Plot: What’s it about?
There’s a certain type of person who’s drawn to a war movie. I don’t think that person is me, but I’ll be the first to admit that seeing a good (“good” meaning “realistic” in this sense) film about the perils of war is always a captivating movie-watching experience. And if you couple that with one of my favorite writers and directors in Alex Garland – you’ve got yourself a winner. I first noticed Alex Garland when I read The Beach, a book that would later star a then much younger Leonardo DiCaprio and a film that was critically panned. I, of course, loved it. Garland has given us other notable films both as a writer and director over the years and his collaborations with Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle only sweeten the deal. Looking at movies like 28 Days Later, Sunshine or Ex Machina should bring a smile to any fan of film. If not, well…there’s still time for you. Adding into the mix the recent Civil War (a film I’ve still yet to watch), it showed what war could be. Warfare shows what is is. Fasten your seatbelts – it’s going to get bumpy.
There’s a uniquely personal component in the film as co-writer/director Ray Mendoza is an actual character in the film. This movie is based on his personal experience. And this isn’t a commercial war movie like American Sniper. What Warfare does is that it dramatizes a particular event. In this case, it takes place during the Iraq War in 2006 when a Navy SEAL is trapped in a hose attempts to evacuate. And while we’re introduced to a baker’s dozen of other SEAL’s, they’re ultimately not that important. Sure, a face like Erik (Will Poulter) will stand out as being recognizable, but ultimately the film shows what even a minor tactical decision can turn into a life-or-death situation in the blink of an eye. And what makes this film memorable is its foundation in memory. Mendoza, with the assistance of his fellow soldiers, help reconstruct the story from their own real-life experience. This adds to the film’s authenticity.
There are other films in this genre, to be sure. And if you’re in the mindset, then some recent ones that come to my mind are 13 Hours, the aforementioned Civil War, The Covenant and Zero Dark Thirty. You could make a day out of those films alone. But, of them all, this one seems the most realistic in the sheer sense that one of the film’s creators lived through the events depicted within. This might nearly be classified as a documentary. Suffice it to say that if this is the type of film that pumps you up, then you’ll not be let down. Alex Garland and Ben Mendoza’s screenplay is hard-hitting, gritty and just about as realistic as it gets.
Video: How’s it look?
I’m sure comparisons to Saving Private Ryan will exist (I haven’t checked out other online reviews of this film), but if not – let me be the first. While Steven Spielberg’s style of shooting on said film was a landmark in the gritty realism of war movies, it’s oft been copied. While Warfare doesn’t employ the exact same visuals, it does have some striking similarities. And that’s fine as it does add a bit of a realistic flare to the movie and this does work in films of this genre. Having said that, the 2.00:1 HEVC 4K image really has no faults. Crystal clear frames, amazing quality and detail and everything in between all combine to give this one a picture perfect appearance.
Audio: How’s it sound?
It’s hard to imagine any modern-day war film without the aid of a Dolby Atmos track. And Warfare does effectively utilize this sound mix to its fullest extent. I don’t think I’ll need to cite too many examples of how good this sounds, we get the obligatory “things blowing up” and gunfire, but it has somewhat of an effect on the way I watched the film. It feels…claustrophobic (for lack of a better term). That might sound somewhat “out there” but that’s about the best analogy I can think of. Of course vocals sound rich and pure, surrounds and LFE are highly involved as well. Any way you slice it, this is a winner.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – Co-Writers/Directors Ray Mendoza, Alex Garland are joined by Military Consultant Brian Philpot which all adds up to a great commentary track. Obviously the two writers/directors have the most knowledge of the film part of things, but Philpot really does add a lot of information here and it makes for a very engaging track. At 95 minutes (same as the film, obviously) it’s not too much of an investment of your time, but it’s well worth it.
- Courage Under Fire: The Making of Warfare – Various members of the cast and crew recount the shoot, the boot camp they had to attend as well as some anecdotes from the set along with the obligatory behind the scenes shots.
The Bottom Line
Likley you’ll know what you’re getting into even before the opening credits roll, but Warfare does deliver what it promises – a gritty, ultra realistic war movie that pulls few (if any) punches. The 4K disc (as well as its Blu-ray counterpart) are spot on with the technical aspects. Supplements are a bit slim, but what’s included is well worth your time.
