I Am Soldier

I Am Soldier is a British action thriller released in 2014 starring Tom Hughes, Noel Clarke, and Alex Reid. This film dives into the grueling world of military training, where resilience transcends the physical capacity, and mental strength becomes the only key to survival.

Tom Hughes brings the character of Mickey Tomlinson, a 28-year-old military chef, to life. Despite his culinary skills, Mickey's ambition extends beyond the kitchen and the rank and file. He yearns for a challenge that places him at the heart of the action. As he aims to understand the real meaning of soldiering, he enrolls himself in the deadliest military selection known to man - The Special Air Service (S.A.S.) selection.

The S.A.S. is the United Kingdom's most renowned Special Forces Regiment, responsible for carrying out some of the most daring and secretive military tasks. The selection is a grueling process requiring physical prowess, skill, and an outstanding level of psychological robustness. It's not surprising that an alarming number of applicants succumb to the selection's brutality, falling out of the process even before their official rejection.

In this heart-pounding movie, we follow Mickey in his torturous journey as he pushes himself beyond human limits to earn the iconic S.A.S. badge. This process includes agonizing escape and evasion tasks, survival exercises, and some of the harshest and most demanding environments imaginable.

With the desire to become an elite soldier, Mickey receives mentoring from an S.A.S. veteran, Carter (played by Noel Clarke), and the guidance of a female military psychologist, Laura (played by Alex Reid). They both play a significant role in molding Mickey for what's to come – but in entirely contrasting ways. Carter, a hardened veteran of secret military operations, showing him the ropes of hardcore soldiering, while Laura strives to prepare Mickey for the psychological rigors of his desired role.

As the film progresses, we see Mickey pushing himself beyond unimaginable boundaries, with each trial revealing more about his character and determination. He goes through a metamorphosis as he transitions from a military chef harboring dreams of grandeur to a man on the verge of joining an elite group of soldiers whose identities are as elusive and mysterious as the operations they undertake.

One of the film's major appeals is its emphasis on realism, a characteristic that sets it apart from a typical Hollywood military flick. It offers a rare perspective into the selection process of the elite S.A.S. It highlights the sheer psychological and physical pressure these individuals face in their daunting journey to becoming a part of this exclusive group. The brutal honesty presented makes it a stand-out action thriller.

Action sequences are astoundingly choreographed with brilliant cinematography to keep viewers at the edge of their seats. The film does not shy away from showcasing the gritty reality – the pain and suffering that recruits endure. Moreover, it provides insightful glimpses into the secretive and complex world of the Special Forces.

Unfolding within a highly intense and taxing setting, I Am Soldier's heart lies in its characters and their relationships. They carry the emotional weight of the thrilling narrative, making it much more than just a training montage tale. The brilliant performance by the cast combined with the sharp narrative creates a unique balance of raw emotions, suspense, and nail-biting excitement.

I Am Soldier isn't a typical action film about grandeur and glory. Instead, it invites viewers to delve deep into the world of special soldiers' selection process – showcasing the hard truths, the mental resilience, the pain, and the raw determination required. The film is a testament to the old adage – pain is temporary, but pride is permanent.

This gritty, suspenseful tale should have a place on your viewing list if you’re intrigued by the mysterious, often unseen side of military life or if you're a fan of intense, realistic action thrillers.