The Outpost is a war drama film that dramatizes the Battle of Kamesh, which is considered as one of the bloodiest battles for U.S. forces in the War in Afghanistan so far. Occurring on October 3, 2009, the battle saw 53 American soldiers and two Latvian military advisors in Combat Outpost (“COP”) Keating – the titular “Outpost” – getting attacked by 300 Taliban insurgents. After more than 12 hours of fighting, the U.S. had eight dead and 27 wounded, while an estimated 150 were killed on the side of the enemy.
COP Keating was established to engage with surrounding local communities and win their trust and support, that the flow of Taliban weapons and fighters from Pakistan may be stopped. However, it was situated on a remote valley that’s surrounded by steep mountains. It was very evident from the get go that it had a highly compromised position as it conceded the high ground to attackers.
This vital piece of information is stressed upon by the first half of the film as it depicts the regular raids that the outpost underwent. The Battle of Kamesh is then covered by the second half.
The second half is a high-octane, white-knuckled thriller. All action sequences in this movie are great, but that second half stuff is simply special. Packed with tension and shot magnificently, it terrifically portrays the glorious bedlam of that back-against-the-wall battle.
However, although it entertains tremendously, it doesn’t neglect giving the subject matter the dignity it deserves. The real-life soldiers whom this movie depicts, especially those who died, are treated with great respect. And no matter how hyped it gets, it makes sure to close at a solemn and humanized note.
Just like other worthwhile war drama films, there’s balance. On one hand, it works as a solid movie to enjoy with its visceral violence and exciting action. But on the other hand, it doesn’t romanticize war, but shows how horrible it is. On one hand, it celebrates how amazingly ahead American military training and weaponry are. On the other hand, it pays tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom. The Outpost masterfully puts the audience in those two moods.
All in all, I really like The Outpost. While occasionally tedious and hard to keep up with (it goes out its way to show as many of those 53 soldiers) during the first half, competent filmmaking and riveting acting prevents it from becoming a drag. And with such sublime payoff of a second half, any slow parts are worth sitting through. All things considered, it’s a gripping, thoughtful, and well-crafted war drama film.
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