The Real MASH

Dir: Min Sook Lee (Tiger Spirit)
Documentary
2010 (TV)

Reason to see: I loved Min Sook Lee's powerful documentary Tiger Spirit

The Real MASH is a documentary that looks at the real life men & women who worked in MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) units, who in the inspiration for the for film & TV series M*A*S*H. It's a fascinating look at the series and it's effect, longevity and impact on the viewers, the actors and the people who were involved in actual MASH units during The Korean war.

I loved how it incorporated interviews with actual men & women who were the inspiration for characters and scenarios alongside footage from series, dramatizations and interviews with the actual M*A*S*H actors such including Jamie Farr (Corporal Klinger), Loretta Swit
(Hot Lips Houlihan) and Gary Burghoff (Radar). There is a beautiful seamless feel to it, although it touches of many different aspects and impacts. I also enjoyed how it showcased an interesting model for a TV series, where the people who actually lived through it and how they in turn became contributors to the show with story ideas. The documentary shows a beautiful 360 degrees awareness and inclusion not only of the people involved but also the people it touched.

It's a compelling commentary on not only power of a film and television, but on the impact of the medium and the messages that it can provide.

The Real MASH premieres on History Television Monday October 11, 2010 at 9pm EST & repeats Tuesday, October 12, 2010 8pm EST. See more at The Real MASH website and also TV times & listings.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it

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© Shannon Ridler, 2010