"Warhorse One" (2023) takes viewers into the final days of the US involvement in Afghanistan, offering a narrative with political undertones. Directed and co-written by Johnny Strong, who also stars in the film, this action-packed feature explores a rescue mission in a war-torn country. In this review, we delve into the film's plot, characters, action sequences, and the controversies surrounding its storytelling choices.
Plot and Controversial Themes
The film begins with a politically charged conversation about US involvement in Afghanistan. While attempting to provide social and political commentary, the dialogue leans towards blatant propaganda. The story follows Master Chief Richard Mirko, codenamed Warhorse One, and his SEAL team as they embark on a mission to rescue a missionary and his family pursued by the Taliban. However, the film raises questions about the responsibility of bringing young children into a dangerous war zone, while also presenting simplistic and polarizing characterizations of Americans and Afghans.
Action and Repetitive Scenes
"Warhorse One" stretches its runtime to two hours, which feels unnecessary given the simplistic plot and action. The film relies on repetitive gunfight scenes that lack excitement and fail to engage the audience. While attempting to inject more action, the generic template used for these sequences results in a lack of variation and impact. The filming of these scenes could have been improved to make them more visually captivating.
Characterization and Controversial Portrayals
The film's characterization is minimal, with Mirko embodying the archetypal hero focused on protecting young Zoe, the lone survivor of the missionary's family. The portrayal of Afghans as subhuman beasts who commit brutal acts reinforces negative stereotypes. The one-dimensional depiction of the characters, particularly the Taliban members, presents a stark contrast between the perceived "goodness" of white Americans and the "evil" of brown men. Such simplifications perpetuate harmful racial stereotypes.
Chemistry and Audio Issues
Despite the film's flaws, there are moments of chemistry between Mirko and Zoe, portrayed by Athena Durner in an impressive debut performance. However, the frequent problems with the score overpowering the dialogue undermine these positive aspects, hampering the audience's connection with the characters.
Conclusion
"Warhorse One" presents a controversial blend of politics and action, but ultimately falls short in its execution. The film's simplistic plot, repetitive action sequences, and one-dimensional characterizations limit its potential impact. While there are instances of chemistry between certain characters, technical issues such as audio imbalances hinder the overall viewing experience. The film seems targeted towards a specific audience, which may find enjoyment in its offerings. However, for those seeking a nuanced exploration of the subject matter or a well-crafted action film, "Warhorse One" may prove to be a lengthy and disappointing experience.
Warhorse One (2023) - info
- Release date: 4 July 2023
- Genre: Action, Drama, War
- Director: Johnny Strong
- Writer: Johnny Strong
- Stars: Johnny Strong, Athena Durner, Raj Kala