As the last British soldiers leave Afghanistan, the poster for true-life war drama **Kajaki. The True Story **offers a timely reminder of the terrifying, arduous conditions in which they served. The film charts the events of September 6, 2006, when a detachment of Paras unwittingly entered an unmarked Russian minefield. Once in the minefield, getting out again was no small matter. In fact, as the men attempted to escape, the casualties started to mount. Any chance of rescue depended on keeping cool heads in the crisis.
Runs the film’s synopsis: “A small unit of soldiers is dug into a ridge overlooking the dam. A three man patrol sets out to disable a Taliban roadblock. In a dried out river bed at the foot of the ridge, one of the patrol detonates a land mine, blowing off his leg and setting into motion a desperate rescue mission. His fellow soldiers come to his aid, only to find themselves trapped in an unmarked minefield, a relic of the Russian invasion of the 1980s. With no way out, any movement risks certain injury and possible death. Out of this harrowing day came extraordinary tales of bravery, selflessness and heroism, but also tragic consequences, for leader Corporal Mark Wright and his comrades, who risked their own lives to help each other.”
Director Paul Katis headed out to Jordan, home of The Hurt Locker, for a six-week shoot that recreated the arid conditions of Helmand Province.
“The film is an honest and genuine retelling of an unbelievable true story that sets your pulse racing,” explains Katis. “It is also a heartfelt tribute to the young men who risk everything for us.”
See it when **Kajaki. The True Story **hits cinemas on November 28.