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

investigation | 

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Taglines:

The Rules of War have changed.

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

There is footage of a cargo plane landing on a road at 11:33 that has been lifted directly from the Nicolas Cage movie 'Lord of War'.

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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

Embrace My Madness
By Kolja

User Reviews

Very Informative

Almost everything you ever wanted to know about mercenaries, Shadow Company objectively provides historical background as well as poses questions on the importance of being informed about contract military today.

The filmmakers neither condemn or glorify those who chose this line of work, although in the backlash against military in general after Abu Ghraib stories broke, it may appear to be more sympathetic to at least some of the subjects in the film. In fairness, it is balanced, and focuses not on the right or wrong of contract military/security firms, but on history, structure, and how they fit into global military action, from Sierre Leone to Iraq.

It's a thoughtful, articulate documentary.

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 44 min (Amazon Video)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1