Watch The Patrol

The movie "The Patrol," released in 2013, is a gripping war drama set in Afghanistan that follows the daily struggles of a British army patrol through the eyes of an inexperienced, young soldier. The film centers around the struggles and challenges faced by a group of British soldiers who, despite their best efforts, are unable to make significant inroads in the fight against the Taliban. As they navigate the treacherous terrain of Helmand Province, the soldiers find themselves increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress and unable to cope with the difficult working conditions.

The central character of the film is Private Edward "Boris" Stone (Nav Sidhu), a young and inexperienced soldier who is initially reluctant to fight. However, as he becomes more accustomed to the realities of the battlefield, Stone begins to show courage and determination in the face of adversity. His character arc mirrors the wider story of the patrol, which starts off struggling but slowly begins to develop their own tactics to survive.

The rest of the patrol consists of Sergeant Barnes (Ben Righton), a tough but fair NCO who is struggling to reconcile his role as a fighter with the human cost of war, as well as a group of fellow soldiers, each with their own story and distinctive personality.

The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of life in Afghanistan, with director Tom Petch having served in the country himself as a soldier. Petch's firsthand experience gives the movie a sense of authenticity, and he uses this to explore themes of the brutality of war, and the impact that it has on those involved. Indeed, there are numerous scenes of violence and death throughout the movie, which help to underline the very real dangers faced by troops stationed in a war zone.

However, the movie is not just a straightforward action-thriller - it is also rich in character development and exploration. The relationship between Stone and Barnes is a particular highlight, as the hardened NCO takes the young private under his wing and counsels him on the realities of war. Additionally, the portrayal of the different soldiers and their reactions to the conflict is both nuanced and complex.

Overall, "The Patrol" is a gritty and thought-provoking film that offers valuable insights into the realities of modern warfare. It is a movie about courage, resilience, and the sacrifices that soldiers make in the name of their country - but it is also a movie about the limitations of war, and about the human cost that is paid in the process.

The Patrol is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.3.