There’s
a strong comic line in this film despite the seriousness of the story
and the situation in which they find themselves. One of my favourites
is when Burton and Harris meet Moore for the first time and Faulkner
asks Rafer what he is carrying (in terms of
weapons) Rafer replies,
‘I’m
carrying this (pistol) and this (grenade)…it sort of balances me up…’
Burton,
Moore, Harris, Kruger and Watson deliver some excellent performances,
displaying the kind of charismatic toughness one would expect from hardened
soldiers. Ntshona, as I have already mentioned does a good job as the
ailing ex-president. The action scenes are frequent and fantastic, and
the weaponry and squad tactics displayed seem completely credible. In
fact, this 36 year old flick manages to rival and surpass, most contemporary
military films. While part of its strength is in story line and action
the strong characterisations from the leads are the film's most enduring
elements.
Allegedly,
loosely based on "Mad Mike" Hoares
mercenary crew and their incredible adventures controlling tribal violence
and rescuing Westerners in the Belgian Congo in the early 60s. In fact
he was a technical advisor on the film.
More
on 'Mad Mike' Hoare