Described by some military commanders as the deadliest urban combat since World War II, the battle to drive ISIS out of Mosul as the terror group held civilians captive there was brutal and grueling. Shot over the course of the entire nine-month fight, this vivid documentary follows the experiences of four young soldiers in a team of Iraqi Special Forces tasked with leading the battle.
Cinematography
Sarbil's camera is literally in the room during firefights.
Editing
Nine months compressed to 39 minutes—every second earned.
Sound
Gunfire so close you check your own walls.
Director
James Jones
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Olivier Sarbil embedded longer than most journalists—he slept where they slept, ate what they ate.
The Iraqi Special Forces unit featured was nicknamed 'the Golden Division'—elite status meant they were sent into the worst fighting first.
US
