Netflix’s latest documentary Camp Courage brings heartfelt emotions for viewers as it subtly shows the changes war brings into the lives of the ordinary through a grandmother-grandchild duo. Directed by Max Lowe, the documentary follows a young Ukrainian girl Milana and her grandmother Olga as they take part in a week-long camp in the Austrian Alps.
The short documentary shows their time in the camp along with other war-inflicted refugees who have arrived in a camp where they can find peace from their traumatic wounds. With wishes for peace, the short film shows the pair’s struggles as tragedies hit them.
Watch the Camp Courage Trailer
The synopsis of the documentary reads:
In this documentary, a girl displaced by the war in Ukraine heads to a summer camp in the Alps with her grandmother, testing the limits of her bravery.
-Camp Courage Review Contains No Spoilers-
The result of war is never a win for any side but a huge loss for humanity as the ones who are really affected at the end of the day are the common people. These individuals are left with unforgettable traumas that will haunt them for the rest of their lives as they wish to one day return home.
One such story is that of the young Ukrainian girl Milana and her grandmother Olga who have fled to another country when their home country was attacked. Finally having some stability in life, Olga takes her granddaughter to a camp where she would get to meet other refugees from their home country.
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Stories are shared and their bravery is tested during this camp, however, the pair has to face more than just the obstacles in front of them. As the struggles emerging in their relationship show up, the beautiful way in which this particular pair make it through their differences leaves you with warmth.
While this pair is definitely the focus of the short film, what makes this simple documentary so special is the way it brings the reality of what the wars leave us with on screen. This comes not just from those fleeing from war but also from those who themselves have been of some war in the past.
Bringing all this together is the test of courage a little girl faces during this camp that makes her childhood what it is supposed to be for some time. Meanwhile, Olga shares her words of hope and wisdom throughout the film which brings the hope of many out there who just want to live their normal lives again.
Altogether, this was a simple yet impactful documentary which leaves you thinking about what war really brings while leaving you with a sense of joy as the pair grows together during this week-long camp.
Summing Up: Camp Courage Review
A short, simple yet impactful documentary, this short film has more to it than a fun-filled camping trip as it brings trauma, pain and the tragedies of war along with the courage and hope of many. This is a documentary that will leave you wondering about the tragedies of war as well as leaving you with a feeling of joy and hope for a better future.
Overall, you will feel some overwhelming emotions in some scenes making this a documentary worth the watch.
Watch Camp Courage on Netflix.
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