Fanatical
terrorists are planning to launch
a nuclear
attack with a "dirty bomb," a homemade radioactive device,
in the heart of
London. From Scotland Yard's central command to a Muslim
undercover detective, local authorities are operating on
high alert while
government agents scour the city desperately searching for the
source of the threat. Every minute counts in this action-suspense
thriller that addresses the question: How prepared are we for the
unthinkable?
CRITIQUE
Dirty War
presents a very real and scary scenario. The 90-minute feature
focuses on several different characters made up of two distinct
groups; one is the intelligence service and the other the
terrorist cell. The film begins with an emergency exercise program
to prove to the public and government officials the readiness and
response time of firefighters in the event of an attack. As the
exercise proves, London as a city would not be fully capable to
handle an outbreak (virus or otherwise) from an attack. Meanwhile,
a group of young Middle Eastern men prepare for something ominous.
The investigators of Scotland Yard are tipped off to some
suspicious activity by two men who load heavy cargo into an
apartment building.
Dirty War
succeeds making the story credible; in fact, what we see in the
film might as well be one of the ways terrorists plan and execute
an attack. Cinematically the film is involving and generally
suspenseful, but dramatically it lacks certain emotion or tension
in terms of the characters. The script appears well researched and
is based on fact. Dirty War does indeed show the aftermath
of the terrorist's attack in downtown London, using some special
effects and showing scenes of large crowds rushing to safety from
ground zero. It also shows the organization of emergency crews
directed to the scene, setting up tents and make-shift facilities
with showers to rid people of radiation poisoning. The last scene
reveals the aftermath of the attack, which is stunning.
THE VIDEO
HBO Films presents
Dirty War in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. Colors aren't
particularly vibrant but maintain a cool tone. The picture looks
relatively clean and smooth with good definition and sharpness.
Specks and grain appear lightly. Overall a good presentation.
THE AUDIO
HBO Films presents
Dirty War in English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. Dialogue
is clear and easy to understand, while the music score and sound
effects are clear audible as well. English and Spanish 2.0 tracks
are available.
THE EXTRAS
The only bonus
feature is an audio commentary by writer/director Daniel
Percival and writer Lizzie Mickery who spend time discussing
the film as well as real-life stories, and much more.
