Director: Paul Katis
Cast: Mark Stanley, David Elliot, Malachi Kirby, Scott Kyle, Benjamin O’Mahony
Certificate: 15
Running Time: 108 minutes
Special Features: Behind The Scenes With Cast / The Veterans’ Stories
I must confess that Kajaki The True Story wasn’t really on my radar until the review copy arrived at my desk, despite it’s limited cinema release last year. I was aware of Paul Katis’ directorial debut (due to it’s BAFTA Award nomination for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer) but aside from a brief synopsis I didn’t really know what to expect, so I wasn’t prepared for the heartfelt, nerve-shredding story that followed.
Set in 2006, Kajaki. The True Story follows a group of soldiers – mainly from the British Army’s 3rd Battalion (Parachute Regiment) – stationed at the Kajaki Dam in Afghanistan. When a member of a three-man patrol detonates a land mine, blowing off his leg, his fellow soldiers rush to his aid, only to discover they are actually in the middle of an unmarked minefield; a remnant from the 1980’s Russian invasion. Realising that any movement risks certain injury or death, the soldiers must overcome their fear and demonstrate incredible bravery and heroism if they are to survive.
Opening at a gentle pace with an air reminiscent of 1964’s Zulu, the audience are given an introduction to the troops and their surroundings, allowing us to get a feel for the soldiers about to put themselves in harm’s way. This authentic preamble makes it all the more shocking once the soldiers take that first fateful step into uncharted territory and the tension levels go through the roof. From this moment onwards, Kajaki becomes an edge-of-your-seat thriller worthy it’s plaudits, showcasing a relatively unfamiliar British cast and Katis’ impressive direction to great effect.
Kajaki affords it’s range of British talent the chance to shine and they happily oblige, with fantastic performances from David Elliot, Mark Stanley, Scott Kyle and Benjamin O’Mahony to name but a few. This is no doubt in part down to Tom Williams’ excellent screenplay, which manages to juggle heartfelt yet genuine dialogue alongside convincing banter; something all too rare in many cinematic releases.
The film also highlights Katis’ directorial skill; balancing gritty realism with visual flair and controlling the film’s tempo with aplomb, allowing the characters – and audience – the odd moment to breath whilst maintaining the tension.
An utterly absorbing account of real life events that poses some important questions for the British military, Kajaki. The True Story is a powerful portrait of ordinary men showing great heroism in the face of adversity.
Kajaki is available to buy on Blu-ray and DVD from 8th June.
