THE OUTPOST
by Michael B. Druxman on 08/16/20
Here is my comments on THE OUTPOST, which I watched a day or two ago.
THE OUTPOST
Adapted from the best-selling non-fiction book, THE OUTPOST is a rugged war film, set in the Valley of the Three Mountains in Afghanistan.
The 2009 Battle of Kamdesh, as it was known, was the bloodiest American engagement of the Afghan War. Bravo Troop 3-61 CAV became one of the most decorated units of the 19-year conflict.
Directed by Rod Lurie, THE OUTPOST has many excellent action sequences and features a large talented cast.
The problem is that the cast is virtually unknown, which often makes it difficult to tell one soldier from another. Nor does the screenplay have any time fom character development.
In other war films, like THE LONGEST DAY or A BRIDGE TOO FAR, when all the key roles are played by major stars or, at least, familiar faces, knowing the names of the characters is not of major importance.
We recognize John Wayne and Robert Mitchum and Robert Redford, so they are not unfamiliar faces who can get lost in the fast-moving battle sequences.
The Blu-Ray release features audio commentary by Rod Lurie, as well as a “Behind the Scenes” documentary that includes interviews with many of the actual soldiers who fought in the 2009 battle.
