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Cast: Rupert Friend, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Val Kilmer, Andy Garcia, Richard Coyle
Inspired by the real events of the swift--but devastating--five-day war between Russia and Georgia in 2008, this action-packed international thriller centers around an American journalist (Rupert Friend) and his cameraman (Richard Coyle) caught in the combat zone during the first Russian airstrikes against Georgia. Rescuing Tatia (Emmanuelle Chriqui), a young Georgian schoolteacher from the attack, the two reporters agree to help reunite her with her family when she loses them in the chaos in exchange for serving as their interpreter. As the three attempt to escape to safety, they witness--and document--the devastation from the full-scale crossfire and cold-blooded murder of innocent civilians.
They desperately attempt to broadcast the footage they've captured while under attack from the Russian soldiers and local mercenaries, but are met with resistance from American and international networks either shorthanded from covering the Beijing Olympics or simply fatigued by war news. The trio realizes their survival is paramount, so they can live to broadcast the truth.
"5 Days of War" is an action/drama based on the terrible events that happened back in 2008. The story focuses on Thomas Anders, an American journalist sent to document the growing tension between the two countries. When war breaks out it is up to him to report and get the truth out and he must risk his own life to do so. Similar to the recent "Bang-Bang Club," both had tense action scenes and drama mixed in as well. This film plays a little slow at times but the story is interesting enough to keep you watching. The characters are well-developed which gives the audience something to hold on to.
The film has a terrific cast including Rupert Friend as the American journalist, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Val Kilmer, Andy Garcia and Richard Coyle. Each and everyone gives a realistic and powerful performance. The production values are another plus with some of the most realistic fight scenes and explosions I have ever seen, plus the camera work is fantastic putting you right there in the middle of it all.
The bad side of the film is that the story is a bit too one sided, you have good Georgians and bad Russians with very little in between, a little more research on the events might of given the film makers more to go on and as a result the story could of been fleshed out a bit more making it more believable. It's too bad because with the top-notch acting and amazing action scenes "5 Days of War" could of been something really special. But as it is it's still a tense, engaging film that fans are sure to enjoy if you can over look the story at times.
Both the DVD and Blu-ray have Special Features that include:
Audio Commentary with Producer/Director Renny Harlin
Deleted Scenes
You can order the DVD HERE and the Blu-ray HERE.
The film supplies plenty of action and suspense but I felt it feel short on the story a bit, still an entertaining film that most fans of the genre should enjoy.
Released by Anchor Bay Entertainment
*** Out Of ****