Jirga

I was really looking forward to Jirga but  watching it was a disappointment. It has a great trailer but you don't get anything more from the film than the trailer gives you. The basis for the story is an Australian soldier returning to Afghanistan to compensate the family of a civilian he shot in error. I thought we might get some insight into what motivated him to come ( is that the only civilian he's ever shot, is that a common problem, does the army help you deal with that?)  but we didn't. And the leading character came across as a bit of a wet blanket, and not like someone who has been in the military. I mean , how many people are on a car journey in a hot country without a bottle of water in hand?

The director did a Q and A at the showing and it seems there were various aspects of Afghanistan he wanted to showcase including the lakes of the Band-e-Amir National Parkand the supportive and communicative relationship that groups of Afghani men enjoy. It feels like the plot is an afterthought and the story doesn't live up to the scenery or the actors.

I suggest you watch the trailer and then go to a different film

Anne's rating  2/5