Armadillo
Directed by Janus Metz
Synopsis
The first documentary ever chosen to compete in the International Critics' Week at Cannes (where it won the grand prize), Janus Metz's Armadillo follows a platoon of Danish soldiers on a six-month tour of Afghanistan in 2009. An intimate, visually stunning account of both the horror and growing cynicism of modern warfare, the film premiered at the top of the box office in Denmark, provoking a national debate over government policy and the rules of engagement.
Film Info
Release Year: 2010 Running Time: 100 Color Type: Color Country: Denmark Language: Danish, Pashto and English with subtitles
ARMADILLO is a raw and unforgettable journey into the war in Afghanistan. Mads and Daniel are Danish troops joining the NATO mission in Helmand Province. Their platoon is stationed in Camp Armadillo, with Taliban fighters a stone’s throw away. Filmmaker Janus Metz is deeply embedded with the platoon, documenting first-hand the daily grind of modern warfare, tense waiting followed by intense flurries of bloodshed. During gunfights his camera is right at the front line, recording the mortal dangers the troops face daily. Unable to tell Afghan civilians apart from combatants, the platoon’s skepticism of the humanitarian effort grows, as well as their yearning for the black and white morality of battle. Ethical lines are blurred, and a sense of besieged paranoia sets in to their warrior mentality. ARMADILLO is a harrowing journey into the minds of soldiers during a war without end.
Crew
- Directed by Janus Metz
- Written by Kasper Torsting
- Produced by Ronnie Fridthjof , Sara Stockmann
- Cinematography by Lars Skree
Festivals / Awards
Official Selection: Cannes (International Critics' Week - Winner), Toronto, London (Grierson Award), DOC NYC
Reviews
"An astonishing leap forward for nonfiction storytelling." - Eric Hynes, The Village Voice
"A mesmerizing, beautiful and terrifying documentary that can stand among the greatest war movies ever made." - Andrew O’Hehir, Salon
"Gut-Punching...Reveals both the horror and adrenaline rush of warfare." - Leslie Felperin, Variety
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Director Janus Metz
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Michael receiving medical attention after
being shot in the arm
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Mads
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Rasmus, Frederik and Kim heading toward the Medivac after Frederik was shot in the leg
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Soldiers at forward operating base ARMADILLO, Helmand Province, Afghanistan
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Credit: Kino Lorber, Inc
