Common Sense Media Review
By Lynnette Nicholas
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Raw, honest documentary gets real about postwar trauma.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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Where to Watch
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To Be of Service
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
TO BE OF SERVICE is a documentary about U.S. veterans who are trying to cope with life after surviving war. After all else fails, it's the unconditional love and support of service dogs that starts to mend the wounds of these brokenhearted people who at times believed that they'd never be able to feel emotions again -- or face reality.
Is It Any Good?
This moving documentary deals honestly with the ugliness of war while also highlighting the beauty of service dogs. To Be of Service shows us that veterans are the real superheroes. But these heroes aren't always treated with love and respect when they come home -- and life is never the same once you return. While stories and flashbacks of war are graphic, viewers can't help but respect the truths that are spoken, because this is the reality of what happened in their lives. This film shines a bright light on PTSD and encourages sharing empathy, patience, and unconditional support with our veterans. Viewers also learn a lot about service dogs. One subject says that the love that she has for her service dog comes second only to her love for her child.
Under Josh Aronson's direction, PTSD is given a human face -- and it's crystal clear that that face could be anyone's mother, father, brother, or sister. Having medical professionals like a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist speak about PTSD brings even more balance to the documentary's narrative. This film will appeal to many different audiences -- animal lovers, veterans and their families, medical professionals, and people from all walks of life -- because trauma is universal. To see people from various walks of life muster the courage to start over is inspirational and showcases tenacity. It may even encourage others who are losing hope as a result of their own PTSD or memories of war. While it delves deeply into uncomfortable realities like self-hatred, suicidal thoughts, and bipolar disorder, To Be of Service simultaneously elevates ideas about the power of love and "having an animal that loves you, just because you are 'you.'"
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how To Be of Service shows the importance of empathy, compassion, courage, and perseverance. Why are these valuable character strengths?
What are the differences between a service dog and a pet? What are some unique traits of a service dog? In what ways do the veterans' lives change as a result of having a service dog?
How can society be more of service to veterans? What are some ways that civilians can show gratitude for the price that veterans have paid?
What defines PTSD? What are the symptoms of PTSD? How far back in history can signs of PTSD be identified? Can you think of other movies that have dealt with this topic?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 1, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : December 3, 2019
- Director : Josh Aronson
- Studio : First Run Features
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Animals
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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