Shadow Company (2006)

A groundbreaking investigation into the secretive world of private security forces in Iraq.

Directors:

Nick Bicanic, Jason Bourque

Writers:

Nick Bicanic (interview material), Jason Bourque

Stars:

Alan Bell, Phil Lancaster, Madelaine Drohan

4 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Alan Bell	...	Himself - President, Globe Risk
Phil Lancaster	...	Himself - Major [Ret.], Canadian Army
Madelaine Drohan	...	Herself - Author + Journalist
Robert Young Pelton	...	Himself - Author + Adventurer
Peter Singer	...	Himself - Political Analyst
Doug Brooks	...	Himself - Government Lobbyist For Security Companies
Stephen J. Cannell	...	Himself - Producer
Cobus Claassens	...	Himself - Security Contractor
Slavko Ilic	...	Himself - Security Contractor
Neall Ellis	...	Himself - Private Military Contractor
Frances Stonor Saunders	...	Herself - Author + Historian
John F. Mullins	...	Himself - Soldier of Fortune
Eike Kluge	...	Himself - Professor of Ethics
Tasha Bradsell	...	Herself - Journalist
James Ashcroft	...	Himself - Interviewee

Storyline

Thousands of private soldiers operate in Iraq alone... and many more around the world. These individuals, known as private security contractors, are changing the face of modern warfare everyday while their world has remained mystery to those at home. Shadow Company is the groundbreaking investigative feature-length documentary that seeks out and reveals the origins and destinations of these modern-day mercenaries. Who are these security contractors ? What do they do ? Why do they do it ? THE RULES OF WAR HAVE CHANGED. Purpose Films proudly brings you an immersive and visionary look at the private individuals who have changed them in a way that defies typical documentary style.

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Taglines:

The Rules of War have changed.

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

March 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

Теневая компания

Filming Locations:

Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Purpose Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Interviewer: Did you ever consider flying helicopter as a civilian? As an alternative career?
Neall Elliss - Interviewee: No.
Interviewer: No?
Neall Elliss - Interviewee: No. There's not enough excitement.
[laughs]
Neall Elliss - Interviewee: You know it's all a game. War is a game... It's the ultimate game. There's nothing to touch it.

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Soundtracks

Le commun des motels
By Matthieu Chedid (as M)

User Reviews

DVD review - excellent and unbiased

This is a review of the DVD.

Shadow Company is a compelling film about men for hire who go into very dangerous places in the world to act as security agents for companies; to fight for governments; or whoever hires them. They are apolitical and are seemingly very good at what they do. The film takes no sides, doesn't pull any punches, shows us just how dangerous and bloody fighting in todays troubled hot spots is.

Some graphic footage of burning bodies may be disturbing but it did happen. There are about 20,000 mercenaries in Iraq at present. Others are in African countries where there is civil war. Some are in Afghanistan; or any place that is dangerous and there is need for men-with-guns; i.e. security agents.

Film-makers Nick Bicanic and Jason Bourque were successful in getting the complete cooperation and trust of the mercenaries, called private security contractors, and through interviews and following along, we have a look at their day. Two of them, (Slavko Itic & Corbus Claassens) are articulate and matter-of-fact about the way things are in their jobs. The most horrific details are recounted with no histrionics. It is just the way it is. The extras are a great watch too. One long interview with Claassens recounts a hilarious story about a blow up doll. It's odd and a little scary. If the the guy in their company was just kidding, it would be one thing. But it sounded like he actually had conversations and 'fights' with his 'wife.' Yes, folks, he married his 'doll.' I won't spoil the rest of the story by further comment, but it is seriously strange - and very funny.

The commentary by Nick and his partner, Jason, gives some more insight into what they did and why they picked certain parts and places to film . And how a lot of the film is shot in natural light and why.

All in all I am so glad I had a 'headsup' on this film. Interesting subject which needs to be explored. Interesting people I for one would never have known about. Thought provoking. I rated it 10/10.