Context:
Siege of Jadotville took place in September 1961, during the United Nations intervention in the Congo Crisis in the Republic of Congo (Léopoldville), in Central Africa. Company "A", 35th Irish Army battalion of ONUC contingent was attacked by National Front for the Liberation of Congo troops loyal to Prime Minister Moise Tshombe of Katanga State. Irish troops were besieged in the town of Jadotville (present-day Likasi) and resisted Katangese attacks for six days while Irish and Swedish reinforcements unsuccessfully attempted to reach the town.
The Irish company was eventually forced to surrender after supplies and ammunition ran out, but not before inflicting severe casualties on the enemy. They were held as prisoners of war for approximately one month. It was the last United Nations Operation Congo (ONUC) peacekeeping mission to use Swedish and Irish troops in hostile action.
Film:
The film portrays the unvirtuous political intricacies and the heroic resistance of the Irish soldiers, dubbed cowards and traitors. His bravery and dedication was only recognized years later.
Effective both in the technical aspects and in the rawness and brute truth, with which the facts are narrated.
The narration of the political intricacies does not take away the dynamics of the narrative and raises the level of understanding, and also obviously of indignation, of this sad episode under UN purview .
In purely cinephile terms, it is a good film, showing the bravery, courage and dedication of a company of green, but well-trained soldiers, faced with an experienced enemy that is far superior in number. Fighting until it was no longer possible, having to surrender but with all dignity, contrary to the politicians who got them into this mess.
The Irish company was eventually forced to surrender after supplies and ammunition ran out, but not before inflicting severe casualties on the enemy. They were held as prisoners of war for approximately one month. It was the last United Nations Operation Congo (ONUC) peacekeeping mission to use Swedish and Irish troops in hostile action.
Film:
The film portrays the unvirtuous political intricacies and the heroic resistance of the Irish soldiers, dubbed cowards and traitors. His bravery and dedication was only recognized years later.
Effective both in the technical aspects and in the rawness and brute truth, with which the facts are narrated.
The narration of the political intricacies does not take away the dynamics of the narrative and raises the level of understanding, and also obviously of indignation, of this sad episode under UN purview .
In purely cinephile terms, it is a good film, showing the bravery, courage and dedication of a company of green, but well-trained soldiers, faced with an experienced enemy that is far superior in number. Fighting until it was no longer possible, having to surrender but with all dignity, contrary to the politicians who got them into this mess.