Film Journal 2023: Kandahar
Directed by Ric Roman Waugh
Decent Butler led political thriller. Noted for its commitment to taking the time to explore the different relationships in the film, be it between the different counties or the different people caught up in the back and forth violence of the whole thing. It might be fairly standard stuff, but I felt like I knew and cared for the characters by the time it was over, and that holds enough weight to make this work. I’m certain the is more than enough political opinion to go around given the different circles represented in the film. But at the very least it’s a place to begin some dialogue about it. The fighting sequences also stay relatively simple and straight forward, save for a few from the final quarter, including a satisfying final 20 minutes. I suspect that was a move to keep the whole thing relatively realistic.
Fits the bill. Won’t upend any expectations, but if you expect some standard Butler fare positioned on international soil it should satisfy.
The Stories of my Life 