Review by Doug Cooper
Stars Mark Womack, Andrea Lowe, John Bishop, Geoff Bell, Jack Fortune, Talib Rasool, Craig Lundberg, Trevor Williams, Russell Anderson, Jamie Michie
Written by Paul Laverty
Certification UK 15 | US R
Runtime 109 minutes
Directed by Ken Loach
This is an issue movie wrapped up as a conspiracy thriller. It tackles an aspect of what's happening in Iraq with a pungent punchiness while addressing executive corruption and murky behind-the-scenes treachery. Ken Loach's forceful handling of the material is charged and hard hitting, but more restraint would make it more effective.
Mark Womack is a powerful force of nature as Fergus, a loud mouthed Liverpudlian, now back in his hometown after having been employed as a private security contractor in the war torn country. His good friend Frankie (Bishop, plausible enough to make one forget his comedy showcases on TV) has been killed on the road between Baghdad Airport and the Green Zone, and Fergus is convinced of a cover up. With the aid of footage found on a mobile phone he is able to piece together high level subterfuge and as his investigation bears fruit, it brings nasty violence and the realisation that he is not always correct in judging who the culprits are.
Fergus never lets up in his fearsome determination and Womack gives full vent to the character's anger and frustration. Too much in fact. In every other scene he seems to be shouting full throttle at some slight or injustice. His resolutely hard nosed portrayal is certainly commanding but elicits little sympathy and after a while you simply wish he would calm down and take a chill pill.
Loach needs to keep a firmer hand on the proceedings. It needs a tighter pace. Some scenes go on too long, specifically a torture sequence where Fergus interrogates a villain by tying him to a table and pouring water over his face. It goes on forever. Overall, the movie lacks propulsion and suspense but the impassioned performances make the issues hit home. An impressive effort to be sure, but it keeps you out rather than draw you in. The coldness of the characters and the aggressive long winded approach instill respect if not warmth.