's george bush's oil army and it's not worth anyone's life.

Respond matt: This movie is sorely needed and I truly appreciate it, as a 23-yr old infantry veteran vehemently against this war. Thanks for showing the world how our military is getting raped and left for dead in a war that has nothing to do with terrorists or our security. Keep up the good work.

Respond Jenn: I think its amazing that someone is bringing this issue, that affects so many military families, to the forefront. Yes, all Soldiers know that its possible for them to be kept in over their contract, but that does not, for one second, mean that it doesn't hurt them and their loved ones. They give everything they got, and expect nothing in return, and sadly that's exactly what they get. We need to ... Read more

Respond Jake landon: CANT WAIT TO SEE THIS!

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Re: Niraq

janet herzog: I am so sorry for what you all go through and sacrifice. My heart breaks for you all and i keep you all in my prayers. My children are grown , my only son is in the Army. I cry regular and are constantly concern for us all and our country.But without you all I only could wonder what would become of us all and my 23y/o daughter whom is completely disabled with Cerbral Palsy. May God Bless us all. L... Read more

Respond Kevin J Roelofs: I can relate to this movie...I watched half my unit get stop lossed! It's bullcrap...You served your time, your done...This just proves that it's not about right or wrong, but having enough men to secure a countries oil!

Respond Dee: My cousin is a Marine in Iraw coming home from a one year tour on March 13. My best friend leaves for Marine bootcamp on August 31, 2008. We will most definately see this movie together before he leaves. My heart goes out to the Marines and all the soldiers both here and overseas. You are all our biggest heroes. Thank you. I love you Bobby and Scott and I'm so proud of you.

Respond Keel Nickerson: As a soilder sighning up from 2002-2005 I was effected by the stop loss may ets was may 22 2005 and I was stop lossed to be sent to Iraq for a 14 mounth tour two months befor my ets, as a result I went AWOL and was court marshaled and sent to confinment, thank you for make ing this movie and for showing america what we are fased with, as I quote from your movie " I'm not scared im PISSED OFF"

Respond Soldier Hard: wow can't wait to see this movie, is the sound track done yet, if not Soldier Hard has a Song titled "Support US" it would be perfect for the movie....im not asking for anything either, i'd allow it to be used for FREE! if not, still can't wait to see the movie, alot of warriors are effected by stop loss, now the world will know it Soldier Hard

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Re: anon

anon: Stop-Loss is only when you active time is over. You are still obligated to seve if called upon because you still have obligated active reserve time or inactive resrve time. Typical liberal media not fully telling the truth again. Please get your story straight. Thou I agree it is not fair but sometimes a neccesary evil we all must face. I know all to well that serving my country has caused me to l... Read more

Respond anon: I have gone on the first to tours with the 101st airborne. I am about to do my third tour with my National Guard SF Team. I will be going without questions because, it is my duty as a soldier. I have many friends that have been affected by stop-loss but, they didn't complain. Every soldier, sailor, marine all sign a contract that says that their term will last for as long as America calls upon... Read more

Respond Brianna: I am only 15 years old, but I somewhat understand what these guys went through. Having to wonder wether your dad, brother, mom, sister, cousin, boyfriend, or anyone else you care for is going to die. I had to wonder that for a year with my dad. Luckily he came home safe, but the war took it's toll on him. He had to see things he never would of thought of. Everytime he saw a little girl/boy selling... Read more

Respond nicola: The stop loss has its benifets and well as faults. Due to it we werent able to go to a base that would have kept my dh back a few months longer from iraq but at the same time it has kept him with a unit he knows and guys hes formed a bond with. But at the smae time hasnt our guys had enough 2-3 tours each only to be called back? Where is the fairness and how does any one expect a person so far be... Read more

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Re: anon

anon: Sorry about that comment it wasnt supposed to be directed towards you. I miss understood the respond button. The comment I meant to post for public view. I clicked on the wrong link. For that I am sorry. I do feel your hurt. I have seen many of my friends affected by the stop loss.

Respond sarah: I'm a military child with almost all family members being a part of some military branch at some point in time, having several in this war and also having several friends in this war, so if you can't tell I support the war and the troops. I've had a brother go through stop-loss and he dealt with it and realized that's how life is because that's what you sign up for in the military. This seems to b... Read more

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Re: anon

anon: Hey, I've done two tours with the 101st Airborne in Iraq. I recently left after being injured during a training exercise in the Special Forces. I will soon be doing my third tour with my local SF National Guard Unit. The last time I checked it the duty of the soldier to continue his commitment if our country call upon us regardless of the individuals original enlistment time. It is written ... Read more

Respond pfc_kelly: I am in the USMC. You know that you have to serve 4 years ready-reserve when you join ANY branch... & this movie shows the horrid side of it. I'm not going to say which side is right or wrong, but I will say this-- when you sign your name on that line, you ARE signing away all that you want for 4 years and more. If you cannot deal with that truth, then do not take the call from your country. -Kel... Read more

Respond megz: This film i hope will show people the harsh truth of what stop-loss can do to a soldier and everyone involved. Thank you so much for making this film. Cant wait to see it.

Respond Christopher: Finally there's a movie about this matter, A Positive outlook on the Military, & The Iraq "Situation". I can't wait to see this in Theatres. There's plenty of fellow soldiers I've known that have been stop loss'd, & I've gotten to hear their stories. Hopefully It does not happen to me towards my ETS date. :)

Respond Ambjor: Join the club! I am currently deployed and stop-lossed 10 months right now with at least 6 to go!!!

Respond Patrick Martel: I just watched the trailer for this movie. This is hollywood anti-war crap. You made a HUGE mistake when you decided to use the 1-21 IN BN crest. I deployed with them to Iraq in 2004. The GIMLETS do not complain or quit. To all my GIMLET brothers BORE BROTHER BORE!

Respond Jennifer: hi. ummm i have a question that i am sure everyone else will think is stupid, but i am not in the army and i don't have any family in the army, but i was wondering what exactly is a STOP LOSS??

Respond cassandra: this movie sounds really good i cant wait to see it!!

Respond Jabari White: Why do you make us combat vets to be crazy? Why do you have to feature the guys with problems that act out of control? Most vets are not this way. I refuse to let the media portray us as homeless, bankrupt, drug and alcohol abusers and psychos like you did our forebrothers who served in Vietnam. Jabari White Wounded Iraq Vet and not out of control

Respond Isaac: just saw the trailer again in theaters. i am so excited for this film! after a year of "war movies" in which the war only served as a premise for mindless action, it will be great to watch something meaningful.

Respond Michelle: My thoughts and prayers our with our troops and family. I have had close friends of mine go through this and yes it hurts, especially when you haven't seen them in a while then they leave and who knows if you will see them again. God Bless Our Troops!! I hope they all come home safely.

Respond Former SSG Henderson, 18C, 1st B: Being a former stop-loss contestant in the game of war; I relate whole heartedly to this film. I would like to thank the director, editor, and investment firm behind this movie. Having the strength and courage to expose this tragedy in military life reflects great credit upon yourself, your piers, and the true patriots of this great nation. Veterans and active duty servicemen and women are soundi... Read more

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Re: anon

Ulltimate Navy Wife: Of course it hurts, but that's what duty is! My husband and I were married before he went into the Navy, so I know what it's like to have it on both sides. I follow him wherever, because I understand the duty that he has. For those of us caught in the rift- it'll always hurt, however there is a larger picture than you; deal with it. I am.

Respond Cheryl: I have a son in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.America has no idea what these men & women go thru over there.Hopefully this will give some in sight to the true story.President Bush should watch it!!

Respond Francisco Martinez: I was fortunate enough to be towards the end of my second enlistment when stop loss started. I knew guys who went over there and fought, saw their friends die and served their country. To come home and want nothing more then to just go home and then be told uhuh buddy, youre going back...it was so wrong. They served with honor and sacrificed more then most people can ever imagine. They earned ... Read more

Respond Sam: being stop lossed is a terrible thing; it happened to me just as i had recieved orders for a posting at a prestigous university job in washington D.C. Instead of a calm final tour at a D.O.D billeet I ended up in Iraq again. I had nightmares for months after my first tour, and the thought of a second only made them come back. Thankfully my second tour was drasticly different and I never saw again... Read more

Respond Paul: The movie looks great, cant wait to see it.

Respond anon: Im really looking forward to seeing this film, it looks like something I can relate to because my fiance is in the military and I know first hand what it can be like.

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Re: anon

britt: im not trying to sound stupid or anything but what exactually is STOP LOSS?

Respond wise: now im not sure if my message was posted or not but i just wanted to say that i really hope this movie shows the people of america that we the military are giving up a lot of our freedoms to protect theirs and that they know we do it not asking for a thing in return except support. im currently deployed again, not due to stop loss but this has happend so many times i dont even bother counting any... Read more

Respond wise: hey this movie looks good i will def. buy it, im deployed right now again, and i know just how bad this stuff feels and i hope you guys truly represent how it feels for us and that it helps the people of america understand that we are giving up a lot to protect them, not just ourselves. -wise

Respond anon: I've been there as well. I was in an MOS where stop loss was so very common. I've had it happen to me and many of my friends had it happen to them. It does make you angry. Imagine someone telling you that you, an adult, can't go off and do what you really want to do with your life even though an agreement was made before hand that you would be able to. That's what it feels like...only worse.

Respond john B: I am so sick and tired of these movies that are to "support" the troops. Not all of us want out. Not all of us cry when they deploy us. I spend 9 monhts a year deployed every year and that was before 9/11. The majority of the people who complain didn't join for patriotism, they joined for their own selfish reason.

Respond anon: Good movie i'm thrilled with this idea and think it can show our society somthing. It's important to understand what people are going through in lifes and the hard times with our war at hands

Respond Tom: I have buddies of mine who have been affected by stop loss. You plan your life after your EAS/ Day of Discharge, but this EAS only gets you out of active duty. I know that most enlistment contracts have IRR or Individual/Inactive Ready Reserve stipulations in them, usually for the amount of time you were in active duty status, then you go on reserve status, and until this peroid is over you're not... Read more

Respond Julia: As an army wife, I was truly happy to see this movie was coming out. It's a story that needs to be told. My husband is currently serving in Iraq and by the time he gets back he'll only have a year and half left, but with the way the post he's at is deploying, he'll surely be stop-lossed and have to deploy again. It breaks my heart every he calls just to say he loves me and that he's going to sleep... Read more

Respond Brittany Todd: I am so glad that someone is making a movie about this!! Going through a stop-loss can be one of the hardest things for both a soldier and his family. I can't wait to see the movie!! I can already tell I'm going to cry!!

Respond anon: stop complaining and do what your supposed to

Respond PFC Lopez: This is to thank all those battle buddies of mine that ive never met yet theyve made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, looks like its gonna be an inspiring movie cant wait till it comes out on theaters or the premier. Army leads the way Hoooaaaah!

Respond Megan: I think that is it great that someone decided to make a movie about somthing like this. My husband is in the Army and on his second tour or Iraq. Stop loss is something that effects thousands of people and it completely sucks. Lucky for me that my husband's enlistment goes past the end of his tour, but there are tons of people who aren't as lucky as me for that. Some people will get stop lossed... Read more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Just Me: Kimberly, I have known my husband since we were kids. I had known him better than anyone and have always loved him one way or another. He enlisted just after high school and left for boot camp in Aug 2001, comforting me with the words "Don't worry, we're at peace right now, five years and I'll have enough to go to college. Even if I get deployed, they promised in my job, I'll never see combat." A... Read more nd that was before 9/11. The day the world seemed to go to hell I sat in my office with my little streaming radio on listening to disaster unfolding in New York and all I could think was if I'd get to se him again. We weren't married yet so officially, I didn't really matter in the Army's eyes and he was a fresh recruit. Of course they would send him. He was deployed as soon as he completed all his training and again within a year coming home. The second was harder on him since it was a rapid deployment and he had very little time to prepare. Even though we didn't get married until he got back from his second deployment, the months and months of knowing he was out there, not knowing when I'd get to talk to him, if he was alive or hurt or what were torture. I am not a person who is emotionally strong in my opinion but I didn't have a choice. Before he'd enlisted, he had been the funniest guy you would ever meet. Always cracking jokes, always making everyone laugh. We could talk for hours about nothing and laugh the entire time. When he got home the first time, the few times I got to see him (I was still living back home) after he got home I don't think he even smiled. He never wanted to talk about what he'd been through, but it was all over his face. He'd have nightmares he wouldn't talk about that made him jump when woke, he ate all his meals like someone would take it away if it was on his plate more than 30 seconds. He tried to act like his old self for me, for his family but it was obvious he wasn't the same. He was so angry so much of the time. After his second deployment it wasn't outwardly as bad. Almost as if he was numb to it and that scared me a little more. He came home one month and two months later we got married. I thought maybe if I could be with him all the time, I could help him, I could make it easier for him, the day to day. It was amazing we stayed together. He was so difficult, so short tempered, so easily irritated. Not a good combination when I found out just a few months after wed gotten married that i was pregnant. He seemed happy about it but after my daughter was born he just seemed to get more and more distant. He couldn't stand it when she would cry, he would shut himself off and refused to talk to anyone about it because he didn't want let his guys down by getting a PTSD diagnoses in case they had to deploy again. He is a very loyal guy and saw his enlistment as his commitment not to the Army which he'd grown to hate, but his guys who'd been to hell and thank god back again with him. Slowly but surely, he came out of it. After he just barely escaped being stop-lossed and he got out on his scheduled ETS date, he relapsed a bit. The separation from what had been his life for better or worse for five years was a lot harder than he thought it would be. We almost separated shortly after getting back home but we stuck it out. I knew he wasn't to blame for the feelings he had and I knew the man I'd known for so many years was still in him somewhere, so many times a little piece of him would come out and it made it worth dealing with the aftermath of Iraq just for those moments. Now, more than a year after getting out and almost four years of marriage, he is so much better. There are still moments during some days when you can see the things he went through will never leave him but for the most part, he is my husband again and the hardships we went through only made us stronger. He has become a great father and our daughter adores him. We are expecting our second child now and this time you can see the difference in him. He can enjoy so much of life now that for awhile seemed like an impossible thing for him. I hope this movie or these discussions have an impact on someone out there who can make a change for the families still suffering and still separated. For the moment our family is together I pray every day that we stay that way. We have a little less than two years left of worrying about being called back and so everyday it is still a silent fear in my heart and mind but I try to enjoy each moment I have with him as though it might be my last and try not to dwell on it. I guess my point in this post is, during my time as an active duty army wife I saw so many marriages crumble and so many women and men take the absence of their loved ones as a free pass to be single again and my heart broke for the soldier dreaming of coming home. In seeing that and having lived through the troubles in my own marriage, I just hope that anyone reading this and ready to marry a soldier or call it quits takes into account what it means to be an army spouse. There is a reason they call it the toughest job in the army. Just like them we took or are going to take a vow, make a commitment and as hard as it is sometimes, we love them and they deserve, they NEED our support and they NEED to know that regardless how they come home, we will be there and we will take care of them like they have been taking care of all of us. Hide more

Respond Kyle Pezzolla: I'm so glad someone decided to make a film about this side of the Army. I have been in for almost 4 years and I have seen people get stop-loss. When people join the Army the recruiters don't tell you too much about that part...hmm wonder why. I would say 90% of the people who join the Army don't fully understand stop loss or inactive ready reserve. People always see the stories on the news or what... Read more

Respond Michael O'Donnell: Just because you people watch the news and hear stories about this subject does not mean you know anything about it or the Iraq war, or the army and it's soldiers. I am a stop lossed soldier currently in Iraq. MTV and Hollywood has once again embarassed me and every soldier currently stop lossed. We do our job because there aren't enough young people who are willing to step up and fight for our th... Read more

Respond View Conversation David: the flag on the main page is posted backwards. i feel for the military personnel affected by the stop loss but that does not mean that the flag should be flown backwards.

Respond me: Stop-Loss is the dirtiest trick in the book. It is the ultimate betrayal to those willing to serve a 3 or 4 year contract. I don't think anyone these days does 3 or 4 years. Everyone gets stop lossed. And contrary to popular belief, no it is not what we signed up for! Shout out to all my boys stop lossed and in Iraq. We'll never forget the betrayal bestowed upon us.

Respond Brad: When I saw the trailer I was amazed at what I saw.. I enjoyed watching it over and over again...But that movie hit close to home because my father was stop-loss 3 times.. The problem I had was that my father was a Navy Officer and hew was going over there to that hell hole of a place.. I questioned why was my fater going but I was told that he was going because he's a doctor... "They needed him th... Read more

Respond Tonya: I now first had about the stop lose went through that back in 03. I hope this move will show people what the men and women go through while deployed and what families go through back home. My husband has been deployed since may 07 wont be home till July 08 its hard especially our our 3 children. God bless Our Troops and the ones left behind..Proud Army Wife

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Re: anon

Martin: I know I did not think that I would get deployed because I only had eleven months left after my last deployment, and deployed 13 months later for a 15 month tour in Iraq.

Respond eli: step up or step aside. i have been there four times now 2 of witch i went of my on free will. you have no right to say anythang unless you been there

Respond Martin Reinhard: I can not wait to see a movie made about my life. Stop lossed one year and counting!!!!

Respond Jay: I look forward to seeing your prespective on the Stop-loss policy and how it is being used.

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Re: anon

Just Me: Anon- I know what you mean. So many people think that just because they knew (some don't fully understand or aren't fully educated on what it really means) going in, it is all cake when it actually happens. My husband was on the list for the stop-loss when he was ETS'ing however since he had already enlisted with the National Guard for his remaining 3 years instead of ready reserve, he was able to... Read more

Respond sean: I hope you understand how much of a big deal this movie is...not many people really understand whats the words stop loss or ETS means. Or even how much it affects us as soilders,and most of all our families. I'm 24 yrs. old. I have a wife and a 11 month old son. i only have 5 months left in the army. And my unit is getting word of a stop loss.

Respond Ed E.: The number of soldiers who have been impacted by "Stop Loss" is a readily available statistic. Did you do ANY research into it prior to making this film, and determining if it in fact was as widespread as this trailer makes it appear to be? I am a USAR retired soldier (since 2002) and volunteered to be subject for recall. Understanding that age 50, this is not nearly as sexy as having a y... Read more

Respond Caiti: As someone who serves, to others: I understand it may be a shocker to you but unless you're ready to do what your Country asks, no matter, you have no buinsess signing on that line. That includes dealing with the pay, stop loss and deploying. I get so sick of hearing others bitch. You have no business signing up to just get money for college or see the world, you damn well should've been prepar... Read more

Respond Whisler: Im so afraid that this is going to happen to us. My husband is currently serving in Afghanistan and its harder than hell living on a new base without him.

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Re: SGT B

ROBERT: SGT B - your response is fairly incoherent. Your personals attacks are the first sign you surrendered the debate. The Iraqi people are not helped if we "all stand together" and watch them get slaughtered. BTW, thanks for your service. (Dear Ms. Moderator: It would be great if this gets posted and not censored like some other posts I have written that are not sufficiently fawning to this film).

Respond Jonathan Guill: I think this movie is going to hit it big time, since this sort of thing actually happens to us in the military, and now it's public with this movie, thank you for telling this story, letting the American Public know the truth about what goes on behind their backs, and behind closed doors.

Respond Laurel: i was one of the lucky dew. I was med boarded, even though I was to be stop-lossed. There isn't anything like having all your friends and your new husband being stop-lossed, then extended to 15 months in Iraq. Especially while pregnant. My real close friend Troy had one day before his ETS date and he was stop-lossed. I hope this movie gives the world an Idea of what us Soldiers and spouses go thro... Read more

Respond Neo Politicus: Just another anti-war, anti-military movie - this time hiding behind false patriotism and bad country music - and once again portraying soldiers as nothing more than pathetic victims, and "the war" as somehow being an optional adventure that doesn't affect all of us. Of course, the war would have long been over and all of the soldiers would have been home (and 3,000 or so fewer would have died)... Read more

Respond anon: what does stoploss mean?

Respond Milissa: My husband is in the military and i am so afriad. He is still in basic and im so afraid of him getting deployed when he gets out. I want to be with him all the time and the fear of him being gone is making me cry constantly. I know I can get over this but it really hurts. Everybody talks about never hearing from them and it sucks. I dont know what to do. I cant wait to see this movie. It looks ama... Read more

Respond anon: I support your message, and look forward to this film! "It's time the Troops come back home to remember what they're fighting for"

Respond snoddy: Stop Loss effects everyone, it is a part of the contract you sign when joining. Theres nothing more distracting in combat then someone venting about how they should be home and how stop loss sucks. Everyone wants to go home, so shut up and watch your lane.

Respond Damon: As a Soldier who has just returned from a hellacious 15 months in Baghdad, I recently made the decision to become a lifer. I honestly can't see myself getting out, while some other Soldier, with a wife/husband and kids, goes over. Just didn't sit right with me. I hope you all did the military right with this movie. I hesitate to say that I look forward to this movie, as Iraq isn't really somet... Read more

Respond Rory Dibley: Hey, This looks like a great movie and I can't wait to go see it, I just recently(in Dec. 07)swore into the National Guard, so great job and Love to all the troops around the World.

Respond Troy Allen: I cant wait to see this.Its movies like this that change me inside,it moves me to create art work that moves people.I think this will be a big hit in the box office!!Hope yall had a great time making this movie! LOVE & PEACE! Troy Allen

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Re: SGT B

SFC Swartzy: I think I have to side with Robert on this one. It appears the film could hurt recruitment and scare parents and other loved ones unnecessarily. I served in Desert Storm, and OIF-1, I understand the need for a stop-loss to keep experienced Soldiers together prior to a deployment of a unit. the Stop-Loss is lifted 6 months after the unit returns from deployment and Soldiers are free to retire or ... Read more

Respond Chris Green: I am running for state senate in nebraska. I believe that our governor has the authority to recall our nebraska national gaurd. Stop loss is on way to avoid a general draft and taking the states national guard is another. The tax payers of nebraska have lost almost all of the equipment that we paid to help us in a disaster within the borders of our state not the country of Iraq. The men and women ... Read more

Respond anon: this movie is awful. stop loss is in the contract that you sign when you enlist. It isnt some terrible thing where the military forces you to stay in the army when your term of service is up. This will do nothing except cause more people to get stop lossed because less people will want to enlist.

Respond Tom: I don't think this film should be looked at in a political way either for or against the war in Iraq. I'm one that supported the war from the begining and still do today to some extent. I believe that we need to leave just as we said we would do. No matter what happens we need to leave Iraq to the people of Iraq. Back to my original intent to post on this thread. I believe the film shows that... Read more

Respond BILL: Can't wait to see this looks great.

Respond View Conversation

Re: Tim

Niraq: "staff job" hhhmmm! are you sure you were infantry??

Respond View Conversation anon: Just because you know about the stop loss when you sign doesn't mean it doesn't hurt if it affects you. My husband was caught in a stop loss just a few weeks before his ETS, and is now serving a year's tour in Iraq.

Respond View Conversation Niraq: hopefully your film will show everyone what we have to go through when this happens. oh and the pay sucks!! im just saying

Respond anon: Cant wait too see it!

Respond Gilder McCarroll: I'm one of the local extras who worked on STOP-LOSS. Looking forward to seeing the final product next month.

Respond anon: Being stop lossed in the army is all covered in their original contract. It sucks, but you know about it before you sign up. If you didn't understand what you were siging that is ur own fault.

Respond View Conversation Tim: Wow, this is actually a movie I want to see in a theater. I have so many opinions about the topic of this movie that I wouldn't even know where to begin. I am a vet, having served from FEB03-FEB04 in Kuwait/Iraq. However, I wouldn't have ever considered myself a "typical" soldier. I'm probably more analytical than most. I am so far one of the lucky ones who wanted out and have been able to stay ou... Read more t. I have another year and a half left before I can stop worrying about being called back. I loved being a soldier. I spent 13 years in the army. It was my dream job since I was a kid. I had the typical war hero fantasies like other military crazed boys. I still do. But I'd never voluntarily go back to the army. My disgruntlement with the army began long before 9/ll. I hated the political correctness - it was a manipulative disease that encouraged a subversive subculture of lies and absured stupidities. It tied the hands of common sense and totally killed my love of military life. Yet, I'm still deeply proud and still consider myself a soldier, even without a uniform. By the time Iraq rolled around, I already knew this was going to be another Vietnam-like bungled political mess. My peers thought I was nuts. I saw the incompetence within weeks of arriving into the pre-war camps in Kuwait. We fight the way we practice. The three ring circus of a Corps level HQ frollicked merrily along into Kuwait and Iraq, like nothing had changed. But there was one big difference: stupid HQ reasoning in training leads to pissed off troops, while stupid HQ reasoning in war gets people killed. The number two general on the ground summed up all that was wrong with the army when he yelled out to "kill those fuckers" instead of running from them every time the Iraqis attacked our convoys during the first year. Because my commander was more concerned about POSH training and Consideration of Others training prior to war, our troops were not prepared to go out and "kill those fuckers" and we stuck to our routine of running from 3 armed civilians with AK-47s. Go America! My job was to support one of the three main headquarters for the overall ground commander. My unit provided the communications. The contempt I had for headquarters life (I spent nine years as an enlisted infantryman, both active duty and national guard) was alive and kicking during the war. So many officers were inwardly screaming for joy at this great opportunity to have combat experience checked off on their OERs. No one would say it, but I felt it very strongly. Based on my subtle questionings of my superiors, peers, and subordinates, I knew very few realized what they'd be in for. In fact, when my unit got word we were deploying, I think I was the only one who didn't scream out in excitement. No, I'd never had combat experience before, but I had gone through the fears of fighting and dying and the unknown when my unit was slated to be lead for the main airborne invasion during the Haiti crisis. The invasion was called off, but the realization of how powerless I was to death has never gone away. I find such conversations are usually too deep for most people, even ones who are about to go to war. Hanging around the big HQs as a communications guy, my war was nothing like the guys out on the front lines. I was never in a firefight. I always went into new territory with the HQ after everything had been secured and cleaned up of the gore. Yet, in this war, even REMFs like myself were in the thick of things every time we drove around. You never knew when it was your time. Every single convoy was sandwiched by some other convoy just before or just after you getting hit. The platoon I took over lived in the most heavily mortared and rocketed area of our base. Fortunately the Iraqis were terrible shots. So, I guess my point is that I can relate to some, but not all of what others have been through in Iraq. Still, I understand the frustration of something like Stop Loss. It essentially says that an individual is absolutely bound by any legal agreement he signs, but Uncle Sam can do whatever it wants. To add salt to the wound, it is Uncle Sam, in the form of political correctness that holds the little guy to impossible standards of ethics and codes of conduct while it lies, cheats, lines the pocket of its buddies Haliburton and Bechtel with illegal contracts (Haliburton) and spins the genuine patriotism of the common soldier to feed its own propaganda to the media. FYI, an even further tasteless tact is that there are many soldiers who ought to be retiring, but being refused. Soldiers don't get to choose when they retire, they are told. But you know, if our country is truly in immediate peril of complete destruction, I don't know one single soldier who wouldn't choose to extend on their own. What does that tell you about the war in Iraq? It doesn't quite match what Bush says. Because George Bush and Dick Rumsfeld opened up their big mouths and spewed out big macho words, and they were to egotistical to admit they were wrong about what it would require to secure Iraq and police it, the volunteers who sacrificed so much had to pay for their incompetence. To me, that's what makes Stop Loss so infuriating. Good people want to serve for good reasons - not liars, losers, and fools like Bush and Rumsfeld. Winning hearts and minds? Look at what TE Lawerence did. Look at what we are doing to win the hearts and minds (bribe) of Iraqis. Is there any wonder they can love us one day and kill us the very next? Once again, big words followed by immense foolishness. As for what seems to be more of the heart and soul of this movie besides Stop Loss, separation, for me, was the hardest part. I missed the physical presence of my wife tremendously, and I'm not even talking about just sex. For me, this was harder than the stupid hot weather (I grew up in WI); this was harder than knowing I could die; this was harder than being in war. I missed my parents, too. I knew my parents were worried sick. The only reason I didn't want to die was because I didn't want to break their hearts. Yes, my wife would have been heart broken, too, but I knew she would have the strength to move on. I don't think my parents would ever get over me being killed in war. My mom refused to let me join the army when I was 17 because she said that she would not be the one to sign my death warrant. All she could see of the army was Vietnam. (Ironically, the first human I ever witnessed dying was a year after I returned home. I held my Dad as he took his last breath, a breath stolen by cancer.) Mom arranged to have all my relatives and friends send me mail for my birthday. I got so many letters and cards. It was an amazing morale booster. My wife sent me boxes, seems like bi-weekly of goodies and entertainment. I had so much treats, I felt like AAFES. I'm still amazed today by all she did for me. She did it by herself with two foot surgeries, helping lead the FRG, taking full-time Masters classes, and she herself was a full-time soldier. Just amazing. I couldn't have done all that at once, ever! And she was so lonely the whole time, trying to deal with the mental anguish. She delt with it by keeping busy and making good friends with someone she'd previously found annoying. They were in the same boat and found comfort and friendship in supporting each other. I was one of the lucky ones in Iraq. My unit provided the phones and internet to the users and that meant we always had it. I e-mailed my wife almost every day and we spoke once a week. Once a week was my choice. I could have spoken to her every day if I wanted. How's that for priviledge? It sure wasn't anything like I'd read about in WWII and Vietnam books as a kid. We had so much technology that there was even a truck belonging to some civilian contractors who were being paid big bucks to provide massive internet bandwith via sattelite. No one was using them. They sat and downloaded entire movies in a matter of a few minutes in the middle of nowhere near the border of Iraq. This was in early 2003 when broadband was still trying to become the norm and still pricey. The only time we didn't have phone lines or internet was when we were on the move changing locations. Even then, for six months of my tour, I was personally issued a sattelite based phone that came with 500 anytime minutes in conjuction with the phone to phone plan needed for official use. You bet me and my detail were calling home from strange places! By the time I was leaving, there were even commericalized companies that offered internet service at the staging camps prior to taking R&R leave or redeployment back home. I often felt like I was at any old base back in the States and definitely not in a war zone. That was, until a mortar would land nearby. Thanks for letting me think out loud. The military life is full of adversity and flaws, but that is also what keeps us together and makes us proud to have been a part of it, even if we hate the army as an organization. I'm proud of the men and women who have served. There is no doubt that the people always make the experience and bond what it is. I fully support those who have fulfilled their service and wish to move on. I really don't care what the fine line says, no one in America reads it and that's why it reeks of wrong to use it as a subversive tool to mess with good people's lives. Why are you punishing those who have done their part when there are so many who have yet to do theirs? Why are you willing to punish a soldier with mandatory legal action when you can do the same thing to those who have yet to know what it means to serve? Put technical and legal garbage (political correctness) aside and do what is the tough right. Either pull out (which unfortunately is a bad choice among bad choices) or initiate a draft and get the job done instead of dillydallying around like you said you wouldn't. There is so much hypocricy in the army that it's almost an innuendo. You can find it in everything if you're willing to peel the outer layer. Kimberly, thanks to efforts like yours, people are finally realizing that there is no such thing as a 2,3,4 or 6 year contract. Every initial military contract is for 8 years and the military does everything it can to either hide that from potential recruits or redirect them with loads sensory overload. I'm really eager to see this film, and I don't say that about movies any more. Thanks for trying to do the right thing instead of following the same old generic hollywood template. That's based on what I've seen and the real judgement will come after the viewing. My gut says I'll agree with it and like it. We are a nation of the people. We truly hold the power if we can just get people to care enough. It is the job of a professional politician to make sure you are distracted by the unimportant fluff so that they can go on unhindered with the real substance power is made of. The army leadership is controlled by that very same philosophy. Fluff over substance. Are there exceptions? Yes, all over. They are called individuals. I'm talking about the organization. Iraq will be another military success ruined by political incompetence. This is why I got out and am giving up 13 years of service without hope of a retirement. Money can't buy my happiness. It's funny that the army is handing out record bonuses, even to officers and still struggling to fill the ranks in Iraq. I'd rather be treated like a grown adult and make little than be treated like a two-year old with lots of money. One of the most discouraging phrases I heard was a commander saying, "I'm just a CPT" or I'm just an LTC." These two commanders are the army leadership when it comes to the soldier. And this is what is coming out of their mouths on a regular basis. Individually most are rock solid people. Organizationally, they are the biggest promoters of what is wrong with the army. Even as a junior officer, I had to give so many stupid orders that I'd never done of my own accord. I wouldn't do that any more. From what is probably a rare leadership perspective, that is why I'd be extremely pissed if I were called back. If I am called back, I'll serve. But I already know I'll be stuffed into some role like BMO or some meaningless staff job to be "hidden away" because I will refuse to play the stupid political games. I will never again give a required weekly speech to grown adults not to drink and drive. Hold people accountable; don't patronize them. I will not sacrifice my integrity for my career. I refuse to go back until there is some major change. Movies like this should never had reason to be made in a generation known for its volunteer army. It's a big shame on the civilian leadership. It's sad when so many full generals turn down the most coveted job in the army - chief of staff. It's the politicians. Hide more

Respond Mirielle: My husband, who is of course in the Army, and I got stop-lossed this year and it was extremely hard to let him go. This is our 2nd deployment and has, in my opinion, been considerably harder than the first. Acclimating to having him home for a whole year and then seeing him off again is the hardest part of it all. Thank you for showing the struggle of Army families everywhere.

Respond news: Hey guys, Check out STOP LOSS CONGRESS- March 10-12. Just saw this and thought it was appropriate to post on this site. They are giving Stop Loss notices to Congress. http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/30264

Respond View Conversation

Re: NL. Breeze

David Rubinson: Please send me the paperwork by fax. 212 202 3655. We are doing a massive STOP-LOSS on CONGRESS on March 12. More info coming ! Thanks- DR

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: In “questions” KELLY asks what we learned in talking to military wives and family, and as this was both fascinating and moving to me, I wanted to share a more complete answer here in “comments.”

I was fortunate to interview a number of wives and girlfriends of soldiers (including Sharla and Lindsey who have contributed such great videos and answers on our site, a number of wives fr... Read more om Paris, Illinois when we went to the homecoming of 1000 soldiers from the 1544th, wives and sweethearts from Austin, etc.)

As a sister of a soldier I can relate to missing my brother, being scared for his safety and noticing the changes upon his return, but being a military wife is a connection of another type, so it was fascinating and moving for me to interview and get to know girlfriends/wives/partners of soldiers and see their soldier’s deployment through their eyes – all agreed their soldier’s safety was their first concern and that navigating those periods when they didn’t know if he was OK was incredibly difficult and painful.

These women helped us to understand what a girlfriend and/or wife goes through and how she copes during the long absences when her soldier is away -- how she stays in contact with her soldier through care packages, phone calls and the internet -- sending him pictures, videos and letters etc.; how she copes with the isolation and the longing for her soldier; how she navigates information about soldiers and the war - whether to watch the news all the time or not at all, whether or not to be home at night, whether or not to pick up every phone call, what to do when there’s a news black out, which means someone’s been hurt or killed and she won’t know for sure if her soldier is OK until she doesn’t get a call, and/or can speak to someone who can confirm what happened; how she connects with the other wives who are going through something similar to what she’s going through, and who can be a source of support, comfort and friendship, or who may conflict with her notion of how to be there for her soldier; how she keeps up her soldiers’ moral, as well as her own; how she copes with being told to put her own needs on hold so as not to distract her soldier; what it’s like knowing that her soldier is longing for her and romanticizing the idea of home because that’s what’s keeping him going; what’s it like anticipating his arrival and having it postponed, even repeatedly, as happened to the 1544th in Paris.

These women also shared with us what it was like the first moment they saw their soldier, and thus knew for sure he was safe. They told us what it was like having him home on leave. They spoke of noticing changes in him – noticing the moments when he became overwhelmed by the experiences of everyday life and of being home. A number of women talked about their husbands being newly sensitive, even oversensitive to things, like people chattering in a restaurant, a kid popping a balloon, and being overwhelmed by having to make even the simplest choices – about what to eat for lunch, what to order at a drive through, what flavor donut to order at Dunkin’ Donuts. These women spoke of how difficult it was for their soldiers to hear people talking about the war, and what happens when a bunch of soldiers go to a bar, and end up usually in some sort of fight, which is where we got the line “ain’t a party without a fight.” They described what it’s like sensing bigger changes in their soldier, not being as happy, becoming agitated easier, and what it’s like taking him to the airport and having to say goodbye to him yet again, and anticipating the feelings that come with another long absence.

On our site, Lindsey posts: “(as a military wife/girlfriend) you are going to have to be strong for the both of you. He isn’t going to be there to take care of stuff and you are going to have to be the man of the house too.”

I am so moved by the stories of these women, their strength, their humor, their resilience – and the role they play in our soldier’s lives.

I have collected a number of fun/moving anecdotes that I’ll quote in subsequent posts. I would love it if people posted their stories about waiting for their loved one to come home and what it’s like once he or she is here. Hide more

Respond Jason: For everyone who sees this when a person joins the military they are aware that Stop-Loss Could and can happen they we all signed the contract myself and thousands of others have been recalled i would much rather have had stop-loss than being out for two years and then have to go back but I am not mad because i signed it and i new that it could happen so if anyone gets mad because they are getting... Read more

Respond Risa: I have only seen the trailer, AND have seemed to watch it over and over again. I am so looking forward to seeing this movie. Just watching the trailer I get chills. I do have family and friends over in Iraq and this movie Im sure of it is going to have a strong effect on everyone's lives. I love Kim's work and agin am looking forward to being at the threater in March!

Respond anon: Our troops have been thru hell. They have done their part and more. I can only hope this film generates the attention and commitment to care for and honor our men and women in uniform. They deserve better.

Respond Sheta: I saw the preview for this movie tonight at a showing of "Sweeney Todd." It looks like an important film. I really hope it makes a difference.

Respond View Conversation

Re: ROBERT

SGT B: Robert are you being paid to be on here hacking this film and our Predsident and all of brothers and sisters in arms up like this. You sure seem to have alot of free time on your hands maybe you should go visit your recruter I could make you an appointment and maybe get you shipped over to IRAQ directly after basic training. Come on, it might alow one more soldier to spend a little more time with ... Read more

Respond SGT B: First of all I think at least the trailer to the movie looks interesting probably because it is a known issue. Secondly, I am a service related disabled veteran, and for some of these people to write this stupid crap like, "this is why we need to pull our troops out" is garbage. The reason for a stop loss is because to many of you are chicken s**t and will not go fight and help these people live p... Read more

Respond anon: So its all good showing a movie about whats goin on over there and all but common when you sign a contract you sign for 8 years 4 served and 4 that they can call on you at any time its in the contract if you dont want to take that chance you should have never signed.

Respond Cody: It is about time somebody put this issue to the American people. it is sad that this country has to rely on soldiers that have already done their duty and bc there is only 2% of the people that serve that leaves 98% that can and dont. That is fine with me but the government should never make somebody stay in longer if they are not going to make the other 98% not do the same.

Respond nicole: hi kim. my friend at UT just told me that you are going to Austin to screen your movie. Are you going anywhere else for the rest of us?

Respond Ben G.: Ms. Peirce - I saw that you will be screening the film at SXSW this year. What was you motivation for doing that? How do you think the film will be received by festival goers? I for one am excited to see your work and I hope that this film will encourage discussion about the stop-loss issue.

Respond Mean-y: I loved this movie . This is the real story of the war in Iraq. Stays with you for a few days after seeing it.

Respond anon: This is exactly why we need to bring all our troops home now. Vote Ron Paul!

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Re: Eleni O'Neill

DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: Hi ELENI O'NEILL- I enjoyed reading your post. Thank you to both you and your boyfriend for serving two tours- one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan – that's amazing – glad you made it through safely. I'm touched that the trailer moved you – that you relate to it and that you’re looking forward to the movie – it's important that people who have served are relating to it - and that what hits you is th... Read more

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Re: Candy Shifflet

Director Kimberly Peirce: CANDY SHIFFLET- Thanks for writing in and sharing your feelings about service and your family serving – it's great they gave that much to their country (two family members who fought in Vietnam, an uncle who was a WWII POW, and now a son in ROTC) – it's also great that you have a sense of that lineage and that you are so proud of your son. As military family I can tell you I also felt proud my bro... Read more

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Re: shauna

Director Kimberly Peirce: Hi Shauna. Thanks to your cousin for serving. Glad he's OK. Thank you for posting. As military family, I know your concern about it being difficult to watch a family member come back from fighting and seem different from when they left. While of course not every soldier comes back "a different person," what I've learned from soldiers who I have interviewed and met with, is that fighting in war can... Read more

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: Hey guys, thanks again for visiting the site. I just wanted to let you know that even though I’ve been really busy – preparing for the STOP-LOSS publicity/press/college tour and getting ready for our March release, I am on the site every, and I read everything that’s posted. I will get to as many posts as I can – in fact, I’ll be posting a few more today.

I love your comments, quest... Read more

Respond Adam Kokesh: This movie is exactly what we need right now as we come upon the completion of five years of futility in Iraq. From March 10-12 members of Iraq Veterans Against the War and supporters will be delivering Stop-Loss orders to members of Congress. They have decided to take a holiday for the fifth anniversary of the war while the troops are getting stop-lossed to go back to Iraq without a declaration o... Read more

Respond Eruanna: Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for making this film. I haven't seen it yet, but that line Ryan Phillippe says in the trailer: "I honored my contract, and I expect the army to do the same" exactly sums up my feelings. I have a friend who has served in the Air Force, in operations in Iraq and Kuwait, who was stop-lossed and is now currently in Afghanistan. She is a brave and courageous individual w... Read more

Respond Cyra: I have read all the posts on this website and am finally getting a chance to write in. First of all, it is really wonderful to see a movie that is willing to deal with an extremely important and sensitive issue that is affecting both people in this country and all over the world. Even though Stop-Loss is specific to the United States, there is abundant research on the effect of the military experi... Read more ence on young men who have to go into combat at a very young age across the world. It is common that young soldiers report that combat was not what they had expected, especially in messy situations where it is hard to tell who is the enemy and who is not (this is true for urban combat in another country just as exemplified in the US-Iraq war, but also in cases of civil conflict/war). The violence that soldiers have to witness is generally traumatizing, and it is rare to find countries where there are strong programs for re-adjustment. The experience of American soldiers in that sense is both unique and part of a larger picture, which is captured brilliantly by this movie -I am sure mostly due to the fact that it is based on intensive research and interviews with soldiers (including those finished their tours, and who went awol) as repeatedly expressed by director Kimberly Peirce. I have seen the full feature at a screening at University of Boulder in Colorado, and a soldier broke down after the movie in tears as he expressed that he could not believe a movie could capture what he had been through and felt so well (he had been in combat in Iraq).

It has been really interesting to see how some posters have tried discounting this project as anti-war (and my personal response would be: so what?). Statements such as ““However, don't despair, I am certain it will be lauded as a great film in the salons of Europe and by the masses in the Middle East. The message they get will be a little different. "The Americans are weak and their military is at a breaking point. Maybe the jihadists were right after all”” are sadly ignorant to me, as if there is one “Middle East” policy towards United States, as if all Middle Eastern countries are Muslim, and as if all Muslim countries are pro-jihad. I am not even sure if there is any point in getting into the historically shifting American policy on the Middle East (US-Afghanistan relations are a classic example). This unwillingness to hear about the truth simply because it is disturbing fueled by what seems to me a fundamental fear of change I am afraid will cause many more young men of this country to get killed, injured, and/or traumatized because of this war, and possibly others to come in the future. Hide more

Respond View Conversation NL. Breeze: My Name is Nick Breeze. I got out of the army on 28 AUgust 2007 . By december 18th I had orders recalling me to serve 400 days of involuntary service in Iraq. I still have all the paperwork and can send or fax it to who ever wants to see it .I believe the army does this on purpose so service members dont have a chance to get a disability rating which would prevent them from being forced back into ... Read more

Respond anon: Great movie! I know how it feels to be stop lossed on my 2nd Iraq tour. Bring all US troops home now!

Respond Angelica Shah: I wish this movie would come out sooner. I cried during the preview the first time I saw it. As a 19 year old, I have quite a few friends who decided to join the military right after high school and are either in, or are set to go to Iraq or Afghanistan. I am so proud of these guys!! However, I do not support the war. My friend who is in the marines even told me that it was not what he expected, a... Read more

Respond Kristen: My brother just left today for another year in Iraq after being out of active duty for two years. He left today after getting married last week, after moving out of his new house, after starting his new (better) job, and after almost completing his bachelor's degree. He joined the army originally out of a lack of direction in his life, and now that he finally got it, he has to leave it. It is... Read more

Respond JP: My best friend from college was going through a very difficult personal time and decided to join the army...this just a few months ago...despite his friends's considerable concern. Just a few days before he was scheduled to report to basic, we went to the movies and the trailer for Stop-Loss came on. Given all the conversations we'd had over the past few months, my continually working to change h... Read more

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Re: Director Kimberly Peirce

Deidra: Wow, that's a lot of movies and a lot of blood to watch Kimberley. Did you ever see Amerika back in the 80's? It was an ABC miniseries with Sam Neill, Mariel Hemingway and Kris Kristopherson. I've wondered many times in the last few years while trying to stop this war, what I could do to get people to realize the impact our illegal occupation is having on the country of Iraq and its people. What... Read more

Respond Tracey Frantz: Hi Kim, Just came back from an 85th b-day party for aunt Dot. It was awesome to see everyone. Your mom told me about your new movie. Can't wait to check it out. It looks and sounds way cool. I wish you would keep in touch. Call anytime 6103515033. Would love to get together. What about you???? Love, Tracey

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Re: Stephanie

FugitivePoet: May God keep and protect your husband and his brothers in arms. The debate, like the awareness of American people not sacrificing in this war, comes too late. Where were these statements of cinema and literature during the dark days? "Courage" is easy when courage is popular. Cpl, USMC, '71-'75

Respond Nic Diamond: I have been waiting for almost two years for this movie to come out...here's hoping that there will be an advanced screening in Austin for all of the folks that worked as extras! The trailer looks fantastic!!

Respond Brian: I just saw the previews for this movie and I intend on going to see it.....I think it's about time that someone made a movie about this kind of subject.....I hope this movie wakes up a lot of people and makes them realize what the men in our country sacrafice by fighting over in foreign countries.

Respond Spc. Wood: I have less than a year left and I might get caught up in stop loss. I have already served once in Iraq and I am ready to go home.

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Re: victoria mahoney

anon: The first time i saw this trailer i was in a crowded nyc movie theater the trailer really grabed me and got a very noticible emotional response from everyone in the theater, i really think this will open some eyes.

Respond View Conversation Stephanie: My husband was just stop-lossed so this movie hits home. He'll be deployed when it comes out but I'm def. going to see it. It's about time someone makes a movie about this. I can't wait to see it. Hopefully it will spark some political debate.

Respond anon: I am on my 18 day R and R leave period right now. In 4 days I'll return to Iraq for the months 8-15 of my deployment. This is my second deployment to Iraq. The end of my active duty service obligation (contract) was in July 2007. I missed my son's 1st birthday, and will miss his second as well. I was at the movies with my wife, waiting for the start of Charlie Wilson's War when we saw the pre... Read more

Respond anon: hello ms.kimberly my name is keoka riley an I am a herrican katrina vic. I was just writting to you for help are find help I know that some people are o.k. but I am lilving in stone mountain ga. 30088 my no. is 770-323-1377 crying out for help

Respond Spc.Lattanzio: As of right now i am currently deployed to Iraq and i also have a remander of 3 years 6 months left in the army. I am more then sure i will be stopped loss. But i hope this changes that.

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Re: anon

anon: Channing is awesome and I think he's going to be amazing in this movie!!!

Respond Wil : I was sitting in the theater on last week when I saw the trailer for your movie. I was simply moved, and overjoyed that someone in Hollywood has heard the cry of many families and servicemen that has faithfully seerved in the US Military such as myself, of which I retire this February. It really hits home because a friend of mine was due to be released from the military and two days before his fin... Read more

Respond ingrid capshaw: i am excited to this movie. my hubby is currently deployed for the second time.. and well this movie i think will hit close to home but i'm still excited to see it :D

Respond mike: my son has spent the past 12 years in the military, with the marines and the army. he has spent the bulk of his time outside the united states. if anyone with anything close to power reads this, please answer me this: while my son is off saving the world from itself, who will teach his son to play catch, to ride a bike , to read, to socialize, all the things we are supposed to bring to the rest of... Read more

Respond Logan: I'm looking forward to seeing this movie. I was supposed to get out April 14th but as of March 17th I'll be Stop-Lossed until late 2009. Almost 2 years of involuntary extension. I hope this film opens some eyes.

Respond View Conversation anon: Saw this movie on facebook - looks great. i think channing tatum is about to be everywhere. anyone else love him like i do?

Respond View Conversation victoria mahoney: kimberly, i saw the trailer in a jam packed mid town manhattan theater. the entire audience of hard core new yorkers fell silent. it was a specific silence-filled with ache & wonder. if we can offer an audience anything as filmmakers, let our stories begin; a dialogue. if we can leave the world anything; then let us have instigated a "valuable" dialogue. as you indeed have. i honor (of all the way... Read more

Respond IceMan4: Miss Kimberly, This video reminded me of some of the footage I saw in your trailer. I think it kicks ass. You?

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Respond KetchumMom: Ms. Peirce, just curious what you think about videos like these? watched trailer and saw some video footage with the actors that looked pretty replicated from some videos I've seen online (my son sent me). Are there any in particular that you used / liked? This stuff is so new to me but I feel like they help me connect to soldiers more than any journalism I read or movie I watch. - Gaby ... Read more

Respond View Conversation Director Kimberly Peirce: Thanks again for all the great posts (by the way I LOVE TOBY KEITH-- especially COURTESY OF THE RED WHITE and BLUE and AMERICAN SOLDIER so thanks) I will get back to the music stuff and answering questions --- in the meantime, writing about all that research made me remember so many of the soldier/war and soldier related films I watched over the years in preparation for making this movie -- I’m ha... Read more

Respond View Conversation anon: and...another great Toby Keith song actually cut with soldier/Iraq footage:

Respond anon: Hi Ms. Peirce- I read your post and saw all the music you listed and wanted to say that my brother did two tours and he sent us Toby Keith's "American Soldier"... i think I listened to it on repeat for a month straight. I'm sure u have seen this, but the video is a tribute

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Respond View Conversation

Re: Sarah

Director Kimberly Peirce: Hey "SARAH" Glad you were at the NYC screening and that the film affected you as it did. And thank you for being so astute about the film, our process of researching it, and our Q and A. It was great having Joe (Gordon-Levitt) there. You bring up an important point regarding storytelling and moviemaking in general – we often have to compress time and/or details in order to distill the essence of a... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: GI Spyke

Director Kimberly Peirce: Hi "GI Spyke": Nice hearing from another soldier. Thanks for 20 years of service. Thanks for clarifying the following about STOP-LOSS, "Unless an individual is completely out of the service with no strings attached, i.e. retired or disabled, they are ALWAYS subject to be recalled." I'd be interested in telling other military stories if I found the right one. Sorry for what you went through for 20 ... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: Mara

Director Kimberly Peirce: Hi, MARA. Glad you liked the trailer. It's good hearing from vets who have served in Iraq and who have been stop-lossed. It must be hard to be put in a position where you feel you must follow through on a commitment that doesn't feel right to you. Many stop-lossed soldiers say they feel challenged by this choice. Thanks to your husband for serving. You ask a number of questions that should spark d... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: Elizabeth Murphy

Director Kimberly Peirce: Hi "ELIZABETH MURPHY" Thanks so much for writing in. Glad you caught the Loews Village East Theater screening in NYC – that's my home theater, right around the block from my old apartment in Stuyvesant town (1st and 15th) – saw a lot of movies there -- glad you now know about "stop-loss." For those who don't know, "Stop-loss," in military terms, is "the involuntary extension of a service member's ... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: SPC_LZ

Director Kimberly Peirce: Dear SPC_LZ -- Glad you liked the trailer and that you’re planning to go see the movie with a bunch of people who worked on the film – if you’re in Austin around the time of release we may all be down there for the opening - would be great to see you. Thanks for the compliment re: looks – I guess I’m getting a little more sleep than I was getting during all those all-night shoots. Is this Lozano? ... Read more

Respond View Conversation

Re: LaQuishe

Director Kimberly Peirce: LAQUISHE: thanks for writing in, and for including these statistics. As I note below with BOOTS, I agree with you that movies can reflect reality and be entertaining. And oftentimes the fact that they reflect a reality people feel connected with can make them even more entertaining/more moving and more able to inspire discussions like the ones you bring up.

Respond View Conversation

Re: Neobartleby

Director Kimberly Peirce: Hi NEOBARTLEBY. Thanks for the post. Ten bucks huh? Well, one can never tell what press a movie will get. But since the movie shows the troops in a positive light and does not "embolden the enemy," I don't think Fox News would have much reason to put it in the category you describe. But lets see.

Respond View Conversation

Re: Katie

Director Kimberly Peirce: Hey KATIE, thanks for writing in. I’m excited to get the film out there.

Respond Casey: I don't so much have a question as much as a comment. Never before have I been interested in seeing a movie even remotely related to the Iraq war because I feel as though they have all just been made to exploit the subject. However, this movie has me on the edge of my seat in anticipation. This is such a real subject matter and a side of the war that needs to be put out in the open. I think it is ... Read more

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: Thanks again for all the great posts – you’ve been posting/asking about soldier-made videos.

• ANON “Hi Ms. Peirce…my brother did two tours and sent us Toby Keith's "American Soldier"...the video is a tribute” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctVI5baftFo

• ICEMAN4 “Miss Kimberly, This video reminded me of the footage I saw in your trailer. I think it kicks ass. You? VID... Read more

Respond beth: about the war movies... I saw both the Civil War and the WWII documentaries from ken burns. They are both really, really long, but I liked them alot. Also I liked occupation dreamland. And frontline (pbs) has had a lot of good shows about the iraq war in the past year or two. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/terror/

Respond anon: Our son-in-law's 8 year commitment to the Army Reserves was fulfilled last spring, but he is under stop-loss orders and will be deploying to Iraq soon for a year. This will be his third tour since the war began, and it is so unfair!!! I am so hopeful that this film will cause the public and politicians to pay attention to this issue. Do you think the Army will allow it to be shown to soldiers... Read more

Respond Ryan: Lt. Watada refused to be deployed to Iraq because of his conviction that the Iraq war was unjustifiable, immoral, and illegal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehren_watada). I am wondering if you were aware of his case while making the film and whether his story influenced you in some sense.

Respond Jessica : Hey Kimberly. I LOVEEED the trailer and can't wait to see the movie. What a cast!!!! I LOVED boy's dont cry- it was such a gut-wrenching, beautiful movie. what was it like working with abbie cornish? i first fell in love with her when i watched somersault and thought she was a real find- now she's blowing up. how do you approach shooting- do you guys (your whole cast) stay on location together...a... Read more

Respond Randy: Just saw trailer in theater. Music was great. Joeseph Gordan Levitt is the fucking man.

Respond View Conversation DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: A lot of people have been asking about the nature of the research I/we did to write and make STOP-LOSS and whether it's based on a true story. I'll include a few quotes from people asking questions/making statements then tell you how I/we went about researching.

* LaQUISHE -- "Authenticity is obviously a huge goal for you and everyone involved with ‘Stop Loss.’”

* ANO... Read more

Respond Brooklyn Teacher: KP--So glad that you have had help and enthusiasm surrounding this subject. I teach in a poor community, full of people of color. The armed forces constantly try to recruit my kids with enticing lies about military life. I don't disrespect those in the service, but I am saddened at the misinformation geared at Americans. I'm going to provide a field trip for my adolescents to see this movie when i... Read more

Respond Kim: I will watch any movie with Ryan Phillippe in it! He's a great actor!

Respond Seth: As a soldier in the middle of his second tour and facing a third stop lossed tour in Iraq this film means a lot. Finally someone is talking about this crap.

Respond View Conversation Amanda S.: I understand Josh Hudson's point about the possibility of going AWOL and the "fantasy" as he puts it, but I really don't see that as the MAIN point of the movie. Granted, I'm just judging off of a preview, but to me, it's showing the reality of the affected family members, the homefront, and the lifestyle that those of us in (or married to) the military have to endure. My own husband changes his m... Read more

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: In response to a few questions about the release date -- STOP LOSS comes out March 28th. Because the first college tour went so well, I’ll be going out again, in some cases with the actors– (February 4th – March 28th) across America, screening the movie and talking with audiences about the story and the issues it raises. Looking forward to doing this while continuing our discussion(s) on the web... Read more

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: Happy New Year!!! Thanks so much to everyone who contributed all the great posts. Though I have been in NY and overseas in Istanbul, Turkey (doing research on a project), I’ve been reading your questions/comments/discussions and watching your videos everyday. I love that you’re posting videos! Though I just got back early this morning (24 hours of travel from Istanbul to California via New York) I... Read more

Respond Josh S.: Hi anon, Ms. Peirce mentioned below in one of her 1st posts (...if you scroll down): "...The simple answer is the movie isn't about "Stop-Loss," it's about a man and the journey he goes on as a result of getting “Stop-Lossed”..." She spent a great deal of time speaking with and listening to the stories of the service members and their families who've been effected by the phenomenon. 'B... Read more

Respond anon: does anyone know if this is a true story?

Respond ben: a war movie that i really want to see! thanks for letting me know about thsi site

Respond sherri: i know someone who was stop-lossed - but more than that identification, this film looks like its about friendship what we do for each other. that will get me into the theater. very excited...

Respond Joshua Hudson: I am very excited about seeing this movie, but I hope that the trailer is not really representative of mood of the movie. I find the trailer a little offensive. I spent twenty years as a military photojournalist (1987-2007) documenting the life of the military. My work now still has me writing stories about the military. While I was angry when there were stop-loss event going on, they are not t... Read more he norm in the military (which is overextended). From what I see in the trailer, I fear that this movie may be taking an event and extending it to an extreme for entertainment. After 1991, I have accrued over ten years of deployments to the Middle East. The vast majority of the service members that are there hate the deployments (who enjoys being away from home in the heat), but love the mission. Even in peacetime, the military deploys for long periods over and over. There are those that have to have their tours extended, and they are stop lossed (although not to the degree that happened in the first two years of the war). Family life has always been strained. It is the very reason we acknowledge that the hardest job in the service is the military wife who waits at home. To make this movie feel that the life of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine is different now than it ever was is disingenuous. To focus on an individual that is unhappy to the terms of his contract and may decide to go AWOL and skip off to Canada as if was a fantasy of all service members really gets my ire up. Active duty military serve because we love our job, and believe in those abstracts of freedom and liberty. We feel the need to have a career that means something-- like teaching, law enforcement or fire fighting. We serve our community on a national level. We love that job, and our hardships are gladly put on our shoulders to carry. Having living in the military, as well as reported on it, I can say definitively that almost every member in our military would grumble about being deployed "again," but would never think twice about getting on that plane to redeploy. It isn't a fun job, but it is OUR job and we own it! Ms. Pierce, I sincerely hope that this movie properly represents this movie as a single persons experience and not the sentiment of the entire military. I really want to see this movie and enjoy it-- but with so many people who are insulated from our military culture and our experiences, we really don't need another film that distorts our military experience with politics and agenda. Someday this war will be over, and we will still be here deploying, serving, and sacrificing. Would you be interested in this movie if the Soldier was stop-lossed and sent to Okinawa? What you have made this movie, if the protagonist hadn't been a decorated Soldier and just did his time as a mess cook and had a boring time in Iraq? From your trailer, you have a larger than life tragic hero who is thrown back into his home with no acclimation to civilian life and a love interest that basically doesn't support his career to justify breaking his contract. Please tell me this isn't the movie. Please tell me that this Soldier has more motivation other than he is disgruntled and he might loose his girlfriend. Hide more

Respond Sam P. : No way, Turhan...you're an extra in the film!? I guess I never even realized that stop loss also affected the USAF?? Can you tell us what you got to do as an extra?? I'll be checking for you in the credits!!

Respond Lisa: My brother was just stop-lossed, and is now back in Iraq for a second tour. he was suppose to get out of the army in August, but is now serving a 15 month deployment in Iraq. I am very excited for this movie to come out. I think it is really going to hit home for me.

Respond Turhan Williams: Ms Pierce I had a blast working as an extra on this film while on location in Austin / San Antonio. I am a veteran of the Air Force and have experienced being stop-loss. I can not wait until March 28th I have been anxiously waiting. Once again, it was truly an honor and the pleasure was truly all mine!

Respond Frederick: Re: lexy...Haha, I'm a big fan of Abbie's, as well!! I don't really think that the studio would keep them apart. And, I definitely don't think that Kim would alter the film at all. After all it's already been screened at a few colleges. Should be good, can't wait!

Respond pirate red: i know a bunch of infantrymen who got called back up to go serve after they got out of active duty 4 years ago, it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. the armys never done with you .

Respond View Conversation Jen: My husband is overseas right now and it's really hard for us to live the kind of life that we live. So i guess I just wanted to say i'm glad somebody is making a movie like this so that way people could see what our way of life is like and the hardships we have to deal with. So thank you.

Respond Josh S.: Wow, Eleni...that is an amazing story regarding you and your boyfriend! We are all definitely proud of both of your service time and are glad to have you back safe at home. The fact that (active) service members, especially reservists can relate to this film has me even MORE interested, now...

Respond View Conversation Eleni O'Neill: I cannot thank you enough for making this film. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing it yet, but just the trailer moved me almost to tears. My boyfriend and I have both served 2 tours, one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, both of which were voluntary. We are reservists, and, yet, there is no guarantee that we will not have to go back again. Your film hits the nail on the head. I think this sto... Read more

Respond View Conversation Jay Oliver: I have an older brother who is in Iraq serving in the Marine Corp right now with a wife and two baby girls at home. This is his second deployment. He was first deployed on Sept. 18, 2001, exactly one week after the terrorists attacks. My Sister got out of the Army two years ago, about six months after returning from Iraq, she became pregnant. We, thankfully, have not fallen victim to stop-loss, bu... Read more

Respond View Conversation Candy Shifflet: I am not sure what has happened to our country but I seem to find myself sometimes envious of the military and the military families of 1940s'. The pride we had back then in ourselves and our America appears to be lost. I am a Mother of a 16 year old ROTC student and have never experienced the feelings of such strong pride as I do in my son and his accomplishments due to the ROTC program. My so... Read more

Respond lexy: Are the studio people really going to make Ryan and Abbie pretend they aren't together during the premieres and the press conferences? That is really dumb. Their fans want to see them act normal not pretend not to know each other. They are really hot together I hope you left their scenes together in the movie. Sorry if this is the most superficial post on this site but it is a movie and it'... Read more

Respond brooke foster: my husband is in iraq, and when his deployment is over in april of '08, it will have been 15 months (of course, his platoon got extended). we have three children, i know in my heart that he will be a victim of the stop-loss policy; he is due to get out of the army a little after one year upon his return. he has had over two dozen fellow soldiers fall victim to this abhorrent law in the past few ... Read more

Respond Boulder Fan: Ms. Pierce, how can we obtain the sound bits that you did for the screening in Boulder last October? There were some intersing things said in that discussion and some bits that I'd like hear and see again. Some of what the parents said and what some of the soliders in the audiance said as well.

Respond LaQuishe: Jacqueline: I don't know if this is accurate or not, but I recently saw on the New York Times online that Kimberly has signed on to direct the true-life story of Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy who led a double life as a businessman/spy, spouse/lover and knew the Koran as well as the Talmud. He infiltrated the Syrian government and was discovered and hanged in 1965, but the information he provided was l... Read more

Respond ROBERT: It seems there is much starry-eyed benefit of the doubts being tossed around here. "Stop-Loss" is the thin end of a very large wedge. It is meant to be a wedge issue to divide military families and divide Americans who actually want to win this war. After real improvements in Iraq, the anti-war crowd will now focus on veterans and their legitimate grievances as yet another tactic to undermine the ... Read more

Respond Chillin@Benning: Ms. Peirce, I read that your brother served and then helped you make the movie. Did your feelings about soldiers / the war change when you became military family? How? What kind of impact did your little brother have on the film? Respectfully, SGT Scott McArthur

Respond Jacqueline : Hi Kim. Love the trailer! Quick question...do you have your next film lined up? Do you ever hire actors through open calls? Is there a place I could send a headshot/resume. I am an aspiring actress and LOVE your work. BOYS DON'T CRY changed my life. It would be a dream to work for you in any capacity. Did you hire any non-actors/ non SAG actors in STOP LOSS?

Respond Duane T.: Kim Peirce- Happy holidays. Just watched the trailer with 2 of my buddies (ex marines) and wish it were in theaters now- so looking forward to it. really happy you are talking on this site. I think your film will be very powerful-- you seem to really have researched responsibly and i thank you for that. Thanks for taking the time to answer questions and talk about your film- i've never seen anothe... Read more

Respond sally: i agree - looks terrific. my friends love this trailer. how did you reasearch this film?

Respond Paige: Looking at your trailer, it looks like a total misrepresentation of how and when stop loss works. But then what would I know, I just have friends and family who have had to deal with it. And like every other anti Iraq war movie that has been make. You are about to lose a lot of money. its a shame because from what little i can see you done a very good job with it. s did Leni Riefenstahl

Respond Carson: Thanks for puttin this up, Kimberly. I haven't seen your movie, but I like that you're including videos from soldiers who had all types of different experiences in the service. It is a big deal to serve one's country, and while some soldiers experiences make them want to turn their backs on the Army and the war, others - for whatever reason - have experiences that make them want to stay in for l... Read more

Respond ROBERT: Stop Loss was created by Congress about 30 years ago after Vietnam. It was used frequently during the Gulf War. The Stop Loss policy was not necessary before because there was a draft from 1940-1973.

Respond shelly: when did stop loss start in our military? did it begin with the war in Iraq? i don't really remember hearing of this issue in previous wars? also, does it happen in all military groups? or just the army?

Respond Josh S.: shayanne: I know!!?! From her presence on this board, you can tell that Kim Peirce put a lot of time and care into this project...I've never seen any forum like this. Definitely has me looking forward to seeing how it all comes out.

Respond anon: i know keith and think his video is great - he speaks from a true place. loved watching these vids!

Respond shayanne: i just discovered this site and am amazed by the dialogue. it is not often a film puts itself out there for debate. i watched the stop-loss trailer and think this movie looks amazing. keep up the good work!

Respond anon: does anyone know if this movie is based on a true story?

Respond Me Again: How about we just agree to disagree on this one?

Respond Me Again: I assure you Robert that I neither need a dictionary nor a history book to understand your lengthy diatribes. And sadly since you have probably had numerous years to hone your caustic disposition, I doubt anything I say here will change it.

Respond ROBERT: I don't consider "addle" and "hysterical" as $10 words but if they are worth that much to you, fine. At least I got you to pick up a dictionary if not a history book.

Respond Non-Addle Brained and Hysterical: DEAR ROBERT: Just because you are using $10 words does not make name calling ok or acceptable, but thank you for solidifying my point. I'm glad we live in a country where we're all able to express our differing opinions. You may be making very valid points, but when I have to wade threw all of the hostility to get to them, sometimes your point may get lost in translation. For the record, I am not... Read more

Respond Phillip: Rob, you're misinterpreting me, dude. I am not trying to combat you, so I apologize if that's how my comment came off. What I'm saying is "I hear your points," but as military family not interested in being anything but blunt in regards to the issues brought up by this film (and also not interested in any liberal preachiness), I happened to see your posts as angry and narrow-minded. Does that m... Read more

Respond dwight: what research did you do for the movie? is it based on a true story?

Respond View Conversation shauna: couldn't agree more. my cousin is in iraq and when i saw the preview for this movie, it really made me stop and think. its hard to watch your family come back from fighting and turn into an entirely different person - you can't just expect them to drop back into normal every day life. how could they after all that they've seen?

Respond 2nd Positive Comment in a Row: Well said Phillip!!! JOE what amazes me about people with your obvious agenda of promoting the war and all it stands for is how closed minded and hostile you make yourself look as you make your point. Our country is based on the principle of freedom of speech. That is one of those things that our soldiers are actually over there fighting for (among other things that may be a little less noble and ... Read more

Respond ashley: hello Ms. Peirce, i just have to comment back on some of the postings that i have been reading and chime in to tell you that i am so grateful that you have made this movie. it is refreshing to see a young filmmaker who really cares about her films and is working to make something that is interesting, important and relevant to our society. you are truly an inspiration and i cannot wait to see y... Read more

Respond View Conversation ROBERT: MS. PEIRCE: I understand the process of your craft. However you are a filmmaker; not a journalist. You start with a treatment with a point of view. For the sake of gravitas, you seek out soldiers that enhance and add authenticity to YOUR story. Unfortunately today too many journalists follow the same formula. They have their conclusion and they seek out those who will confirm it. As an artist, th... Read more

Respond Robert (2): Joe, I hear you buddy, but give this film a chance, please. I saw it at a test screening and while you may be disappointed at the fact that it deals with an AWOL soldier, you WILL NOT be disappointed with where the story goes. You'll see, dude, this movie was made, from my understanding, with a lot of soldiers working on it and in it. Give it a chance and ease up, or debate me, your free to do w... Read more

Respond Joe: Ms Pierce. Thats all fine, it doesn't change anything. you decided on an overly political topic that happens to an extreme minority of the military for a reason and are now releasing it in an election year. It seems pretty evident what is going on. The American people arent stupid. Take a look at your own trailer again. "I signed up thinking i was going over there to protect my country" "everythi... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: Joe, Robert, Grenade007, Nikisha – Thanks again for the posts. I'm going in order but there is one thing I want to clarify about how I made this movie and it’s relationship to “Hollywood.” I start outside of “the system.” I start with a subject that inspires and intrigues me – in this case, I was deeply interested in soldiers – why they were signing up, going to war, what they were experiencing... Read more

Respond Nikisha: I completely agree with you Grenade007. Like Ms. Peirce said, I think one of the most important things about this film is that it explores the relationships that these soldiers have with each other, their families, and their country. I believe that watching these develop and change will be the most compelling part of the film. I very much look forward to seeing Stop-Loss in theaters!

Respond ROBERT: Joe makes a good point. If a film is going to be made about an something that rarely happens in the military, how about a film about Michael New. He was a Army medic who faced a court-martial in 1995 for refusing to wear a United Nations peacekeeper uniform. His argument was that he took an oath to the United States Constitution and not the United Nations Charter. That seems to me like a solid dis... Read more

Respond Grenade007: Obviously, if she did research, it would not come from "one" soldier's POV... a film can never represent all POVs but it's clear from having seen the film that it really shows the honor in being a soldier- it also shows tough choices/events SOME soldiers face. of course not all soldiers are stop lossed, but stop loss is every soldier's issue- cause the soldier you know (or are) could be next...per... Read more

Respond Joe: I was wondering why you keep saying this movie is from the soldiers point of view when you decided to depict something that soldiers almost never do. While this may be one soldiers point of view i think it is offensive to portray this as from "the soldiers point of view" i think millions of active and retired soldiers would agree. You obviously for personal reason decided to make a liberal movie a... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: Thanks for all the great posts recently. I'm pretty much going in order-- oldest posts to newest.

Respond Nikisha: Ms. Peirce – Given your past films you obviously do an amazing job of selecting film topics that are both relevant and complex. What is it that pushed you to do a film about stop-loss? After all of your hard work and research, what do you feel is the most important thing for moviegoers to take away from this film?

Respond ROBERT: MS. PEIRCE As the film gets more press in the months ahead, will you distance yourself from the counter-recruiting movement which often mocks those who CHOOSE to serve in the military? If recruiters cannot recruit and conscription is not imposed, there will be a very weak military which makes the USA and the whole free world vulnerable; which is exactly their goal. Sorry for asking unpleasant q... Read more

Respond anon: Once again Robert, you speak the truth. I doubt it is a coincidence this movie is being released in an election year.

Respond View Conversation ROBERT: I suppose it is just a coincidence that "Stop-Loss" is being released in an election year. Theatrical release in March and DVD well before Election Day, 2008. I know, the film is not in the slightest bit political. Men with Southern drawls in the military have always been beloved by Hollywood in recent years. Especially when a sensitive issue like the stop-loss policy can be used as a Trojan horse... Read more

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: Thanks for these recent great posts -- I will respond shortly.

Respond View Conversation Scott "Shooter" Lindley: I am a disabled veteran in the Afghan War, where some would say it all began for this generation. I have several friends serving in both theaters and all branches. My best friend (in Iraq)was severely injured when his 50 cal. blew up and ripped his leg apart. He will survive. A 50 cal. (a great weapon) was developed for WWII, our warriors were not. We have worn down our "War Machine" just like our... Read more

Respond Nikisha: I think it is amazing to see all the support this film is garnering from the military community. Stop-loss is obviously an important issue that is rarely talked about but continues to affect more and more individuals and families across the country. I anticipate that this film, like Boys Don’t Cry, will educate viewers about a very relevant subject and leave them to make their own conclusions. ... Read more

Respond anon: Thank you so much for putting together a film that will shine a light on this issue that is talked about far too little. My platoon sgt was about to retire after 20+ years of service and got stop lossed... dedicates her entire life to the army and they still want more. The folks in Iraq Vets Against the War are all excitedly anticipating this movie's release.

Respond Josh S.: As Ms. Peirce has stated she attempted to show the service members as the "...intelligent, patriotic, dedicated, [and] engaging..." individuals we all know them to be. It's my guess that this film will end with the viewer having seen a real and honest portrayal of the 'active-duty' issues our service members are currently dealing with...I don’t at all see this film as propaganda. Either way... Read more

Respond anon: Jeremy- put your money where your mouth is. Upload your films so we can see what kind of director you are.

Respond Jeremy: HI NOFILMSCHOOLHACK...You know what your talking about because your friend is serving??????? Well that says it all. Glad you are an expert because of your friend. I have a friend who is a Doctor, maybe if he needs a day off ill step right in and do some surgery, I mean why not. I did see the film and I didnt care about "Brandons" story for a second. Especially the multiple cliched flashback scenes... Read more

Respond ROBERT: To illustrate my argument better, imagine if the two vicious thugs in "Boys Don't Cry" ran a whole nation and we told the Iraqi Brandon Teena, "Sorry, but protecting you is too much trouble and we are going to throw you to the wolves now". The kind of atrocities depicted in that film will happen unabated with no hope in sight. An Iraq today without US troops would be a hellish nightmare. Yes, even... Read more

Respond ANON #2: when you decided to open this site up to comments directed at you/your movie, did you expect them to be as angry and polarized as some of them have been. Do you expect the same or worse from the media when it comes out? thanks again.

Respond NOFILMSCHOOLHACK: Yo Jeremy, why are you such a hater? From your post I can deduce that you haven't seen the film- only the trailer. I saw the film when it came to Ohio and you are wrong. If there's one thing that is undeniable, it's Kim Peirce's directing. She gets stellar performances out of her actors. 2 student films huh? How about you post them and we judge that. As for the film- once you see it, hopefully you... Read more

Respond Nikisha: Just because the soldier in the film is apprehensive about going back to Iraq does not mean in anyway that he is not patriotic or heroic. Analyzing the soldier's struggle is not necessarly an indictment of the US military or the people serving in it. The trailer seems to focus on one individual's struggle to not want to go back to a war-torn and dangerous country. It's good to know that Ms. ... Read more

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: I'll start where I left off with BOOTS and make my way back to these more recent and interesting comments.

Respond Robert is right: period.

Respond LaQuishe: KIMBERLY: Authenticity is obviously a huge goal for you and everyone involved with 'Stop-Loss'. Can you maybe elaborate on what type of training the actors were put through to prepare for their roles as soldiers? Also how difficult was it to film in the Texas summer heat?

Respond Robert: MS. PEIRCE: As I am sure you know, film is a manipulative medium. With the appalling business that the recent flourish of "Iraq War" films have been doing and judging by the trailer, Paramount seems to be selling the film in way that is anti-war as well as being "pro-soldier" enough to appeal to those in "fly-over" country who still believe that these men are fighting to defend this nation from a... Read more

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: Sorry for being a bit behind on the answers. Got hit hard with a cold going around LA. Catching up now. x kp

Respond DIRECTOR KIMBERLY PEIRCE: ROBERT, thanks for writing in. I hear you about not wanting to see soldiers as either victims or predators and not wanting them to appear stupid. As military family I have a great deal of respect for soldiers and their families; as a filmmaker who spent years interviewing soldiers and then working with them to make the movie, my respect only grew. I want to present them as I know them -- as intell... Read more

Respond anon: no, haven't seen that youtube video...how about a link?

Respond anon: Has anyone seen the youtube video where a group of soldiers make fun of this trailer and movie? Its Hilarious. Looks like a good movie, interested to see it when it comes out.

Respond Victor Burgess: Hi, I was honored to be one the main soldiers on the hero bus during the first days of shooting and also a stand-in. I enjoyed the time on set and some of the off set outings. I wanted to thank you personally for the opportunity that you gave me and so many others. I have been telling everyone about this wonderful film and how humble the cast and crew were. Thanks again Victor B.

Respond Colleen: I recently saw Stop-Loss here on campus at the Univeristy Wisconsin-Madison. Going in I didn't know that it would be possible to make a movie on such a topic without dragging it through the mud of the politics involved in such a controversial war. However, I was stunned to find a movie that, according to the comments of numerous veterans during the Q&A, showed the life of a solider with astounding... Read more

Respond IMDBnerd: Thanks for responding Kim. Was Scott on set everyday and how much input did he have as far as the making of the movie? Would you work with him again?

Respond ANONymous: anon = anonymous

Respond MarkSEAL: Ms. Peirce, from the trailer I see that Stop-Loss has a lot of footage that looks soldier videos I've seen on YouTube, etc. Check out this one I'm pasting below. Is this true? How and why did you decide to use this content in Stop-Loss?

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Respond ANON #2: Thanks for your thoughful reply to my question. If I can ask another... I missed my chance to go to the screening in NYC (had to work). Will you be touring around the country anymore to show the movie? Or do I have to wait until in comes out in march? Either way...i'll be there and will tell all my friends about it too.

Respond anon: Of course he is going to go AWOL. Its Hollywood. So true BC

Respond BC: My only question is this. I was a SGT who was called back after being home for 47 days on transition leave. I had done one tour already. We had about 16 wounded out of 24 in my first tourn including 2 killed. I've only seen the preview and I can only hope that this movie doesn't show a soldier go AWOL. There are more soldiers and family members who return and do their tour after being called b... Read more

Respond Jason: Just wanted to say thank you for making this movie. I am currently being kept in the military due to stop loss and I hope to see this movie in Iraq. I will be in Iraq in March when this movie comes out but I will own this movie. It is bad when you are at a point where you do not even want to tell your children that you served in the military. I have not even seen this movie but I am excited fo... Read more

Respond View Conversation Mara: From the preview all I can say is Thank You and I can't wait to see this movie. I was there and my husband too, who was stop-lossed and who almost got sent back again in the IRR. It's a war I never believed in and as I pondered over the wrongness to do this to Iraq, I did what I didn't feel was "right" because I signed a doted line and it was only right to keep my commitment, but who keeps the com... Read more

Respond Director Kimberly Peirce: Just a note to everyone: Thanks so much for writing in. Sorry for the delay, we are back from the college tour. Here are a couple answers (starting from the first ones posted at the bottom. I'm working on the rest. x KP

Respond Ray S.: While your movie does look interesting. I do not understand the title. Maybe you should re-name the movie to Re-called cause that's what happens when a soldier is allowed to go home and is re-called back to active duty. Stop Loss is when a soldier is already on active duty status and is not allowed to leave the active Military because his unit is probably preparing to deploy. While I do not agree ... Read more

Respond View Conversation Sarah: I attended a screening of Stop-Loss in NYC and was completely blown away. I was also lucky enough to be there for the interview afterward with the writer and director, Kimberly Pierce, who is incredibly articulate, insightful, and passionate. It was very interesting to discover that the project was so intensely researched it was offered major funding to be produced as a documentary, but Pierce cho... Read more

Respond View Conversation GI Spyke: To add on to Cpl Peterson's comment...stop-loss policy also includes a 90 day window after being redeployed in which a service member can not get out or switch units. Unless an individual is completely out of the service with no strings attached, i.e. retired or disabled, they are ALWAYS subject to be recalled. (More fine print.) Kimberly, how about telling the story of Gay and Lesbian Veterans... Read more

Respond View Conversation Elizabeth Murphy: I was fourtunate enough to attend the screening at Loew's Village Theater. Thank you! "Stop-Loss" I had no idea what it ment, allthough, I was aware of the pratice-it sucks. Kimberly Pierce you got me on many levels, keep up the good work. This story needs to be out there.

Respond Cpl Peterson USMC: I was stuck in Okinawa, Japan for the other side of the stop-loss... the "stop-move." A couple friends of mine have been recalled to active duty not "the day the were to get out" but 7 months after they have re-adjusted to civilian life. I was not ordered back simply because I joined a few months before them... Secretly, I want to be with them, but I cant tell my family that, they don't u... Read more

Respond View Conversation SPC_LZ: nice to finally see the trailer for the movie. the film looks awesome. can't wait to see it in theaters. already have it planned for a bunch of us who worked on the film to see it on the big screen. BTW Kim..your looking good!!!

Respond LaQuishe: Actually it was not a slap at Fox really. I was agreeing with another commenter's prediction that this film will be a topic discussed on Fox when it comes out. I think you may have misunderstood my intent. I think this is going to be an amazing movie that addresses an issue that many people are not aware of and that many media outlets are probably going to be discussing in the near future.

Respond anon: LaQuishe! Why the slap at Fox? This movie looks like a fine production and based on reality; unlike a Michael Moore Mockumentary. A Proud Fox Employee You go Kimberly!

Respond View Conversation LaQuishe: I'm sure we'll hear a lot about this movie on Fox News too. I just don't think the media or anyone else should blame Hollywood for reflecting reality. I was watching the NBC Nightly News on November 16th and learned that there has been a huge spike in deserters in the past year and from the beginning of the war until now. In the past year alone 4698 soldiers were declared deserters. This is a 4... Read more

Respond alex: You have an extremely HOT cast! How did you go about the casting process? I can't wait to see this movie!!

Respond View Conversation Neobartleby: I got ten bucks that says come springtime this flick will be the subject of a Fox News editorial, Talking Points memo, rant etc. on how this is another anti war movie, noone should see it, it harms the troops, and emboldens the enemy.

Respond View Conversation Katie: Psyched to see the film, Kim!

Respond New York: Kim, Psyched to break the ice and be the first question. I saw your film in New york. Was great! I know this movie came from your experience with your brother and other real soldiers. Of all the important things about Iraq you must have found in your research, what made you choose Stop-Loss?

Director Kimberly Peirce

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