CinemaSerf (October 30, 2022)

Set amidst a coup in the north African nation of "Numia" this story follows the activities of "Zong" (Yi Zhang) and "Cheng Lang" (Karry Wang). These two work in the Chinese embassy in the capital of this war-torn country when they find out that a group of civilians have been stranded at a remote desert location. They are tasked with trying to rescue them and lead them to safety in neighbouring "Tulisia". The elder man has previous with rescue missions, having carried out a similar operation in Lebanon. The younger is more enthusiastic but green. Together they must learn to trust each other whilst avoiding the perils that endanger the lives of themselves and their party as they seek safety. This film is simply too long - at over 2¼ hours long - and the story, though quite busy and exciting at times, has more than it's fair share of serendipity that robs it of much actual jeopardy. The young man turns in a decent performance as he wrestles with his desire to tell the truth about the extent of their predicament versus his boss who is far more pragmatic, but somehow the rest of the characterisations are straight from a central casting manual - brave, stoic, dedicated - yes, but somehow lacking in soul or personality. They are in the middle of a death trap with bombs and bullets everywhere (these effects are pretty authentic looking, too), yet the film itself comes across as sterile and rather procedural. Conspiracy theorists may love the big brother/satellite surveillance aspect towards the end but otherwise it might as well be an outing for Bruce Willis. There also appears to be a pretty interminable supply of coaches and bottled water here, too... Worth a watch, just about, and it is no worst than some similar Hollywood efforts but it's instantly forgettable fayre.