Hyena Road

Tenacious D
Tenacious D Inactive
107
 

Today I went to see a movie called Hyena Road. It was written and directed by Paul Gross, and stars him and Rossif Sutherland (brother of Kiefer and son of Donald).  The subject of this movie is the war in Afghanistan (if you need a content warning, there it is), specifically Canadian combat operations there. I found it to be a very powerful movie and would recommend that other Ricochet members see it if you get the chance (I’m not sure how wide of a release it will get). 

The movie is set in Kandahar Province, which is thought to be named after Alexander the Great, whose own struggles in Afghanistan are referenced by a character in Hyena Road. It witnessed some of the heaviest fighting of the war in Afghanistan; it is also an area where Pashtun tribal culture is strong. The movie does not claim to be based on a true story, but it attempts to realistically portray the experience of soldiers serving in Afghanistan, so both of these topics are featured prominently.  

Hyena Road itself is a road that coalition forces are attempting to build through territory with an active insurgency. The movie follows a sniper team that watches over this road, killing men who are planting IEDs. It also follows an intelligence officer who’s trying to “win hearts and minds” as he puts it, with a heavy layer of sarcasm–he is not a naĂŻf–but he is making an effort to build alliances with local tribal elders. Having characters both on the front line and planning strategy allows the movie to look at the experience of soldiers there as well as the bigger picture, and the tension between the two points of view. It does this very effectively, without making one side into a caricature or villain; rather, there is a recognition that they were sent to do a nigh-impossible task.  In addition to the characters in the Canadian military, Hyena Road includes some Afghan characters who fought against the Soviets together (but are not part of the Taliban now) but get into a vicious feud with each other. I won’t say any more to avoid spoilers. 

I don’t know (nor really care) what Paul Gross’ politics are, but he has a reputation for respecting the men and women of the armed forces and it really comes through in this movie. 

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There are 10 comments

  1. Tenacious D
    Tenacious D
    @TenaciousD
    Post Author

    Here’s a gratuitous fan tribute video for a show that I grew up watching featuring a younger Paul Gross (Due South).

    • #1
  2. Boss Mongo
    Boss Mongo
    @BossMongo

    Thanks.  I’ll watch it.

    • #2
  3. Man With the Axe
    Man With the Axe
    @ManWiththeAxe

    Thanks for the review. I’ll look for it.

    • #3
  4. BrentB67
    BrentB67
    @BrentB67

    Awesome trailer. Thanks.

    • #4
  5. James Of England
    James Of England
    @JamesOfEngland

    Due South was wonderful, but it was particularly wonderful when Paul Gross was kept off the production side. Gross was very good indeed in the part, but the humility that made the character work was a trait that Gross didn’t really grasp.

    I’m glad to hear that this film is good, and I will try to catch it when it gets to the small screen (I don’t think Mrs. of England would view it as a suitable date).

    You’re right, though, that you probably don’t want to know Gross’s politics. Leslie Nielsen provided the conservative side of the cast. It speaks well of Gross that he could land two serious conservative roles (and Passchendaele could easily have been worse), despite his party affiliation.

    • #5

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