Morale (2024): THE WAY OF A COMBAT CHAPLAN – Movie Guide | Movie Reviews for Families | Morale (2024): A Battle Chaplain’s Journey – Movie Guide

“Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey” is a powerful documentary about the long and rich history of U.S. Army chaplains helping soldiers both physically and spiritually. Since the time of George Washington, chaplains have accompanied soldiers into battle, serving as spiritual and moral guides and putting their own lives at risk to save others. The film centers on the story of Chaplain Emil Kapaun, whose body was identified 70 years later and brought back to America after he went missing in North Korea as a prisoner of war. It brings healing to Justin Roberts, another chaplain inspired by the 419 chaplains who came before him.

Morale is a gripping, heartfelt film about the often overlooked bravery of Army chaplains. Some film reconstructions have dated and strange visual effects. However, real-life footage and photographs are excellent visual aids that tell the amazing story of the courage and faith of several chaplains. Some of the chaplains represent false religions, but in the movie they claim that they can work together despite their religious differences. FIGHTING SPIRIT also features some military violence, but nothing graphic. MOVIEGUIDE® recommends caution when viewed by young children.

(BBV, SS, PPP, BB, M):

Dominant worldview and other content/elements of worldview:

A strong moral and biblical worldview with some Christian references, as well as very strong patriotic elements emphasizing the sacrifice, bravery and unwavering faith of US Army chaplains;

Obscene language:

No obscene language;

Violence:

War violence is throughout, some real life footage and some re-enactments, some blood is shown, as well as gunfire, explosions and talk of death, injury, suicide and the horrors of war, but the film is not overly graphic and there are no gruesome images;

Floor:

No sex;

Nudity:

No nudity;

Alcohol consumption:

No alcohol consumption or references;

Smoking and/or drug use and abuse:

Do not smoke or use drugs;

Miscellaneous immorality:

Some of the chaplains offer “hope”, but they are Buddhists, Muslims and other non-Christians and therefore cannot give true hope.

“Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey” is a documentary film about the history of U.S. Army chaplains who serve and sacrifice for the physical and spiritual benefit of countless soldiers. “Fighting Spirit” tells a heartfelt, compelling story about the often overlooked bravery and sacrifice of Army chaplains, with a strong moral, patriotic worldview containing some positive Christian themes and references, but there is also some military violence and references to false religious chaplains in the service.

The documentary begins with Justin Roberts, a chaplain with the 101st Airborne Division in Afghanistan. He talks about PTSD and stories from his own experiences as a chaplain. Viewers also hear from other Army chaplains about past heroes. Justin learns that the body of the famous chaplain Emil Kapaun has been identified after 70 years. The chaplain died in captivity in North Korea. Justin begins the journey of healing by talking about all the faithful chaplains in history.

The documentary features the stories of several chaplains. Stories including those who served under George Washington, where it all began, the Civil War, World Wars, Vietnam and Iraq.

A particularly moving story of faith and perseverance comes from Jeff Strucker, whose story is featured in the film Black Hawk Down. He exemplifies true courage through his Christian faith, which culminates in him returning to battle several times to save those he can. In the film, he says his point of view has changed: “stop preparing soldiers to face the enemy and start preparing them for eternity.”

There are other wonderful, encouraging stories of chaplains’ faith and their willingness to serve soldiers, often armed only with their faith. The film ends with Justin Roberts finding healing by learning the inspiring stories of those who came before him.

“Fighting Spirit” is a powerful, well-made documentary dedicated to the unsung heroes of war, the U.S. Army Chaplains. Some of the reenactments are aided by dated effects that detract from the poignant stories being told. However, what makes the film stand out is that it uses actual footage from Justin Roberts’ service or archival photos and videos of other chaplains.

Faith figures prominently in this documentary, and it is a powerful story of the moral fortitude, perseverance, faithful service and heroic sacrifices of various chaplains. MOVIEGUIDE® notes two points of caution for viewers. First, the film contains examples of how chaplains who teach Buddhism, Islam, and other false religions give soldiers the same hope as those who carry a Bible. However, there are some bright spots where people from different backgrounds work together despite their religion. Secondly, “Fighting Spirit” does contain scenes of violence.

Ultimately, though, Fighting Spirit is a good documentary about sacrifice, love and faith. MOVIEGUIDE® advises young children to exercise caution due to depictions of war violence and references to non-Christian religions.