Review of Restrepo (2010) by Kundk — 28 Nov 2010

I had read Junger book "War" before I watched the movie and was looking forward to see the soldiers and the mountainous landscapes so well described there. I have to say that the movie left me underwhelmed.

It was neither about the situation in Korangal Valley (which would demand some sort of a introduction, maps, narration, analysis of strategic and tactical importance) nor about the troops in one of the most dangerous outposts in the world (which would demand more background on the soldiers, going into the psychology of warfare, PTSD.

..). The whole thing feels somewhat directionless (maybe as a commentary on the Afghan war) and probably much more so for the viewers who did not read the book. On the positive side, (not counting the great dance number to the immortal tune "Touch Me" by Samantha Fox) you get immersed - the camera is almost always in the middle of action, you can see the bullets flying and feel the explosions.

But if you really want to get to know the men of Restrepo, read the book. This does not help much.