When talking about the best war films, the likes of Apocalypse Now and Saving Private Ryan are often named dropped as top tier, but fans of the genre are turning their attention to lesser-known movies now. A 2014 film named Kajaki has received praise from fans on social media as being one of the “best war movies” they’ve ever seen, and it is streaming on Amazon Prime.
Kajaki is a British war docu-drama film directed by Paul Katis in his feature debut, written by Tom Williams, and produced by Katis and Andrew de Lotbiniere. The plot is based on the Kajaki Dam incident, involving Mark Wright and a small unit of British soldiers who were positioned near the Kajaki Dam, in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
The film’s synopsis reads: “Helmand Province in Afghanistan, 2006. A company of young British soldiers encounter an unexpected, terrifying enemy: a dried-out river bed, and with every step the possibility of an anti-personnel mine that could kill.”
With an impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to Saving Private Ryan’s 94%, the critics consensus states: “Kilo Two Bravo honors its fact-based story with an almost unbearably tense drama that captures the horrors – and the human cost – of modern warfare.”
One fan said: “Kajaki is without a doubt one of the best war movies I’ve ever seen. Like the Safdie brothers film Uncut Gems, this movie does everything humanely possible to stress you out, but unlike Uncut Gems this is a true story, so anything goes.
“Usually a plot will follow a somewhat predictable formula. Everyone is expendable, and no one is safe, which makes the movie quite possibly the most intense 2 hours I’ve ever watched.”
Another commented: “I have never seen such a visceral, raw depiction of war as I have in this movie and would recommend it to anyone looking for a modern war film (set in Afghanistan) that pulls absolutely no punches.”
“Kajaki. One of if not the best war film ever made,” was echoed by another viewer, while a reviewer stated: “Kajaki, hidden gem of a war film. One of the most intense things I’ve ever watched!”
“Absolutely outstanding! The first few mins are dry, purposely to lull you into the feeling of intense boredom experienced day after day on this overwatch mission. Then all hell breaks loose,” added a fifth.
While a final audience viewer added: “Have just watched Kajaki and I have to say what a stunning film. Well done sir. An absolute masterpiece.”
Kajaki is available to stream on Amazon Prime.