Under the Wire

Paul Conroy wrote the book on which this film is based and his is the principal voice telling the story of journalist Marie Colvin's last assignment, with him, in Homs, Syria. She was killed there by government shelling. He was badly injured but survived to continue to try to bring the world's attention to what is happening in Syria. He tells us this is not a civil war: it is slaughter. The images in this film, partly taken by him, partly by activists in the 'media centre' (a shell-pocked house), partly from archive footage and with less than 15% reconstruction, leave no doubt that slaughter is the mot juste. It is a heartbreaking, angry story, impeccably told. Don't miss it.

This documentary drama brings the story of the people slaughtered in Homs home to the hearts of those sitting comfortably in arm chairs. "Names not numbers" - these words of Marie Colvin are upheld and conveyed with integrity in Under the Wire - a fitting testimony to a heroine who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Her colleague and friend Paul Conroy tells her and their story in the horror of Homs. Through this story being told, the viewer becomes witness.

I went to see this stunning - devastating and vital film at FACT in Liverpool recently - Both Paul Conroy and the director Chris Martin were also there for a Q&A - The emotional and genuine standing ovation they recieved told you everything about the film experience we had just shared -If the truth is important to you do not miss this film.

I've just seen this at the Aldeburgh documentary festival, followed by a Q&A with Paul Conroy, Lindsey Hilsum & Tom Brisley. A gripping documentary which charts the great Marie Colvin's last assignment. Most of us have no idea how impossibly difficult it was to get into non-state held Syria in 2012. This will show you. And it illustrates the importance of top quality journalism in any war or conflict. Paul Conroy says his assignment continues: to bring to the public consciousness of the world the slaughter of Syrians in 2012, and in making this film, he honours the memory of Marie Colvin, the oppressed Syrian people, and all journalists who have died in conflicts. Don't forget also all the other countless people who film the cameramen - this film is a great achievement, piecing together footage from all sorts of other cameramen. It couldn't be more topical. Add to this the extraordinary bravery of journalists, they might sometimes be foolhardy, but when things go wrong, there is no doubt that they risk everything to keep bringing out news as a matter of journalistic integrity.

You couldnt hear a pin drop in the cinema for the whole of the film. It was stark, shocking, moving, and at times, funny. Made almost entirely from archive footage, beautifully woven together by the commentary from Paul Conroy. It is possibly the best film I have seen all year.