A slew of political documentaries have been released as the election draws nearer. Thursday night, a crowd of 150 viewed another political documentary, “Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry.”

The crowd filled the Sun Room of the Memorial Union to view the documentary and a discussion with key members of the film. The showing was sponsored by the ISU Democrats and SUB Films.

The documentary depicts the role of Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry in the Vietnam War. Using amateur videos and personal testimonies, “Going Upriver” shows Kerry’s military service in Vietnam and his subsequent involvement with the anti-war movement after returning to America.

On hand was the film’s director, George Butler; actor Brendan Fraser and former Rep. Pete McCloskey, R-Calif., — who is featured in the film.

After an audience applause, Fraser walked to the microphone and greeted the audience. He said “Going Upriver” is unlike many films made today.

“You’re going to see something eye-opening tonight,” Fraser said. “Films can transport us and entertain us. Rarely do they enlighten us like this film.”

Even though Fraser had no connection with the production of the documentary, he said he became enthusiastic for the film after seeing it for the first time.

“I saw [the film] a week ago. Up until then, I did not have a good idea of who [Kerry] was,” he said. “I just knew him as the other guy running for president.”

The film came as a revelation to Fraser, who is convinced the documentary was enough to prove Kerry’s worth for the presidency.

“It shows Kerry in an accurate light,” Fraser said. “It shows he has the stuff to lead this country.”

Fraser related his own experience in Vietnam, while filming the 2002 film “The Quiet American.” He said while there, he met many people who had suffered severe injuries during the war.

Filming for a certain scene required several amputees and several wounded people from the area. The scene depicted a car bombing — which actually happened years ago.

“This cut me to the core,” he said. “They still had the dignity to be there because they knew this story had to be told.”

Fraser then introduced Butler.

After Butler walked out to the crowd, he said in “Going Upriver” he purposely defied one of the conventions of documentaries — voice-over narration. It was important, he said, for people to see Kerry in an objective fashion.

“We wanted to let the audience form their own thoughts about Kerry along the way,” he said.

While the film discusses only the Vietnam War, Butler said its relevance is still as powerful today.

“The [time era] of this film is very similar to the current situation in Iraq,” he said.

“We need to know if it’s happening all over again.”