The Siege of Jadotville (2016)

Irish Commandant Pat Quinlan leads a stand off with troops against French and Belgian Mercenaries in the Congo during the early 1960s.

Director:

Richie Smyth

Writers:

Kevin Brodbin, Declan Power (based on the book by)

Stars:

Richard Lukunku, Danny Sapani, Andrew Stock

4 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard Lukunku	...	Patrice Lumumba
Danny Sapani	...	Moise Tshombe
Andrew Stock	...	Man in a White Suit
Mark Strong	...	Conor Cruise O'Brien
Jamie Dornan	...	Patrick Quinlan
Fionn O'Shea	...	William Reidy
Sam Keeley	...	Bill (Sniper) Ready
Ronan Raftery	...	John Gorman
Mike Noble	...	Charles Cooley
Jason O'Mara	...	Jack Prendergast
Fiona Glascott	...	Carmel Quinlan
Melissa Haiden	...	Beautiful Nurse
Jordan Mifsud	...	John Donnelly
Conor Quinlan	...	Patrick Joyce
Charlie Kelly	...	Walter Hegarty

Storyline

In 1961, the UN sends an Irish peacekeeper troop commanded by Commandant Pat Quilan to Katanga, in Congo, to protect the inhabitants of the mining town of Jadotville in the beginning of a civil war. Meanwhile the UN advisor Dr. Conor Cruise O'Brien launches a military attack named Operation Morthor against the French and Belgian mercenaries. Soon there is a reprisal from the mercenaries and Quilana and his men are left under the siege of a huge Katangese and mercenary troops. Will the Irish soldiers resist to the attack?

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Plot Keywords:

congo | civil war | africa | mercenary | katanga | 

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Genres:

Action | Biography | Drama | Thriller | War

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Details

Country:

Ireland South Africa

Language:

English Irish French

Release Date:

7 October 2016 (USA)

Also Known As:

Jadotville

Filming Locations:

South Africa

Company Credits

Production Co:

Parallel Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Color:

Color (ACES)

Did You Know?

Trivia

The world premiere screening of this film was held at the Galway Film Fleadh (Ireland's leading film festival) the evening of July 9, 2016. Leo Quinlan, son of Commandant Pat Quinlan, made an announcement at the end of the screening that--earlier that same day--the Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe had authorised the creation of the award of Presidential Unit Citation for the men of 'A' Company who fought at Jadotville, the recognition coming more than half a century after the conflict. On September 17, 2016, this citation was formally presented to the veterans and the next of kin of deceased soldiers at a special ceremony held at Custume Barracks, Athlone. (The 2005 honour referenced at the end of the movie itself consists of a commemorative stone erected at these barracks and the commissioning of a portrait of Quinlan which hangs in the Congo Room of the Irish Defence Forces' UN School.)

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Goofs

When Commandant Quinlan is called in by the radio operator to talk with General McEntee about incoming potential reinforcements, he enters the room with a rifle over his left shoulder. This rifle is present during his entire conversation with the general, but disappears immediately after the conversation is over.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Pat Quinlan: [narrating] I once heard a man say that, in Africa, the sun is like a furnace that either melts you or forges you.

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Soundtracks

DEIFY (Pusher Music Edit)
(Trailer Music)
Composed by Swann

User Reviews

A remarkable story of courage and political machinations....

I had never heard of The Siege of Jadotville before watching this film.

Its based on a remarkable story of courage of a small group of Irish UN troops who come under attack from a much larger contingent of mixed tribal, coup based government, settler and mercenary forces in the Congo.

The courage demonstrated by the Irish soldiers and their determination to do their job is overshadowed by the political machinations of the UN and the Irish government. The fear, on the part of the latter, of looking incompetent, leads to the soldiers becoming the fall guys, for a situation they did not create and could not, ultimately control. All this, in spite of their heroic efforts.

Whats really surprising is the quality of this production. Its an exceptional film on so many levels. Its reasonably candid, in its appraisal of the situation that existed at the time. Its capably directed, scripted and acted as well, with a very strong cast.

The action scenes that run the length of this film are quite simply, incredible. This film is never, ever boring but what really astounded me is the casualties inflicted by the Irish soldiers with not one of their men lost. Its a testament too, to the ability and insight shown by their commanding officer.

I'm not a huge war film fan so for me to give what amounts to a war film, a 10 out of 10, really is saying something. Take a look, you wont be disappointed.