"Kandahar," known as "Mission Kandahar" in Canada, is a gripping 2023 American action film. Directed by Ric Roman Waugh and penned by Mitchell LaFortune, the movie showcases Gerard Butler in a leading role, who also wears the producer's hat.
Synopsis:
Tom Harris, a freelance undercover operative for the CIA, successfully sabotages an Iranian nuclear facility. However, when a British journalist in Iran exposes the CIA's operations, it sets off a chain of events that sees Tom on the run, not just from Iranian and Pakistani forces, but also from unexpected enemies. The chase leads him through the treacherous terrains of Afghanistan, where alliances are tested, and survival becomes the only goal.
Cast and Characters:
- Gerard Butler as Tom Harris: The central character, a CIA operative with a mission that goes awry.
- Ali Fazal as Kahil Nasir: An ISI agent with his eyes set on capturing Tom.
- Navid Negahban as Mohammad "Mo" Doud: Tom's Afghan-American translator and unexpected ally.
- Nina Toussaint-White as Luna Cujai: The British journalist who inadvertently sets the chase in motion.
- Travis Fimmel as Roman Chalmers: Tom's CIA handler with a complex persona.
Where to Stream
United States (US):
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
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Australia (AU):
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United Kingdom (GB):
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Brazil (BR):
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Spain (ES):
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France (FR):
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Canada (CA):
There are currently no streaming offers in the CA.
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Production Details:
The journey of "Kandahar" began in 2016 when Mitchell LaFortune, a former military intelligence officer, sold his spec script "Burn Run" based on his real-life experiences. By 2020, the project had Gerard Butler on board, both as a producer and lead actor.
Filming, which started in December 2021, was notably done in Saudi Arabia's Al-Ula and Jeddah, marking it as the first major U.S. feature to be shot there.
Release: Distributed by Open Road Films, "Kandahar" hit the theaters on May 26, 2023.
Reception and Awards:
At the box office, "Kandahar" garnered a worldwide gross of $9.1 million. Critics gave mixed reviews, with Rotten Tomatoes rating it at 45% based on 97 reviews. Metacritic's score stood at 52 out of 100.
However, the audience seemed to appreciate the film more, with CinemaScore giving it a "B+" and PostTrak reporting a 75% positive score.
Trivia and Fun Facts:
- The film's original script, "Burn Run," was based on Mitchell LaFortune's personal experiences, making it a unique blend of fiction and reality.
- The movie's shooting in Saudi Arabia was a landmark event, leveraging the Saudi Film Commission's 40% cash rebate.
- Despite its action-packed narrative, the film delves deep into personal relationships, loyalties, and the cost of survival.
"Kandahar" stands as a testament to the intricate world of espionage, where lines between friends and foes blur, and survival comes at a price.