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Set in Saddam Hussein’s oppressive regime, it was never going to be particularly easy-viewing. It’s a little slow-moving in places but the sheer power of the Iraq-Iran War and the emotion of the characters draws you in.

It’s a very sensitive, true-life story that really brings home the personal feelings behind the pictures that appeared on TVs across the globe. There’s certainly no shortage of emotion among soldiers keen to escape the violence of Iraqi Kurdistan. The film focuses on Ako as a reluctant but loyal Kurdish soldier. He would have done anything not to go to war — but found himself in the firing line regardless. Excellent acting and meaningful camera shots shows life is not easy — particularly for Ako who also faces added abuse for his Kurdish background.

The film portrays the brutal aspects of war extremely well as soldiers are beaten to the ground for disobeying orders and forced to step over the bodies of friends in the battle field.

It’s much more than a guts and gore war film. There’s a fine balance between the tenderness of the characters and the harshness of their surroundings. Soldiers are seen comforting each other as they question what they are doing and whether they will ever see their families again. It is simply the thoughts and pictures of their wives and children that keep them going.

Perhaps the most poignant moment was Ako saying he wanted to sacrifice a leg for his head. He is seen hopping around before asking friends if a beautiful woman could love a one-legged man. Minutes later he is seen in the trenches laying on his back with his leg in the air shouting ‘Go on take it.’

It’s a very powerful film that can’t be forgotten in a hurry.[[In-content Ad]]

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