Horst in Translation ([email protected])
"Auslandseinsatz" is a German 90-minute movie from 2012, so this one has its 5th anniversary this year and it was written and directed by a trio of filmmakers here that are all pretty experienced, at least when it comes to small screen filmmaking, so it kinda fits that this is a television film too. The cast includes Riemelt and Koffler in a collab one year before what can be considered the career-defining film for both of them. The film takes a look at the daily struggles for soldiers stationed abroad and how they are also fighting their inner wars while being forced to always be ready and alert when communicating with the locals in war countries, but also when interacting with superiors or other soldiers, also some from other forces and countries. All in all, this was a decent watch. I am generally not too big on (anti-)war movies and I also wouldn't say it was really great or really memorable, but it was certainly worth seeing. Apart from the duo I already mentioned, German film buffs will find more familiar faces like Striesow and Heerwagen. From start to finish I basically had the impression that I was watching actual soldiers and events. The film doesn't try to go for cringeworthy forced happy endings but it goes for authenticity and the harsh reality of war. It probably helps here if you have a bigger interest in the war in Afghanistan than I do. Maybe then you will really enjoy the watch here. Sure it is no Zero Dark Thirty, the defining military movie from 2012, but there are scenes in here where it does come pretty close. I recommend the watch overall, especially if war is one of your favorite genres. It also never drags during its pretty essential 1.5 hours and there is a solid amount of love to detail. Give it a go.
