Synopsis:
6 DAYS is a taut thriller telling the incredible true story of six days of terror after six heavily-armed gunmen invaded the Iranian Embassy in Londons Princes Gate on April 30, 1980, taking 26 people hostage. Negotiators, police, politicians and the military
wrestle over the correct response, all observed by some the world’s first live TV news coverage. Directed by Toa Fraser (THE DEAD LANDS)
Film Review:
A recapturing of the events that had happened 37 years ago, when the Iranian Embassy in London was attacked by six Iranians whose aim is to free all of the 91 political prisoners caught in Iran when their new political leader came to power. The armed group was lead by Salim (Ben Turner) who played the role with a dramatic performance. 6 Days is a well-balanced mixture of suspense, drama and action.
Throughout the film, there is a consistent flow that sticks to its primary theme which is that perplexed feeling of uneasiness and anxiety when faced with terror. Everyone involved in the scene was uncertain of what will happen and felt the immense pressure of doing something to avoid any violence. This pressure was mainly carried by the Chief Negotiator Max Vernon (Mark Strong) who showed both sympathy and fear from Salim and his men while negotiating with them.
The director, Toa Fraser maintained a neutral and cinematic view of the dramatisation of this historical event that served as a gateway in witnessing how the situation was handled and what had initially caused it. There were multiple points of views in the film that added a stronger element of tension and confusion which is highly significant in telling a real life story as intense as this - one of the main strengths of this film. Also worth mentioning is the aspect of informative and educational narration about the history and foreign policies regarding matters of threat within a nation.
Overall, the film is very compelling and will certainly make you feel uneasy in your chair. Thus, you surely know when a movie is good when you forget you are watching one.
In NZ Cinemas Now
NZ Rating: RP13 Violence & offensive language