Jadotville

I happened to be in Jadotville before the arrival of the Irish UN troops. The Katangese did not want the UN to be there at all and supported Moise Tshombe. Even the public aimed their hostility at the UN and praised Tsombe's mercenary forces. In Jadotville we knew that the Irish and trouble was coming, so some friends and I were evacuated to Elizabethville.

I lost touch with happenings at Jadotville and one never knew what really transpired there. It is only now by coming across this film that the truth comes out and why the secrecy was kept for 45 years.

I watched the film with anticipation, which also brought back many memories. I accept that the film was dramatized, but I can assure you it was no fun being there.

In 1961, the UN sends an Irish peacekeeper troop commanded by Commandant Pat Quilan (Jamie Dornan) to Katanga, in Congo, to protect the inhabitants of the mining town of Jadotville in the beginning of a civil war. Meanwhile the UN adviser Dr. Conor Cruise O'Brien (Mark Strong) launches a military attack named Operation Morthor against the French and Belgian mercenaries. Soon there is a reprisal from the mercenaries and Quilana and his men are left under the siege of a huge Katangese and mercenary troops. Will the Irish soldiers resist to the attack?

"The Siege of Jadotville" is a great action film with a story based on a true unknown story of courage. The action scenes are spectacular but the political conspiracy could be better explained for viewers that do not have knowledge of this historical event. But "The Siege of Jadotville" is worthwhile watching. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): Not Available

I have never reviewed a movie before, and I probably will never review another. I always go to IMDb to read reviews on a movie before I watch it, just to decide whether it's worth the 1.5-2 hours of my time.

I must say that I am a war movie buff, and have not seen a decent one since Saving Private Ryan and Heroes of Iwo Jima.

Put simply, this movie had me hooked from the first five minutes. The dialogue is fantastic, the narration is on point and the story line flows very well.

I was gripped to my seat as I watched this film, and I felt a deep connection with each and every soldier on screen. This might come out as a B grade movie, but I assure you it was A+ in my books. definitely worth the 2 hours and I will probably watch it again and again in future.

What a movie, came out of nowhere and was sitting on my list for a long time before i downloaded for a flight due to lack of anything else to watch. Seems Netflix has a promising future in the movie department now too.

Draws understandable comparisons with Zulu, but the real shame is behind the true story here and the reason why it's not a widely known about event.

Ignoring the real events (which were incredible and worth further research) the movie really stands on its own as a thoroughly entertaining war film. Tensions builds nicely and results in a whole load of impressive action sequences.

Credit to Dornan who is unfortunately going to be more known for the whole 50 shades nonsense, hopefully once he gets past that he wont be held back on more decent roles.

Since I'm not familiar with the actual event the film is based on, I can't comment on the authenticity, but can say this is a very well made and captivating film. It was nerve-wrecking at times and quite spectacular, actually. The action scenes were very good and the photography good, as well. I really rooted for the guys, and the film proofs so well (once again) that the guys in suits in their offices has no idea what really goes on in the field, and quite frankly often does not care as long as they win a war.

All the actors were very good and believable, especially Jamie Dornan as Quinlan. Its really a pity the real-life guys had to wait four decades before being declared heroes.