Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: WHY WE DREAM [Tribeca Film Festival 2025 - New York, NY]

The aspect of legacy and remembering is an important and resolute way to honor those who fought in the last World War. Most of them have passed but for a few centarians that are still around, showing the story and understanding their path is crucial. "Why We Dream" [Tribeca X] which was made in concert with Delta Airlines understands the story it is telling. While the aspect of talking heads integrates in this it also tells some interesting stories. One man who we see in many instances sitting on the beach at Normandy during the 80th celebration only a year or so back talks about being the commander at night after the beach was taken. He description of magnesium flares being dropped by the Nazis to get visual representation in quite visual. The tremor in his voice gives a uniquely vivid perspective. Another veteran, a nurse in the Pacific War, joined after her then husband was killed in Europe. While many would have stayed home, she wanted to put her skills to use. Sitting with her daughter one can see her haunted by what she saw but that she needed to be there. Her daughter while supportive (like the rest of us) probably can fathom some of the things they saw. Others including a pilot and an Army man talk about signing up likely before they were able. They all talk about people not wanting to get involved in the war but that there was a sense that it was inevitable.

What the dcumentary does in an interesting way is show also the aftermath. While one has heard of the many adverse elements experienced by those coming back with trauma, others came back and built familes and were emblazoned with a work ethic that helped vault the birthrate (people were joyful to be alive) and the prosperity of the country (until the 60s per se). Others speak about the interstate system. Obviously being remembered is key but with many the reality is fading. What the film does is try to solidify that legacy flight element. Delta was obviously integrated into this as a sponsor and hopefully this will also show on their airline routes, especially to France since this is an integral site to visit. The film also has a great degree of archival footage. The issue with any aspect of World War II footage is that so much of it has been seen and unbelievably dense series like "War In The Pacific" have told many facets. That said, it is important to capture the stories of those who can still relate them through their eyes and to see people tell them thank you. Since we would like in a different world without then. For the officer who was the night commander on Omaha after D-Day, he says he comes back not for him but for all the souls that were left there. B

By Tim Wassberg