★★★★½ out of 5 -- Rated: R -- Run time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
During the production of last year’s “Civil War” film, writer/director Alex Garland worked closely with stuntman/military consultant Ray Mendoza. The former Navy SEAL choreographed the movie’s climactic military attack on the White House.
The two became friends and Mendoza shared some of his war stories, including his participation in a 2006 mission in Ramadi, Iraq, where he and his SEAL comrades were surrounded by insurgents and faced a bloody battle for survival.
Mendoza and Garland decided to write a script that was truthful and captured the chaos of the ordeal. Not only did Mendoza include his own experiences, but he also interviewed a number of other participants to get their memories about the operation.
To further ensure the accuracy of how the SEALs did their job, Garland and Mendoza decided to work as co-directors. The result? One of the most intense war films in years.
The movie starts with an unusual choice -- a scene featuring a very suggestive exercise video that’s being watched (and cheered on) by the SEALs. Maybe it was included to show the guys bonding and having fun... because right after that, it all gets very serious.
Their mission is to support a Marine operation, with the SEALs sneaking into a hostile area of Ramadi, taking over a house, setting up sniper positions and keeping an eye on what’s happening in the neighborhood.
The filmmakers start building the tension immediately, with the troops moving silently down the nighttime streets, all part of a well-choreographed team that’s efficient and operating in a very dangerous setting.
The entire movie takes place in that one neighborhood. (Note: The realistic-looking town was actually built on a studio lot outside of London.) The majority of scenes are set inside the house that the SEALs have commandeered from the residents.
In a wise choice, the movie does not feature any big stars. Probably the most recognizable actor is Will Poulter (“We’re the Millers” and “Guardians of the Galaxy 3”) as the team leader.
Some of the other cast members include Cosmo Jarvis (“Shogun”) as a sniper who is critically wounded, and Michael Gandolfini (son of the late James Gandolfini from “The Sopranos”). The character of Ray Mendoza is well-played by Canadian actor D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai of “Reservation Dogs.”
One of the most fascinating things about the film is to see how efficient the SEAL team is. Short commands, no wasted words and everyone seems to know what they’re doing.
There are a lot of military acronyms flying about that many might not understand, but it definitely adds to the realism.
Some of the Navy’s high-tech hardware is also on display, adding to the drama. A thermal surveillance drone cranks up the danger factor as we see the shapes of the insurgents who are slowly tightening the noose around the SEALs.
Much like the real military, sometimes the troops have to sit around and wait. But then, the you-know-what hits the fan, and their situation quickly goes south.
The filmmakers explore the chaos: From dealing with devastating injuries, to frayed nerves and team tensions, to a constantly changing threat environment.
Co-writers/co-directors Garland and Mendoza have put together a mostly very tight, very riveting movie. One particularly thoughtful touch is the film’s final shot, which one could take as a commentary about war. (I won’t reveal it here)
Also: Stick around for the credits. They include pictures of the real-life people depicted in the film.
“Warfare” is a movie that deserves a salute.