Even though The Covenant noticeably includes the filmmaker’s name in the title, this is not a typical Guy Ritchie movie. The designation was ostensibly done to differentiate itself from others with similar titles. The most well-known being a Renny Harlin-directed flick in 2006 about high school boys descended from colonial witches. Ritchie’s latest may be another macho tale for the director, but it still upends expectations. For one, it lacks the comedy brimming with witty one-liners that usually highlight his movies. This is a seriously-minded military action drama.
It’s been 18 years since Jarhead, the Persian Gulf War drama starring Jake Gyllenhaal. The actor returns to those military digs. Here he portrays U.S. Army Sergeant John Kinley needing an interpreter in Afghanistan in 2018. He selects Ahmed (Dar Salim), a local Afghan man whom John is told can be difficult. Ahmed proves to be a loyal and dedicated guide. The Afghan aide saves his life; now, various events lead to a situation where Jake must return the favor.
The Covenant is not based on any one specific account. However, it is inspired by the genuine relationships between Afghan interpreters and the U.S. Armed Forces. The War in Afghanistan began shortly after 9/11 in 2001 and would continue for 20 years. The U.S. exited the country in 2021. The applicants were promised visas to America. That’s the agreement, but thousands were left behind. The Taliban took control of the country within weeks of troops exiting. These supporters were hunted down as traitors. A title card emphasizes this in a bit of commentary in closing.
The saga leans into the features of a traditional war movie with straightforward action. As such, the chronicle is less concerned with detailed specifics of the Afghanistan War. Nevertheless, it’s thoroughly entertaining. Several tense and exciting sequences punctuate the narrative. That would have been enough, but the story’s heart is the close relationship that develops. John and Ahmed comprise one of the more engaging male friendships as of late. Gyllenhaal often affects this stoic, blank stare in his performances as an actor. That quality works well for this war-torn sergeant. Actor Dar Salim (Game of Thrones) is even more impressive as his interpreter. He, too, is a man where “actions speak louder than words.” Yet the unspoken bond that emerges as two men interact in various situations is compelling. What transpires is an emotional tribute to the human spirit.
04-25-23
I like surprises. Particularly when a movie exceeds my expectations. Summerland is one of those films. I am a big fan of British period dramas. I admit I was already primed to enjoy this but I must’ve had my expectations set low. I figured I was getting a pleasant period piece set against the backdrop of World War II. It IS that but it is so much more. This is a drama in which characters are routinely surprised. So too will viewers be, happily.
Oh boy, I’ve seen a lot of movies. But you needed’t be a film studies major. As Da 5 Bloods unfolded it sparked the fond memories of two classics. This narrative is clearly inspired by an amalgamation of Saving Private Ryan and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Ah, but with Spike Lee, the filmmaker certainly puts his own spin on it. This has an added component that when filtered through the context of our current reality. Da 5 Bloods is a blistering critique of U.S. exploitation of African-Americans in war and in general. It is presented as nothing less than a major statement for our time. Spike Lee still has his finger on the pulse of modern America. As a piece of entertainment, it’s adequate but as a reflection of the current zeitgeist, it’s one of the most noteworthy releases of the year.
It’s no secret that films set during the Second World War far outnumber ones about other wars. Since 1998, the more well-known ones include Saving Private Ryan, The Thin Red Line, The Pianist, Letters from Iwo Jima, Fury, Hacksaw Ridge, Darkest Hour, and Dunkirk. There are so many others. My apologies if I missed your favorite. But what about pictures concerning the Great War? Some WWI movies rank among the greatest classics of all time: All Quiet on the Western Front, The Grand Illusion, Paths of Glory and Lawrence of Arabia. I wouldn’t immediately include a movie that just came out in the same company. Likewise, I would never describe a current release using the M-word*. A certain amount of time must pass. I’d say at least 10 years. However, 1917 is a good candidate to be considered both of these things in 2029.
You wouldn’t think a comedy about a pro-Nazi boy that looks upon Adolph Hitler as a hero would be one of the most heartwarming movies of the year, but Jojo Rabbit has proven otherwise. The inspiration for the adaptation is based upon the 2008 novel Caging Skies by Christine Leunens. Charlie Chaplin found humor in the Third Reich with The Great Dictator and Mel Brooks did the same with The Producers. Now writer/director Taika Waititi just may have joined their ranks with equally successful results. I loved this film and I’m happy to say it’s one of the very best of 2019.
I always watch historical dramas with a skeptical eye. Especially in dramatizing events in which few individuals were present. I like to ask, “Did this really happen?” “What is the filmmaker’s point of view?” “Where am I being led?” In that vein, there’s a moment in Darkest Hour when I realized I was watching a work of pure fiction. Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) purposefully takes the London subway, known as the Underground, in order to commune with the people. The good multitude are positively beaming with humanity. On his trip to Westminster, he has a magnificently fanciful discussion in which he summons an informal poll of the commuters and concludes what he must do. With forceful determination, they tell him to “Fight On!” in no uncertain terms. “Never surrender!” they all say. Churchill begins to recite the poem, “Horatius” by Thomas Babington Macaulay. A spirited black passenger completes the quotation flawlessly. Winston extends a hand to the young man, with tears streaming down his cheeks. He gathers all of their counsel and acts accordingly. It’s a completely fabricated piece of hokum, but darn it all, this bit of hogwash sure feels cinematic. This is the very definition of artistic license. I fully expect to see the clip on Oscar night.
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