Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: June 20, 2023
Rating: R
Film: 3.5/5
PlotGuy Ritchie’s The Covenant follows US Army Sergeant John Kinley (Gyllenhaal) and Afghan interpreter Ahmed (Salim). After an ambush, Ahmed goes to Herculean lengths to save Kinley’s life. When Kinley learns that Ahmed and his family were not given safe passage to America as promised, he must repay his debt by returning to the war zone to retrieve them before the Taliban hunts them down.
My ThoughtsI was under the impression that this film was based on a true story, which turns out not to be the case. The two main characters are fictional, but the script is heavily inspired by real events and the relationships that were formed between US soldiers and their interpreters during the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan.
I think its telling that the film came out less than two years after the US withdrawal from the country, which makes me think Ritchie was making a political statement. Needless to say, our decision to withdrawal was poorly executed and 13 brave American soldiers lost their lives on August 26, 2021. Furthermore, we left billions in equipment behind and within a few weeks the Taliban had gained full control of the country. To add insult to injury, we left tens of thousands of Afghan interpreters behind during the withdrawal and they became instant targets for the Taliban since they had helped us during the invasion. Everyone in our country should be embarrassed for how we treated these people—I know I am.
I have no real complaints with the video quality of the disc, but it was outshined by the reference-quality audio track. Like most war-based films, there’s ample use of the LFE channel and in this case, it doesn’t go to waste. Furthermore, the directional queues during the quieter moments add realism to the presentation.
Video 4.5/5 (AVC)
Audio 5/5 (Dolby Atmos)
Special Features:ConclusionMy only real gripe about the film is the second act drags a bit and there’s a bit too much use of the slo-mo camera—something Ritchie is famous for. Overall, the acting performances were good and the story was compelling, even if the characters themselves were fictional. With a few minor tweaks, this film could have been a bit better, but it’s definitely watchable and enjoyable in its current form. Recommended.
Reference Review System:JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Kaleidescape Strato + Server
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
SVS SB3000
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
M&K Sound X15+ Subwoofer
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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