Hollywood tends to glamourize war and soldiers sometimes to the point where they look like a video game. Giving audiences an unrealistic view of what it’s like for our soldiers in battle. What makes it worse is that they also tend to portray a very specific and extreme case of PTSD. This kind of portrayal can lead to incorrect views on the military. Luckily, there are amazing filmmakers that have taken it upon themselves to find real stories of real Americans that show us the reality of what they are going through. One of these films is Gravitas Ventures’ Bastards’ Road.

In this film by director and producer Brian Morrison, we see the story of Marine Combat Veteran, Jon Hancock. He is a Marine Veteran that in 2004 fought in the battle of Ramadi in Iraq with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4) historically known as the Magnificent Bastards. They suffered the highest casualty rate in the Iraq War. One in four were wounded or killed.

Like many veterans who served our country, Hancock struggled when he returned home. Battling things like PTSD, survivors’ guilt, and moral injuries. Now the question becomes how does someone like that and many others cope with all of this? One answer that we find in Bastards’ Road is the power of their brothers in combat. This by far is their strongest support network. This leads Hancock on a 6000-mile journey to visit his brothers, and thus be able himself to find some of the answers that he is looking for.

Here is the synopsis for Bastards’ Road:

Like many Combat Veterans, transitioning back to civilian life was very difficult for Jon Hancock. After years of struggling, he decided to take an epic journey across the country – on foot

Walking nearly 6,000 miles alone, Jon confronts the demons that had overtaken his life. Visiting his fellow 2/4 Marines – known as the The Magnificent Bastards – and families of their fallen along the way, he finds a mission even bigger than his own redemption. Veterans everywhere are struggling with PTSD. They are taking their own lives at an alarming rate – 50% higher than non-veterans.

With remarkable honesty, insight and humor, Jon rediscovers the power of unbreakable bonds and learns he can change how he relates to his traumatic memories.

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With it’s release, LRM Online had the privilege to talk with Jon Hancock about his incredible journey. We talk about his experience in allowing a filmmaker to take part in his mission. We conversate about his emotions in hearing all the commentary his brothers filmed of him and seeing it for the first time in the end. One interesting topic we also cover is his thoughts on the portrayal of the military in Hollywood. Be sure to check out the whole interview down below!

Also, check out his amazing non-profit organization called the Bastards’ Road Project. This has been featured in many national interviews across the country.

Gravitas Ventures’ Bastards’ Road is available now on all TVOD/Digital Platforms