A very modern account about how one man’s descent into hatred was transformed into love by the very targets of his hate.
In a story spanning over a decade but with roots far deeper into the past, ‘Stranger at the Gate’ is part documentary part biography of the journey of a former U.S marine.
Highlighting the mental well-fare of all soldiers, what is truly horrifying is the lack of back up still received by these men who are willing to fight for all of us. Time and time again, the cost in psychological and emotional terms is disproportionally high, and the results can be violent, and disturbing. In real terms, these outcomes, all too familiar, seem to cost us far more than it would be, to have far better vetting and care service for all servicemen.
However, what’s also unnerving, is the fractured emotional landscape that this young man sprung from as he grew up. Alas, so many have this very 21st century problem, which is what often leads young men and women to seek a home, and sense of belonging within the armed forces.
Sometimes this is a wonderful plan and they end up becoming part of a peace keeping defensive force which we cannot yet be without. However, for some it is also a recipe for psychological disaster, and this was the case for this particular Marine. Discharged after stressful active service, and then witness to 9/11, all the unaddressed feelings balled up until this ex-Marine actually built a bomb which he planned to explode at the local Muslim Center in his home town.
Beautifully told by award winning Director Joshua Seftel, and edited elegantly by Jeremy Medoff, the story that unfolds is one of the sheer humanity and power of love that exists in this world. This film is touchingly life affirming, which really has nothing to do with religious dogma, which can still destroy as much as it heals, but everything to do with the love and welcome this damaged, unhappy man was shown by the very people he wanted to kill.
Raising all sorts of issues to do with prejudice, religion, misunderstanding, mental health and the breakdown of family life, ‘Stranger at the Gate’ is a hopeful story of what can be achieved with love. Since then, the ex-Marine has been moved to travel the country and help others and this is the true wonder of his story; he survived and became stronger as a result, and able to help others who are also lost to love, or who need to belong, and raise awareness for us all.
Short listed for the Academy Awards this year, ‘Stranger at the Gate,’ deserves every accolades it wins, and wishing the Director and crew every success.
***** 5 stars
Written by Jane A. Foster who loves champions all independent film, and freedom of expression. janecreates@23-films.com
