The Siege Of Jadotville Brings Life To A Little-known War Story | The Odyssey Online
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.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

343
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

446812
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

20110
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

43512
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments