23 April 2008

Inspired by Patrick Rotman's book and subsequent documentary concerning the personal and psychological effects of the 1954-62 Algerian War of Independence on the soldiers involved in the conflict, Intimate Enemies (L'ennemi intime, 2007) is, we are assured, an uncompromising and brutally realistic war movie dramatizing the experiences of a platoon of French soldiers fighting the 'fellaghas' of Algeria's National Liberation Front in the country's remote mountain region.

Directed by Florent Emilio Siri (director of action thrillers such as Hostage, starring Bruce Willis, and The Nest), and co-written by Siri and Rotman, the film stars award-winning French actor Benoît Magimel (The Piano Teacher) and three-time César nominee Albert Dupontel (A Very Long Engagement). Opinion on the film's merits has, it should be noted, been a little split, but the film has also attracted its share of plaudits for its harrowing and realistic depiction of war.

Assigned to lead a battalion of French soldiers following the friendly-fire killing of his predecessor, the highly principled but naïve Lieutenant Terrien (Benoît Magimel) is determined to wage war in the most morally sound and humanistic way he can. But his approach is viewed with scorn by many of those under his command, in particular the battle-hardened Sergeant Dougnac (Albert Dupontel). A veteran of the Indochina War, Dougnac is not averse to resorting to torture and barbarism when it comes to dealing with insurgents. As a series of violent skirmishes takes a devastating toll on Terrien's men, and the savagery of the enemy becomes apparent, the idealist Lieutenant is forced to re-evaluate his stance, even if it means compromising his beliefs.

Now Intimate Enemies has been announced for a UK DVD release on 9th June 2008 as a 2-Disc Collector's Edition by Contender at the RRP of £19.99. With 5.1 and DTS French soundtracks and optional English subtitles accompanying the main feature on disc 1, disc 2 will have the following features:

• A Director's Vision: Interview with Florent-Emilio Siri;
• Memories of War: Ex-Servicemen Recall;
• Storyboards (Ghost Town; Shooting First; War Of Words; Napalm Death; A Last Cigarette; Forest Fight; The Final Battle);
• Photo Gallery;
• UK Theatrical Trailer;
• From Actors to Soldiers;
• Cast and Crew Interview Gallery.