Once in the Desert Story:-
In “Once in the Desert,” viewers are drawn into a harrowing journey based on true events, following the life of a seasoned Deminer on a perilous mission in Palmyra, Syria. Director Andrey Kravchuk immerses audiences into the heart of conflict, where every step is a gamble between life and death. Unlike traditional war narratives, the protagonist here is not a conventional soldier seeking glory on the battlefield; instead, he’s a skilled technician tasked with disarming explosives left behind by ISIS in the war-torn cultural city.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 18 November 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Action, Thriller, War |
| Duration | 1h 57min |
| Cast | Sergey Borodinov, Pavel Chinaryov, Igor Gordin, Pyotr Kharchenko, Aleksey Komashko, Vitaliya Kornienko, Gleb Kozlyayev, Aleksandr Metyolkin, Samvel Muzhikyan, Ekaterina Nesterova, Anna Potebnya, Polina Pushkaruk, Aleksandr Robak, Oleg Vasilkov, Zakaria Al Yazidi |
| Director | Andrey Kravchuk |
| Writer | Arif Aliev |
| Cinematography | Morad Abdel-Fattakh |
| Music | Kuzma Bodrov |
| Producer | Aleksey Uchitel |
| Production | Rock Films |
| Certificate | 16+ |
The screenplay is a masterclass in tension-building, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with gripping moments of fear and uncertainty. The stakes are high, with each explosive device more sophisticated and deadly than the last. Russian soldiers navigate the treacherous terrain, facing the constant threat of sudden detonation. Captain Shaberov, portrayed with emotional depth by Aleksandr Robak, emerges as the film’s emotional core. Despite his expertise, he grapples with personal struggles, longing for connection with his daughter amidst the chaos of war.
The film’s action sequences are meticulously crafted, delivering an immersive experience that rivals Hollywood’s best war films. The arid landscape of the Syrian Desert is captured with stunning cinematography, conveying the harsh realities of combat in punishing conditions. However, while the film excels in portraying the intensity of the battlefield, it could benefit from more context-setting regarding the significance of Palmyra and the symbolic concert by the Mariinsky Symphony Orchestra.
One aspect that adds complexity to the narrative is Shaberov’s relationship with Jamiliya, a civilian he encounters during his mission. While their connection provides moments of respite amidst the chaos, it feels somewhat underdeveloped and lacking in conviction. A deeper exploration of Syrian civilian life and the impact of war on the local population could have enriched the story further, providing a more holistic view of the conflict.
Despite these minor shortcomings, “Once in the Desert” remains a compelling and immersive war thriller from start to finish. The relentless pace, coupled with explosive action sequences, ensures that audiences are kept thoroughly engaged throughout. The film serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of terrorism and the bravery of those who risk their lives to combat it.
In conclusion, “Once in the Desert” offers a realistic portrayal of the dangers faced by Deminers in conflict zones, highlighting the heroism and sacrifice of individuals working behind the scenes to safeguard innocent lives. It’s a film that not only entertains but also educates, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of modern warfare and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
