ARMADILLO is a documentary about a company of Danish soldiers in Helmand province in Afghanistan, though it focuses on a handful of characters in the same platoon.
The most notable thing about this documentary is the combination of the exotic and the familiar. Denmark is not a nation I know well but what was so fascinating about this documentary was the ways in which the young Danish soldiers were similar to friends of mine in the British Army- and also the ways in which they were completely alien.
The documentary itself is well put together, mixing the lyricism of a foreign land with the power of modern armies and the confusion of battle. All of this was part of a simple story as the Danes did a single tour of duty. The camera-work was highly effective and the editing excellent. The film- makers don't impose themselves except when strictly necessary to explain events or details. Most of the film is told simply, through the words and actions of those recorded. It gives the film a powerful honesty.
The most interesting part of the documentary is towards the end when the Danes attack a ditch and kill a number of Taliban. Later questions are asked as to whether this was a war crime, whether they grenaded and sprayed with bullets, enemies who were trying to surrender (or too wounded to resist). The entire event, in all its confusion, is captured on film. The audience can therefore decide for themselves. Were the Taliban surrendering/wounded? What would they have done if they were in the boots of the Danes?
The best feature war documentary out of Afghanistan so far.
The most notable thing about this documentary is the combination of the exotic and the familiar. Denmark is not a nation I know well but what was so fascinating about this documentary was the ways in which the young Danish soldiers were similar to friends of mine in the British Army- and also the ways in which they were completely alien.
The documentary itself is well put together, mixing the lyricism of a foreign land with the power of modern armies and the confusion of battle. All of this was part of a simple story as the Danes did a single tour of duty. The camera-work was highly effective and the editing excellent. The film- makers don't impose themselves except when strictly necessary to explain events or details. Most of the film is told simply, through the words and actions of those recorded. It gives the film a powerful honesty.
The most interesting part of the documentary is towards the end when the Danes attack a ditch and kill a number of Taliban. Later questions are asked as to whether this was a war crime, whether they grenaded and sprayed with bullets, enemies who were trying to surrender (or too wounded to resist). The entire event, in all its confusion, is captured on film. The audience can therefore decide for themselves. Were the Taliban surrendering/wounded? What would they have done if they were in the boots of the Danes?
The best feature war documentary out of Afghanistan so far.