‘The Outpost’ Review- Based On The Bravery Of Bravo Troop 3-61 CAV
This film was released in 2019.
The Outpost is a war film that tells the true story of the Battle of Kamdesh, the bloodiest battle during the Afghan War. It is directed by Rod Lurie and features an ensemble cast. It is based on Jake Tapper’s book ‘The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor,’ which I have not read at the time of this review.
Fifty-three U.S. Army soldiers and two Latvian military advisors are stationed at Combat Outpost Keating, which is surrounded by hills on mountains on all sides. They are constantly attacked by gunfire from the Taliban. CO Captain Benjamin D. Keating (Orlando Bloom) is trying to establish good relations with the locals, but is killed. They go through two more COs, one dies after a bridge is bombed, and another is reassigned before telling them that the outpost will be shut down.
1st Lieutenant Andrew Bundermann (Taylor John Smith) works with Staff Sergeant Clint Romesha (Scott Eastwood) and Specialist Ty Michael Carter (Caleb Landry Jones) to secure the outpost. A few days later, their inside man, Mohammed (Sharif Dorani) comes screaming into the base that “the Taliban are coming.” Soon, fifty men are surrounded by three hundred enemies, forcing the men to prepare for the battle of their lives.
Similar to the Alamo, these men were locked in an incredibly impossible and indefensible position. They acted with courage and with valor, never giving an inch to the enemy. This movie captures that heroism as the men fight for their lives and hold onto the outpost, unsure when or even if help is coming.
The film makes you feel everything the soldiers are going through. The daily shootouts with the enemy, negotiating with the local population, dealing with the politics, and their frustration at their superiors for ignoring the dire situation they are in. The camera follows whoever is the subject for close-ups when they are in a tight spot, only to widen to show how the enemy surrounds them. It was impressive and noteworthy.
Acting-wise, this was also impressive. It was cool to see Orlando Bloom play against type as a hardened battle commander who just wants his troops to survive. Scott Eastwood, Taylor John Smith, and Caleb Landry Jones all bring powerhouse performances as soldiers trying to survive an impossible situation.
Bottom line, The Outpost is a modern war film that tells the true story of one of the bravest acts that the US Army engaged in. The acting, the plot, and the pace keep you hooked in the plot.
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Strong battle violence, Strong foul language, Sexual banter
FAVORITE QUOTE: No, not today.
Check out the trailer below:
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, anime, movie, or novel you would like me to review.