"Ambush": A Battle-Fatigued Nam Actioner Struggles with Worn-Out War Tropes
"Ambush," directed by Mark Burman (known for films like "Piranha Sharks" and "South Bureau Homicide") and co-written by Johnny Lozano and Michael McClung (credited for "American Martyr"), joins the long list of films attempting to transform the controversial Vietnam War into mainstream entertainment. Despite the emergence of several "Namsploitation" movies in the 1980s, such as "Missing in Action," "The Last Hunter," and "Siege of Firebase Gloria," the war has remained resistant to being portrayed solely as an action-packed subject, and "Ambush" seems unlikely to change that trend.
"Ambush" Review
"Ambush," a low-budget Vietnam War action film, disappoints with its predictable storyline and lack of moral perspective, despite the presence of Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Aaron Eckhart in phoned-in performances.
Rhys Meyers and Eckhart, the notable stars of this film, seem to have landed an easy gig. They portray characters who operate comfortably above ground: Rhys Meyers as an elite tracker and Eckhart as a no-nonsense general. In contrast, Connor Paolo's character spends most of the film scurrying through the Củ Chi tunnel system. One can only hope his contract included provisions for chiropractic care.
Paolo portrays US army engineer Ackermann, who is tasked with retrieving a stolen classified binder containing the names of south Vietnamese operatives undercover in the north. Alongside his fellow "construction workers," Ackermann ventures into the depths of the tunnels, racing against time to complete the mission. Unbeknownst to him, General Drummond (Eckhart) plans to destroy the entire complex and the sensitive intelligence within it. Above ground, Rhys Meyers and his team of special forces patrol the forest, aiming to prevent any surprises for the "tunnel rats."
Unfortunately, "Ambush" falls into the trap of relying on tired Vietnam War clichés. Rhys Meyers, who brings some coolness and introspection to the film, is reduced to delivering the expected "soulful veteran musings." The movie checks off all the boxes, including profanity-screaming superiors, inexperienced squad leaders, and soldiers grappling with the darkness within themselves. It's disheartening that director Mark Burman, with the help of two additional writers, churned out a film that merely recycles worn-out tropes without offering anything new or compelling.
Burman's direction fails to elevate the material, presenting the underground scenes in a flat and uninspired manner. The binder hunt feels more like a prolonged episode of "The Crystal Maze" than a harrowing and claustrophobic experience. The film's lack of perspective is evident in its ending, which allows the brass to escape accountability while resorting to stock sentiments: "Their blood is in the Earth. They will live forever." It's a formulaic and unsatisfying conclusion that lacks depth or nuance.
In the end, "Ambush" struggles to break free from the constraints of its worn-out war tropes. Despite the potential of its talented cast, the film falls short in delivering a fresh perspective or engaging storytelling. Viewers looking for a more insightful exploration of the Vietnam War may find themselves disappointed with this lackluster effort.
Ambush (2023) - info
- Release date: February 24, 2023
- Genre: Action, Thriller, War
- Director: Mark Burman
- Writer: Mark Burman, Johnny Lozano, Michael McClung
- Stars: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Aaron Eckhart, Connor Paolo/li>