Warfare

When it comes to war films, and more to the point, Middle East war films, we've seen a plethora of them, but not quite to the extreme intensity of "Warfare". This film cuts to the chase with no lead in, character development or message of it except to survive. This gives a one two punch that aims for the juggler. 

November 19, 2006. Iraq. "Warfare" embeds audiences with a platoon of American Navy SEALs on a surveillance mission gone wrong in insurgent territory. A visceral boots-on-the-ground story of modern warfare and brotherhood, told like never before in real time and based on the memory of the people who lived it. This unit of men consisting of Erik (Will Poulter), Ray (D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Rai), Elliott (Cosmo Jarvis), Sam (Joseph Quinn), Lt. MacDonald (Michael Gandolfini), John (Finn Bennett) and others, not only were calibrating men, but also were 'brothers', looking out for one another especially when things went awry. 

Others to round out the cast are Aaron Mackenzie as Kelly, Evan Holtzman as Brock,Jo Macauley as Mo, Laurie Duncan as Pete, Jake Lampert as Ted, Aaron Deakins as Bob. Kit Connor as Tommy, Henrique Zaga as Aaron, Taylor John Smith as Frank and Alex Brockdorff as Mikey.

This was directed with stunning reality by Ray Mendoza (Upcoming TV) and Alex Garland ("Ex Machina" '14, "Annihilation" '18, "Men" '22, "Civil War" '24) plus TV. It certainly shows that this film was produced through the eyes of Middle East war veterans since the story was laced with as much intensity and stunning acts of soberness and camaraderie. The fact that it was shot in real time showed it was almost like a documentary. It was also incredibly well penned by writers Ray Mendoza (Upcoming TV) and Alex Garland ("28 Days Later" '02, "Sunshne" '07, "Never Let Me Go" '10, "Dredd" '12, "Ex Machina" '14, "Annihilation" '18, "Men" '22, "Civil War" '24) plus TV, video games and novels. The writing in this film was obviously from the heart with these writers--them being war vets, and the way this script played out, it was incredibly gut-wrenching that, at times, it was difficult to keep watching it. It was amazingly sobering and simply drained its audience through the key hole many times over. Intensity wise, it reminded me of the film, "United 93", about the doomed airliner that crashed in rural Pennsylvania post 9-11-2001. That film was so painstakingly realistic that it became difficult to watch. I believe these types of films are films people should see ever so often to remind us that our lives, as compared to these lives we're witnessing on the screen, are nearly as fraught with impending doom. The writing, even though the lion's share was that of Garland, was riveting and captivating. 

Although this film was incredibly well written, directed and acted, this film was not made with the mass audience appeal in mind since the story is so shockingly volatile and intense. I was squirming in my seat more than once and afterward, I cried in the car due to what these guys were put through in this wartime hell. "War is hell" is what the selling slogan of this film should be. If you're into this genre, but more to the point, this intensity, you'll be at home. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                         Rated: R                                         95mins.