This movie is less about Jeff Key being gay as it is about any person's reaction and response to being in Iraq during a miserable mess of a war.Key is thoughtful, insightful and experiences all the confusion and bewilderment any of us would. I like it a lot. From his childhood in the South, in a white Christian family to the dessert of Iraq, we see Key's commitment to his country and how he developed it. I liked the scenes of his childhood, the Scouts, the patriotic parades, so much like our idealized version of hometown America,producing this sensitive young man. Key does a good job of demonstrating is growing sadness, yet reaffirms his commitment to his country and the Marines.
11 Reviews
Why can't they tell?
lastliberal19 September 2007
An outstanding documentary of the life and Marine career of Jeff key, a gay man who felt the duty to join and do something for his country after 9/11.
His story is worth listening to and presents just about all the arguments that one needs to remove the ridiculous "Don't Aske. Don't Tell" policy in the military.
One of the most interesting facts in the movie is the fact that his fellow Marines in Iraq all knew that he way gay. It didn't matter to the good ones as they were only concerned about his ability to protect them in danger.
The movie also shows how the war changed from one of liberation to the sorry mess we have over there now.
Don't miss it.
His story is worth listening to and presents just about all the arguments that one needs to remove the ridiculous "Don't Aske. Don't Tell" policy in the military.
One of the most interesting facts in the movie is the fact that his fellow Marines in Iraq all knew that he way gay. It didn't matter to the good ones as they were only concerned about his ability to protect them in danger.
The movie also shows how the war changed from one of liberation to the sorry mess we have over there now.
Don't miss it.
an outstanding view of service life
PhantomDadoo25 June 2007
As a retired Marine, I watched this film with a jaundiced eye, expecting some kind of whiny apologetic for gays being allowed to serve in the military. I figured it would be a kind of "Michael Moore-ish" blasting of the Marines. But what I saw was a real guy with a desire to serve his country who had the opportunity to serve in a war zone and try his part to do what America was told we were sent to Iraq to do: to bring democracy and freedom to the people there even though he had doubts about the war as a reaction to the 9/11 attack. I listened and watched Jeff Key deal with Iraqis, his fellow Marines and his sexuality in a mature, intelligent way. In the end, he felt compelled to admit his homosexuality and leave the Corps, but nothing I saw in the movie made he think he had done anything but serve his country and the Corps with honor. With interviews of family, friends from his gay life and from the Marines, films of his service in Iraq, and scenes from Key's one man show about his service, this movie ends up presenting, in a non-argumentative way, a persuasive argument for allowing gays to serve openly in the service.
A must see.
RJM327 June 2007
This film is a composite of interviews with Jeff Key, family and friends, home video and a nicely worked in narrative from a presentation of Key's own one man show. The film follows the stage presentation in the theater with stage narration over footage shot in Iraq interspersed with interviews and stills with family, friends and Key, himself. The director does a fine job of presentation given that he is working from Key's thoughtful material. The material flows smoothly and the editing is tight, never lingering too long in any one of its visual forms.
About the story: Yes, OK, so he's gay. But this isn't the usual "coming out" story. Key has no ax to grind, no blame to place, and does no whining or posturing. He chronicles his journey of becoming a Marine and beyond openly and without rancor. Key wants to be a Marine based on values that are deep within him and he spends a considerable amount of time discussing them. This is that story, of how he reconciles his heritage, orientation and his family's values and acts with courage and honor. But ultimately he does question and draws his own conclusions; about us as a nation at war, about himself and ultimately through him, the question of how we all should act as Americans in the face of his revelations.
This should be required viewing-a perfect civics lesson. It is touching, heartfelt and is a devastating comment on the disconnect between the a citizen's observation of reality on one side and the glossy picture painted with the rhetoric of legislative and executive branches on the other. The fact that Key is dealing with being gay along the way is almost a red herring; his observations ring true on so many levels. I am sure that there are many who should see this film who won't just because the word "gay" appears in the title. And maybe those are the very ones who need to.
About the story: Yes, OK, so he's gay. But this isn't the usual "coming out" story. Key has no ax to grind, no blame to place, and does no whining or posturing. He chronicles his journey of becoming a Marine and beyond openly and without rancor. Key wants to be a Marine based on values that are deep within him and he spends a considerable amount of time discussing them. This is that story, of how he reconciles his heritage, orientation and his family's values and acts with courage and honor. But ultimately he does question and draws his own conclusions; about us as a nation at war, about himself and ultimately through him, the question of how we all should act as Americans in the face of his revelations.
This should be required viewing-a perfect civics lesson. It is touching, heartfelt and is a devastating comment on the disconnect between the a citizen's observation of reality on one side and the glossy picture painted with the rhetoric of legislative and executive branches on the other. The fact that Key is dealing with being gay along the way is almost a red herring; his observations ring true on so many levels. I am sure that there are many who should see this film who won't just because the word "gay" appears in the title. And maybe those are the very ones who need to.
Super Patriot - Super Cool
jjohnson1930 June 2007
I just finished watching "Semper Fi." Jeff Key's writing is marvelous - maybe a bit over the top for a one-man stage show...yet his poetic use of plain English is a wonder. This is one case where I can't wait for the book. But "Semper Fi" is not the stage show - it is a documentary about the events that led to the creation of the show and therein lies its beauty. Jeff Key is an American all Americans can and should be proud of. He is a hero in many ways - his concern for the children of Iraq, his concern for the returning servicemen and women who are getting short shrift from their government, the rare veteran with the courage to question this administration's policies. My heartfelt thanks and congratulations go to Mr. Key. He has created a beautiful piece and it should be required viewing for all. I hope it gets the audience it deserves. I am a gay veteran (US Army) and I am thankful that someone like Jeff Key has had the opportunity to tell his story and the wisdom and talent to tell it well. Good going, Jeff.
One soldier's tale of war.
frankr31526 June 2007
I just saw this documentary on Showtime. It was nothing short of terrific. I, also, was in the military so I can identify with Jeff. This was one moving documentary. If Jeff is ever in your town with this one-man show go and see it. I had tears in my eyes at the end along with the actual audience who was watching his live performance. He is an eloquent speaker and you will be clinging to his every word. Our military men and women are heroes in every way. Everyone needs to support them. The only shame is that not everyone is allowed to be a soldier. I believed Jeff when he said he always wanted to be a soldier. And he sure was a good one. Do not miss this documentary and tell your friends about it.
Everyone should watch
Transplant-ed1 July 2007
I have often cringed at the site of war movies, war documentaries. Maybe I cringed because it was real, and I live in a place so far removed. Maybe I cringed because I knew it was not a true portrayal compared to what I had heard from those who had been there. This film made me want to stand up and scream "THANK YOU!", for allowing me into your life Jeff, and for helping us all understand. It is moving, comical, realistic, heartbreaking, heartwarming, but most importantly it's honest. Jeff Key not only sets, in my opinion, a tremendous example for the Marine Corps and for all those who serve...but he sets an example for all human beings. The film covers all the bases, and cuts in and out of his own one man show based on his experience, his own pictures and film from his time in Iraq, and straight talking to the camera. It all meshes together for a poignant glimpse of one Marine's journey. This film could teach all of us, especially here in America, a little something about truth, loyalty, and the life of those in service.
Glossing Over the Health Risk
smokehill retrievers19 August 2009
Considering that the rate of STDs, including HIV-AIDS, is astronomical in gay males of normal military age (18-40) -- compared to straight males -- and that the solder or Marine next to you is your blood bank for direct transfer (still used in combat, such as in the Blackhawk Down incident) .... I'm just staggered that no one bothers to even mention this when discussing the issue of gays in the military.
The actual rate of HIV infection is roughly 30 times higher among gay males compared to everyone else, and similar rates for all STD's, including syphilis.
Doesn't it sink in that there is a REASON that each soldier's blood type is stamped on his dog tags? No, thanks. Combat wounds usually heal, for the most part. What our veterans do NOT need is a bout of AIDS added, for them -- and their family -- to enjoy for the rest of their lives.
Basically, this film was just the usual left-wing, feel-good propaganda for people that have no real understanding of the whole issue.
I am not impressed. Neither was I surprised when our joke of a national government jammed gays down the Defense Department's throat -- not a bad analogy, actually. Wait until you see what the AIDS budget for the Veterans Administration will expand to in the next five or ten years ....
The actual rate of HIV infection is roughly 30 times higher among gay males compared to everyone else, and similar rates for all STD's, including syphilis.
Doesn't it sink in that there is a REASON that each soldier's blood type is stamped on his dog tags? No, thanks. Combat wounds usually heal, for the most part. What our veterans do NOT need is a bout of AIDS added, for them -- and their family -- to enjoy for the rest of their lives.
Basically, this film was just the usual left-wing, feel-good propaganda for people that have no real understanding of the whole issue.
I am not impressed. Neither was I surprised when our joke of a national government jammed gays down the Defense Department's throat -- not a bad analogy, actually. Wait until you see what the AIDS budget for the Veterans Administration will expand to in the next five or ten years ....
Jeff Key's "Semper Fi"
topdown-21 July 2007
Whoa! What a beautiful and sometimes sad story about a man whose love for his fellow man and his country are interwoven into a masterpiece of life. Jeff Key has done more to increase the prestige of the USMC than any poster or recruiter could ever do. Jeff shoots from the hip with no apologies. He is straightforward and leaves no doubt of his sincerity. He does a wonderful job of introducing us to members of his family and those folks who he regards as friends - both in his civilian life and members of the Marine Corps with whom he served. Here is a dedicated individual who just happens to be gay and does not let that interrupt his eagerness to serve and protect us. In the scenes of his interacting with the children of Iraq one soon learns of his honesty and willingness to offer them hope. We see war as it has not been shown to us before. Oh,yes, there is death and mayhem but there is also, in his mind at least, a reason of why he is there. I would urge every American to invest 90 minutes and absorb the various messages of Jeff Key's "Semper Fi". Thank you, Jeff. And God bless you.
Beautiful Documentary
sbmusicman6 February 2008
This film was so incredible that I felt I needed to sign up to the IMDb web site so that I would be able to make a comment here.
Being a bisexual male, I would love to thank Jeff Key for this film's portrayal of his service as a gay marine. Being an American, I would love to thank Jeff Key for this film's portrayal of the war from a marine's point of view. To have both these features in one film was like combining two incredibly poignant documentaries into one. The fact that it is just one man's story constantly brings back the reality of the film.
I wish that every American would watch this film, for one, because it is a glimpse of the reality of the U.S. occupation in Iraq, and two, because it exposes the incredible challenges gay people face at war as well as at home. I feel like this film will open some eyes. I personally can't wait to show my own father.
Well done Jeff! Thank you for your courage to serve and for your courage to make this film. You are an incredible person and you have changed lives.
Being a bisexual male, I would love to thank Jeff Key for this film's portrayal of his service as a gay marine. Being an American, I would love to thank Jeff Key for this film's portrayal of the war from a marine's point of view. To have both these features in one film was like combining two incredibly poignant documentaries into one. The fact that it is just one man's story constantly brings back the reality of the film.
I wish that every American would watch this film, for one, because it is a glimpse of the reality of the U.S. occupation in Iraq, and two, because it exposes the incredible challenges gay people face at war as well as at home. I feel like this film will open some eyes. I personally can't wait to show my own father.
Well done Jeff! Thank you for your courage to serve and for your courage to make this film. You are an incredible person and you have changed lives.
well above my expectations
denverhardcorekid10 December 2007
I saw this last night at a screening which was part of a new queer film fest here in Denver. I was apprehensive, but decided to go based on the first user comment on this site and I'm grateful I did. In addition to the documentary being well above my expectations, the director as well as Jeff Key were there in person for a Q & A. Having them there to field questions enriched the entire experience, especially since the material begs for even more information. At 82 minutes, I could have sat for at least another 20 minutes. If you get a chance to see this on Showtime, definitely check it out. I hope this makes it to video w/ bonus material.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
