Elsa Casanova True Story: Forces Spéciales, or Special Forces, is a new French film with an outstanding cast that is both Entertaining and controversial. Djimon Hounsou (Gladiator), Benoît Magimel (Intimate Enemies), Denis Ménochet (Inglourious Basterds, Robin Hood), Raphael Personnaz (The Princess of Montpensier), Alain Figlarz (Bourne Identity, 36), Mehdi Nebbou (Body of Lies), Tchéky Karyo (Body of Lies) and Tchéky Kar (Bad Boys, The Patriot).
I’m excited since I didn’t anticipate an action film of this caliber to come from France, let alone on such a topic. There have been a few recent French films that have been excellent, but they have all centered on WWI, WWII, or Algeria, with very few dedicated to modern-day fighting and special forces. This is modern, fast-paced, action-packed, sassy, and very genuine. Forces Spéciales is what happens when The Hurt Locker meets Bravo Two Zero. The film is dedicated to soldiers who have died in Afghanistan as well as journalists who risk their lives in dangerous situations.
The French military’s support is clear, and the equipment on display is incredible. As a result, the film is highly real. I’m not a big fan of guns, but I do enjoy authenticity, and this is about as authentic as it gets in terms of gear. When the French president and his advisers learn of her kidnapping, they decide to dispatch Special Forces to rescue her. The men are able to liberate her, but when they get to the pick-up location, the chopper is not there. They can’t communicate with anyone because their radio equipment has been destroyed, much like in Bravo Two Zero.
The Plot Of the Story
The plot is straightforward. In Afghanistan, the French war correspondent Elsa Casanova (Diane Kruger) is apprehended by Taliban leader Ahmed Zaief. In her writings, she has been conducting conversations with women and has referred to the commander as “the butcher of Kabul.” She is warned by the last of the ladies she attempts to interview. Both of them are in grave danger. It’s too late. Zaief initially captures her informant before luring Elsa into an ambush. He threatens to kill her, and then films and sends a video of one of her assistants’ execution to France.
The escape was time-sensitive, and now that the chopper has failed to arrive, the Taliban chief and his men are closing in on them. They had no choice but to flee across the mountains. This is a disaster. They are not only unprepared for high heights and snow, but they are also being pursued by a big gang of guys. They will have to stop and fight multiple times. They must also decide whether to save locals who have assisted them in their fight against the Taliban or to save themselves first. Each of the men has specialized training in a different field.
As is customary, the scenes in which the sniper takes center stage are the most thrilling. The group is really appealing, and there is a hint of superheroism because these are individuals who have undergone extraordinary training. They even managed to include a love story. Aside from the suspense, action, and incredible gear on display, the cast is the film’s greatest asset. This is one of the most attractive ensembles I’ve seen in a long time. I enjoyed the score as well, but it isn’t creative. Other films have had a big influence on it. Gladiator, for example.
Elsa Casanova True Story
Overall, this is a highly enjoyable, action-packed film with a strong story and excellent performances, and one that lovers of The Hurt Locker and Bravo Two Zero should not miss. I noted before that this is a contentious film, but I didn’t elaborate on why. As authentic as the equipment and the first scenes appear, there are a couple of moments later on that are not logical. Agreed. The French press did not give the film high marks since it was thought to be too propagandistic. I’m not sure if any film that features army equipment and is backed by the military qualifies as propaganda.
Maybe it’s because, in addition to being anti-war, it also has an anti-Taliban message. In any event, it’s more of an action film than a war film, as should be clear by now. I recommend that you view it and then let me know what you think. Forces Spéciales, often known as Special Forces, is a new French film that is both thrilling and controversial, and it has an interesting ensemble. Among others who have been in films such as Troy and Joyeux Noel. I’m delighted because I didn’t anticipate an action film of this caliber to come out of France, much alone on such a controversial subject.
Even if there have been a few exceptional French films in recent years, most of them have been about the First and Second World Wars, World War II, or Algeria; very few are about current combat or special forces. She is very grateful to the special forces since it is only due to their efforts that she has even a remote possibility of making it out alive. However, in the process of correcting Elsa’s mistake, the team releases the fury of Zangief, and it is at this point that the film really starts. If you’re a Special Operations soldier or even if you’re simply a member of the Armed Forces, we applaud you because, without your sacrifice, much of this would not be possible.
Special Forces” is not a Top-tier Production
As previously noted, “Special Forces” is not a top-tier production, but it is entertaining and of high production value. A path into our hearts always seems to be found in movies that include Special Forces personnel, since they portray heroic efforts committed to safeguarding civilian life. Despite the fact that a soldier’s training may equip him or her to endure numerous trials without even the smallest flinch or clench, many of us would be caught dead 100 miles from some of the hazardous work situations in which they are stationed.
This is a modern, fast-paced, action-packed, kick-ass, and really genuine film. Forces Spéciales is the result of The Hurt Locker and Bravo Two Zero coming together. The film is dedicated to the troops who have died in Afghanistan as well as to the journalists who risk their lives to report from conflict zones. This event clearly demonstrates the support of the French military, as seen by the incredible equipment showcased. As a result, the film has a very real feel to it. I’m not a fan of weaponry, but I do like authenticity, and this is about as genuine as it gets in terms of the equipment.
Imagine having to read this review by candlelight or, even better, by reading a book since the government did not allow movie theatres to operate. Now, there are some locations like this that exist in the world in which we live, but fortunately, they have at the very least access to the internet to communicate with the outside world. The great thing about the armed forces is that they have the ability to compel change in those who are reluctant, intractable, or mulelike to alter their minds.