Kajaki (AKA Kilo Two Bravo)
Dir: Paul Katis
2014
*****
Paul Katis' 2014 war drama Kajaki is a unique and gripping film that should change the way war is depicted in film from now on. It tells the true story of an indecent involving the British Army's 3rd Battalion, the parachute regiment, near the Kajaki Dam in Afghanistan in 2006. During a routine patrol, a solder steps on a land mine hidden in a dried out riverbed which leads to a devastating turn of events and what seemed like an impossible rescue attempt involving many solders. The film shows the bravery of the men that day in what was a hellish experience. There is next to no fighting in the film and not one of the solders shoots their rife at an enemy, instead, the story depicts the honest comradery the solders share, like the tag line says; For Queen, for country, for your mates. It's not a pro-war exercise, neither is it a pro-army recruitment film, it simply shows the lengths the solders will go for each other, how they are with each other and harsh situations they find themselves in. It also highlights the issues in communication (or lack of) within war. An accident depicted happened due to mistakes made from a rescue party, not 'friendly fire' as such but as frustrating as. The land-mines in question are ones left from the Russians in the 1980's which also highlights another of the many problems with conflict. It's one of the most intense films I've ever seen, close to being a horror film or thriller rather than a typical war film. I think this probably does the story justice, war is horror for most people involved, it should never be glorified and it certainly isn't here. It's rare that a film shows the needlessness of war so effectively. The real life solders are an inspiration in the way you deal with what life throws at you rather than an inspiration to sign up, whether you agree with this particular war or not, this is an event everyone can learn from and men everyone should admire. The film is extremely simple but devastatingly effect, one of the best of 2014.