Legendary folk/rock band Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young were at the forefront of musicians protesting the Vietnam War in the late 1960's, with songs like Ohio and For What Its Worth. Now, some 40 years later, they have taken to the road to protest the new war, which has become "the Vietnam of the middle east." The powerful 2007 documentary CSNY: Deja Vu, chronicles the band's 2006 Freedom of Speech Tour, organized by Neil Young, in protest of the Iraq War. Directed by Young, this documentary fairly presents both sides of the debate on the war, with commentary by the band, fans, former soldiers and their families, as well as, right wing radio show hosts, as they voice their opinions both pro and con, in support of and opposition to the war.

Assisted by professional reporter and former war correspondent, Mike Cerre, Young balances footage from the concert tour, that includes a mixture of old hits such as Wooden Ships and Teach Your Children, with some newer material that really hits home on the anti-war movement, such as Living With War, and the anti-Bush anthem Let's Impeach The President; a song that sent scores of angry concert goers to the exits in Atlanta, with a few choice words for the middle aged rockers. In some of the more liberal areas of the country, the band received a much warmer reception.

Interlaced between scenes of the band participating in anti-war rallies, are members of the conservative media such as Atlanta based talk show host Neil Boortz, who self righteously criticize CSNY for using their fame and celebrity to oppose the war, while exploiting the airwaves and television screen to support their own right wing political views. Young himself does not shy away from his critics, by appearing in person on the Colbert Report, and declaring "we're not here to make people feel warm, fuzzy feelings, but to feel period." Young also includes footage of interviews with veterans of the Iraq War, who are critical of a war that they feel has lost focus and continues to result in far too much expense and loss of life, on both sides.

Those looking for a live concert experience will be disappointed, since none of the songs, with one exception (Find the Cost of Freedom) are performed in their entirety. In fact, some of performances seem more like a political rally than a music concert, with many in the audience carrying signs, and cheering at anti-war sentiments expressed by the group between songs. Although the harmonies are as strong as ever, these middle aged icons seem a bit worse for wear and world weary, as Stephen Stills stumbles and trips on stage during one performance.

There are a number of moving scenes in the film, but none quite so touching, as the scene in which the mother of a war casualty tearfully expresses her emotions upon seeing a photograph montage of those killed in action, including her son, as the group performs their song, Find The Cost Of Freedom. Regardless of your stance on the war, it is impossible not to respond to the sincerity of the effort of CSYN to bring this sensive issue to the forefront, just as they did some forty years before.

Unfortunately, CSNY: Deja Vu is just as relevant as it was when it was made two years ago. With the war raging on, and casualties continuing to mount, CSNY has been able to articulate the unrest that is deeply felt by many Americans. Whether or not you agree with their politics, you have to admire CSNY for speaking out on an important issue, and passionately presenting both sides of the argument, in this powerful, moving, and compelling documentary.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older