Danger Close

Danger Close is an engrossing war film released in the year 2019. A product of the combined work of director Kriv Stenders and writers James Nicholas, Karel Segers, Paul Sullivan, and Stuart Beattie, the movie is set during the Vietnam War. It consists of a stellar cast including Travis Fimmel, known for his leading role in Vikings, portraying the role of Major Harry Smith alongside Toby Blome and Alexander England.

The film takes us back into history, to the late 1960s, situated amidst the heart of the Vietnam War. The core story revolves around the Battle of Long Tan, one of the toughest and grittiest fights that Australian and New Zealand soldiers partook in during the war. Visualized with intense depth and realism, the movie offers a narrative focused on the 108 young and inexperienced Anzac soldiers stationed in a rubber plantation.

A genetically raw and unvarnished portrayal of combat, Danger Close becomes an exercise in relentless authenticity. Director Stenders delivers an authentic and immersive experience by focusing largely on the battlefield, showcasing the courage, teamwork, and fear tangled up together in the faces of each soldier. The film underscores the raw humanity, emotional setback, and valor of these brave men.

The movie wastes no time in setting the tone as it quickly plunges into the fast-paced action of the battlefield. Danger Close excels in sketching the harrowing events of the war – the rapid gunfire, the soldiers' camaraderie, the chaos, and the desperation to survive. The movie offers an unfiltered look into the horrors and reality of war; its cruel unpredictability, and the profound impact it has on the men who live through it.

At the front and center of the action is Major Harry Smith, played by Travis Fimmel, who finds himself leading this inexperienced, underprepared bunch of soldiers. Handed the responsibility to protect the base at any cost, Fimmel's character walks a thin line between being a tough leader and a comrade. The challenging circumstances foster an intriguing dynamic between Smith and his untrained men, putting their trust to the ultimate test, while their survival hangs by a thread.

In an attempt to add more depth to the characters, the narrative also shines a spotlight on the personal lives of the soldiers, examining their belief systems, their relationships, and their personalities off the battlefield. It becomes not just a war story but also a tale of personal resilience and brotherhood, culminating in an emotionally poignant narrative that leaves an impact on the audience.

Complimenting the intense narrative is the world-class cinematography pioneered by Ben Nott. The movie is visually stunning with an array of landscapes painted in hues of gloomy greys and vibrant greens, creating a realistic representation of the rough terrains and challenging climates that the soldiers had to endure. Each frame captures the chaos and unease that comes with war, providing a splendid and commanding visual experience.

The powerful score of the movie transforms the wartime imagery into an often overwhelmingly visceral experience. The detailed sound design and mixing contribute to the heightened tension in the movie, almost making the audience feel like they are right in the middle of the action.

In conclusion, Danger Close is a deftly crafted, gripping, and gritty depiction of the Vietnam War. It stands as an intense portrayal of the harrowing experiences endured by soldiers at the Battle of Long Tan. Harnessing potent performances from an ensemble cast, led by Travis Fimmel, Danger Close does not merely aim to glorify war. Instead, it embarks on a mission to lay bare the gritty realities, the sacrifices, and the chunk of humanity that is often left in the forgotten pages of history. With flawless direction, compelling narrative, top-notch performances, and breathtaking visuals, Danger Close offers an emotionally charged experience that is sure to reverberate with its audience long after the lights in the theatre go dim.