6.2/10 (Recommend)
This film follows up the events of the Battle of Mogadishu as seen in the film "Black Hawk Down". I've never read anything on the rescue and retreat of US forces during the battle so this film is the only account I have. A quick Google search shows that the events in the film may be slightly altered from the events in real life.
This film is both very good and terrible at the same time. My biggest gripe is the visuals. Nearly every vehicle, spec of dust, bullet, and explosion are CGI. Nothing looks like a physical set. A majority of the time it just feels like the actors are walking in front of a screen. It's all very distracting when you're trying to enjoy the story.
The acting is a bit rigid, but I did find a common ground where I liked the Malaysian soldiers. Different militaries act different ways and not everyone is as laid back as the Americans or the English. This might be the nerd in me, but I liked the voice procedure. It felt natural and real, and kind of met the standard that I'm used to.
The pacing is very quick. You can't read every line that pops up especially when they're telling you who a person is because while you're mid reading the spoken line takes over. A lot of close up shots which were both good and bad because it definitely brings you into the action, but it also keeps you in too long to get a feel for what's happening.
This film to me felt like the Malaysians were trying to gripe, educate, and remember the event all in one. Gripe about not being fully appreciated for the efforts they contributed to the mission which I totally get. Twenty years is a long time to wait for a thanks. Educate people to say, "we were there too and the Americans couldn't have done it without us". Also to remember the men and their efforts. They lost one and seven were injured during the rescue.
Overall, despite the poor visuals and quick reading of subtitles it wasn't an all bad movie. It's definitely worth a watch through if you like war films. If it could've been Hollywood backed it could've been slightly more invigorating, but then again it may have lacked the authenticity wanted for the film.
That's all for now. Thank you for taking the time to read my review. Until next time.... Enjoy the show!
