Cigarette Soup

Cigarette Soup, released in 2017, is a provocative war drama directed by Damian Voerg and featuring a cast of promising actors led by Dina Shihabi (Daredevil, Altered Carbon), Joe Perrino (Power), and Samantha Soule (Godless, House of Cards). Set in the early 2000s during the height of American military involvement in Afghanistan, the movie showcases the grueling uncertainties, perils, and moral ambiguities of war.

The movie's chief protagonist, played by Joe Perrino, is a young and aspiring war journalist from New York City. Fascinated by the concept of war, the protagonist yearns to delve deeper into human conflict. He is discontent with sanitised reporting and seeks something raw and real, yearning to portray the truth behind war. However, he is initially unaware of the impactful consequences of his ambitious venture.

Unfolding rigorously, the movie brings the protagonist to Afghanistan where he meets a special forces squad led by a no-nonsense and hard-bitten sergeant played by Tobias Truvillion. The squad is tasked with finding a legendary rebel leader known as 'Ghost of Afghanistan', a mission that they have been struggling with for some time. This elusive figure becomes the center of intrigue for the young journalist, eager to accomplish something exceptional.

Dina Shihabi delivers a memorable performance as a local Afghan woman, embodying the harsh reality of war. Her compelling character offers a heartfelt and authentic representation of the civilians caught amid the incessant conflict. Simultaneously, Samantha Soule embodies an intriguing role, sensitively illustrating the camaraderie, struggle, and other complex aspects of a soldier's life.

War dramas can easily romanticize or vilify characters, but Cigarette Soup avoids these pitfalls. Instead, it presents its characters as fully complex, human beings grappling with their own perceptions, personal issues, and prejudices. Director Damian Voerg, together with screenwriter Jon Doscher, does a commendable job in breathing life into the characters, who are all cornered in the grey zones of conflict. Their burgeoning fears, frustrations, and aspirations are intimately captured against the stunning backgrounds of war-ravaged landscapes.

The cinematography by William Murray offers some captivating visuals of the breathtaking Afghanistan topography mixed with haunting images of devastated war areas. The moments of silent contemplation amid chaotic war zones add depth to the narrative, capturing the paradox of beauty and devastation existing side by side.

Cigarette Soup showcases not just the physical battles in the field, but also the emotional and mental tug-of-war that the soldiers find themselves in. A prominent theme that runs parallel to the main narrative is the question of the humanity of war. The movie explores how war dehumanizes people, turning them into either victims or perpetrators, albeit reluctantly.

The title ‘Cigarette Soup’ itself serves as a metaphor for the desperation of the war. It refers to a concocted ‘dish’ as a result of extreme conditions, just like the desperate measures individuals undertake during war times.

The film's expertise lies in its ability to keep the story centered around individuals rather than the politics of war. Cigarette Soup is imbued with well-directed battle sequences, personal struggles, and emotionally charged dialogue, integrated seamlessly to create a gripping narrative that compels the viewer to reflect upon the moral implications of warfare.

Cigarette Soup provides a less-explored perspective on war, packed with gritty realism and poignant performances. It is not just a war film, but a psychological exploration of human strength, resilience, and sacrifice in the face of adversities. It's a powerful cinematic piece that reminds us that beyond the politics of war, at ground zero, all involved are people; humans trying to survive and make sense of a world torn apart by conflict.