The Siege Of Jadotville Brings Life To A Little-known War Story
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Siege Of Jadotville Brings Life To A Little-known War Story

"We will hold out until our last bullet is spent. Could do with some whiskey"

15
The Siege Of Jadotville Brings Life To A Little-known War Story
Netflix

The simplest answer is this: it’s complicated. The Siege of Jadotville depicts the real-life happenings of September 1951, in which 155 Irish United Nations peacekeepers were deployed to Jadotville, a remote outpost in the-then Katanga State, wherein they were assaulted over six days by numerous Kantangese soldiers – some estimates as high as 5,000. Jamie Dornan plays the Irish Commandant Pat Quinian in this dramatic re-enactment, as directed by Richie Smyth.

What I’ve found astounds most people immediately about this story is the fact that not one Irish soldier was killed in this siege. Interestingly enough – as I’ve recommended this movie to other people – most are sitting on the edge of their seat throughout, wondering when it could happen. Yet after six long days of fighting, the Irish contingent ultimately surrenders – and though some are wounded, all the protagonists make it home. This is a bit of an uncommon thing to see in a war film. But the Siege of Jadotville is depicting a very uncommon conflict, steeped in political tensions and an overall harsh critique of the United Nations’ ONUC (English: United Nations Operations in the Congo) strategy.

Now, this isn’t an in-depth dissertation of the UN’s global affairs philosophy, nor is it a high-budget summer action blockbuster. Jadotville strikes somewhere right in between here: it’s just enough intrigue to make the viewer interested in the historical aspect, and the conflict is small-scale enough to be in a localized way. I’ll admit that some of the action elements were a little over the top, but some of the most unbelievable stuff in the film is what actually occured.

And that’s where Jadotville really finds its stride. There are many old war stories like these. Stories that have never been re-examined or depicted through modern lenses – either because they’re too small-scale for Hollywood, or because they’re too politically volatile. The Irish fighters in this story were derisively called the “Jadotville Jacks” for decades, and it was only last year that the battalion was formally recognized with a Presidential Unit Citation for their efforts.

If you find wartime history interesting – especially the rarely-referenced nooks and crannies of it – you’ll enjoy the Siege of Jadotville. It’s a fascinating film about an even more fascinating story, which will end with you asking the question, “Did that really happen?”

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

43129
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27101
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952092
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

142788
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments