MovieChat Forums > Battle for Haditha (2008) Discussion > Not fair to make a movie like this befor...

Not fair to make a movie like this before any trials are done

posted 17 years ago by maskirovka77
10 replies | jump to latest

I have no idea whether or not any of the Marines at Haditha are guilty or not. I do think it is unfair to make a movie that graphically depicts a version of events about what happened at Haditha before any of the men involved are put on trial.

In Britain, if I'm not mistaken, the court system would not allow this to happen because the case would be "sub judice."

I wonder how the actors and the film-maker would feel if they were accused of a crime and someone made a movie about that before their trial in which the prosecution brief was the only version of events given.

[–] wiltvid 17 years ago

If right or wrong, only History can reveal. I also have not seen the movie yet So I reserve my opinion.
Also please keep in mind, that this movie has a right of delivering an opinion.
To get diffrent opinions, is all what democracy is about. We get daily fed by "media spin" , a media that is being paid by the advertisers. Do you believe the advertisers have no influence of what is being reported ?
I find it increasingly difficult, to find unbiased raw news, but I'm lucky sometimes, because I spend a lot of time looking for it. I find it daring and refreshing, if an independent movie maker or reporter will present us with a diffrent angle. It is up to you, what you make out of it. And may be it is a good thing, that we familiarize ourselves with the issues, doing our own research and try not to rely on the official versions. If it comes to the judges, I'm glad not to be in their shoes. Imagine the political pressure they must be under , reflecting this highly emotional charged issue.
If you have time, please take a look at my earlier post on this issue, on reply to "SavageNation88: [Nick Broomdfield should be sued for Defamation].
Anyway, what I want say is this, "However the verdict will be, it will satisfy no one, and one side or the other will voice outrage" By no one I mean that
even if judgement has been past, the doubts will not easily disappear.
Mind the recent Gonzalez scandal. Justitia's sword might be a little bit out of balance.
I do not believe to leave the issues to the people in higher places , so we can keep complacency. The concept of faith or trust could destroy our now fragile democracy. So a kind of philosophical answer is all I can reply with , at this stage

[–] rhargrav 17 years ago

I agree with you. I would hate to go to trial and have only a one-side version of the case presented in such a graphic and widespread manner. It would be extremely prejudicial to the defense's case. Dare I say it might make it incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to receive a fair trial.

At any rate the charges against many of these marines are being dropped even before there is a court martial. New evidence is coming out almost daily and exonerating the marines.

[–] wiltvid 16 years ago

May be just the evidence Roberto Gonzales can accept.
I believe politics have taken over your Justice system, in a very bad way.
George Bush said:
"Either you are for us, or you are against us "
That being said, is very hard to swallow for intellectuals, who understand that we live together on one planet with a lot more complexity.

[–] Jeesh 16 years ago

The film portrays the soldiers actions as understandable, and points the blame with the army hierarchy and the Bush Administration rather than with the individual perpetrators who are standing trial (who in fact the film does not 'judge' at all, which may leave some people uncomfortable). This would be a valid point to make regardless of the result of any trial - the sentiment is that the trial is directed at the wrong people from the off.

[–] mrh1000-1 16 years ago

Charges dropped

On April 17, 2007, the Marine Corps dropped all charges against Sgt. Sanick P. Dela Cruz in exchange for immunity during testimony. Seven other Marines involved in the incident have also been granted immunity.

On August 9, 2007, all charges against Lance Cpl. Justin Sharratt and Capt. Randy Stone were dropped.

On October 19th, Lance Cpl. Justin Sharratt's commanding officer decided the charges should be lowered to involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and aggravated assault.

On September 18, 2007, all charges against Captain Lucas McConnell were dropped in exchange for immunity and his cooperation with the investigation.

The investigating officer recommended charges be dropped against LCpl. Stephen Tatum.

The again charges were also dropped in relation to the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam, when the US Army massacred a South Vietnamese Village killing seven hundred innocent people.

[–] ma18 16 years ago

charges dropped...what a load of crap.
innocent civillians killed and they have no one accountable. is that the kind of democracy you bring to iraq? is that liberation? is that freedom? where someone comes to your house and commits a slaughter? how is that different from saddams regime? it seems to me that iraq is a long long way from being a stable country.

charges dropped, what a *beep* joke.

if the marines were following orders, what kind of people are leading the fight against 'terrorism'? those that have no moral code themselves, who just shoot and kill. this film/story and all ive read about haditha makes me sick, its bone chilling. i dont know whether to cry or be angry.

iraq situation is morally outrageous.
tribal violence, insurgency, illegal war, occupation, death, a ridiculous government, its become a farce.

the truth is out there...

[–] JasonAtDA 16 years ago

Yup, unfortunately that's how it works when it comes to war. The so-called justice is usually defined by political and military dominance. It won't be consider a "war crime" unless someone has the power to bring those men to court by force. In war, the "might" is "right".

[–] r-groarke1 16 years ago

there aint gonna be any trials and that says all that needs to be said abou the americn armys attitude to the death of civilians because of their actions.. No trials.. what a joke.

[–] jimbob-41 16 years ago

I would be inclined to agree with you. But after having seen the movie, it would be hard to say that the director aimed to pass judgment on these Marines. Whether or not the movie is based on actual fact though is another question.

[–] maskirovka77 11 years ago

good grief, if I was one of the Marines and was still facing charges for what happened at Haditha, I sure as heck wouldn't want some of the people posting here on the jury.

I wonder how they'd feel if they were accused of capital murder and someone made a movie before they went on trial that essentially depicted them as guilty. I bet they'd sing another tune about the merits of such film making.