Armadillo (2010)

In the biting cold of February 2009, the Afghan province of Helmand becomes home to a cohort of Danish soldiers, their journey resonantly echoed through the lens of documentarian Janus Metz and cinematographer Lars Skree. Stationed at Armadillo, a military base perched dangerously close to Taliban territories, these young soldiers are plunged into a harsh reality far removed from their homeland's comforts. Over six months, Metz and Skree risk their lives to weave an authentic, pulse-pounding tapestry of war, mirroring the frightening proximity of their subjects to the Taliban's bullets. Armadillo is not just a war drama, it is a raw testament to the human spirit, devoid of actors or artificiality. It garnered rightful acclaim, clinching the prestigious Grand Prix de la Semaine de la Critique at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, yet it also ignited controversy back home concerning the conduct of certain Danish soldiers in a firefight with their Taliban adversaries. The film's brilliance lies not just in its perilous action sequences, but in its deep exploration into the psyche of the young men, caught in the twisted web of a seemingly aimless war. The true casualties, the film suggests, are the innocent local villagers, caught in the crossfire of conflict. The camera unflinchingly captures the soldiers' struggle to reconcile with the constant threat to their lives, resulting in a visually captivating and emotionally stirring narrative that transcends the conventional war documentary genre. Armadillo presents a stark, unsettling mirror to the reality of war, as it is lived and breathed by those on the front lines.

Armadillo is a documentary movie featuring Rasmus and directed by Janus Metz Pedersen.

Armadillo is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy Armadillo on Apple TV, Kino Now and Vudu.