Basically it's based on a story of an Iranian father & son who are pilots & are requested to fly a rescue aircraft mission from Palmyra to Damascus. Palmyra AB is surrounded by ISIS fighters and on the brink of complete takeover. The story revolves around the heroism of Iranian pilots, Syrian co-pilot, #SAA officers & civilians incl the daughter of a Syrian official in contrast with villainy of ISIS characters such as Abu Omar Al Shishani, Abu Talha Al Belgiki, Umme Salma etc.
The quality of production of the movie is pretty impressive i.e. Casting, directing, locations, acting, cinematic effects etc. And it seems that parts of the movie were actually film in Syria. The casting is a mix of Iranian, Syrian & Iraqi actors which gave the movie a lot of originality. Time length of the movie is just under 2hrs which is good. The storyline has less holes/goofs though the writer/director made efforts to over-dramatise the plot. However, looking at the heavy Iranian involvement in #Syria/#Iraq to defeat ISIS and sacrifices its army/civilians have made, this movie's scope is minuscule which many people would find disappointing.
The film starts with scene of an airdrop mission by Iran AF to besieged Shia towns of Fuah & Kafraya in northern Syria, a reference clearly set to win the hearts & minds of many Shias around the world who see Iran as their saviour. It also shows the respect & trust of Syrian army/civilians & gratitude towards Iranians. However, there seems to be a deliberate attempt to downplay Iran's involvement in Syria and hide the fact that scores of Iranian soldiers lost their lives in Syria while fighting along with their SAA allies while pouring 1,000s of $ in shape of military/civilian aid. Iran has paid a high price to fight its enemies in Syria. A subtle denial shows the gap b/w regime & its subjects many of whom think it was an unnecessary war given how majority of Iranians are suffering from economic/social misery.
The ending of the movie is self-defeating, and extremely disappointing Instead of ending the movie on a high note where Iranian/Syrian/Russian "super-heroes" successfully manage to rescue the mission, save lives & defeat terrorists from achieving their goals, the story ends on a martyrdom note where the pilot crashes the plane to foil ISIS goal, of using it for another 9/11 style attack on Damascus. Wasn't that the goal of #ISIS in the first place? Committing suicide to foil suicide mission of the enemy could be seen as heroism by many, I suppose, and plays on religious overtones.
However, if Hollywood were to make a movie on #ISIS, it'll be a rescue mission which involves the supernatural abilities of Ironman, Superman, Hulk & all Marvel characters OR a Saving Private Ryan style story which leaves the viewer on a high note despite all the doom & gloom. What's wrong projecting yourself powerful, able to foil enemy's evil plans & make feel viewers the enemy is weak & defeated? Perhaps the ending of the movie at the backdrop of a Shia holy shrine & its release during around #Ashura was meant to appeal many religious-minded Iranian men who continue to sign-up for the military & fight in theatres like Syria & Iraq.
All in all, a missed opportunity to project the successes of Iran in its fight against ISIS, despite good quality production. Should come up with something better next time!
The quality of production of the movie is pretty impressive i.e. Casting, directing, locations, acting, cinematic effects etc. And it seems that parts of the movie were actually film in Syria. The casting is a mix of Iranian, Syrian & Iraqi actors which gave the movie a lot of originality. Time length of the movie is just under 2hrs which is good. The storyline has less holes/goofs though the writer/director made efforts to over-dramatise the plot. However, looking at the heavy Iranian involvement in #Syria/#Iraq to defeat ISIS and sacrifices its army/civilians have made, this movie's scope is minuscule which many people would find disappointing.
The film starts with scene of an airdrop mission by Iran AF to besieged Shia towns of Fuah & Kafraya in northern Syria, a reference clearly set to win the hearts & minds of many Shias around the world who see Iran as their saviour. It also shows the respect & trust of Syrian army/civilians & gratitude towards Iranians. However, there seems to be a deliberate attempt to downplay Iran's involvement in Syria and hide the fact that scores of Iranian soldiers lost their lives in Syria while fighting along with their SAA allies while pouring 1,000s of $ in shape of military/civilian aid. Iran has paid a high price to fight its enemies in Syria. A subtle denial shows the gap b/w regime & its subjects many of whom think it was an unnecessary war given how majority of Iranians are suffering from economic/social misery.
The ending of the movie is self-defeating, and extremely disappointing Instead of ending the movie on a high note where Iranian/Syrian/Russian "super-heroes" successfully manage to rescue the mission, save lives & defeat terrorists from achieving their goals, the story ends on a martyrdom note where the pilot crashes the plane to foil ISIS goal, of using it for another 9/11 style attack on Damascus. Wasn't that the goal of #ISIS in the first place? Committing suicide to foil suicide mission of the enemy could be seen as heroism by many, I suppose, and plays on religious overtones.
However, if Hollywood were to make a movie on #ISIS, it'll be a rescue mission which involves the supernatural abilities of Ironman, Superman, Hulk & all Marvel characters OR a Saving Private Ryan style story which leaves the viewer on a high note despite all the doom & gloom. What's wrong projecting yourself powerful, able to foil enemy's evil plans & make feel viewers the enemy is weak & defeated? Perhaps the ending of the movie at the backdrop of a Shia holy shrine & its release during around #Ashura was meant to appeal many religious-minded Iranian men who continue to sign-up for the military & fight in theatres like Syria & Iraq.
All in all, a missed opportunity to project the successes of Iran in its fight against ISIS, despite good quality production. Should come up with something better next time!