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Deep Dive: Armadillo (2010)

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Armadillo
Armadillo is a 2010 Danish documentary directed by Janus Metz, focusing on Danish soldiers from the Guard Hussars Regiment during their first mission in Afghanistan's Helmand Province. The film is set at Forward Operating Base Armadillo, where approximately 270 Danish and British soldiers are stationed. It begins with the soldiers' emotional farewells in Denmark and follows their six-month tour, capturing their daily lives, patrols, and interactions with local civilians. The documentary presents a raw depiction of combat, including encounters with the Taliban and the aftermath of violence. It records significant events such as a roadside bomb that injures a Danish commander and the deaths of three soldiers in an IED incident. The film culminates in intense firefights, showcasing the realities of war and the soldiers' psychological states, leading to a memorial service for fallen comrades. The film's approach combines personal stories with the harsh realities of military engagement, raising questions about the conduct of soldiers in combat situations.

Why Watch

  • •See the emotional farewells of soldiers before deployment.
  • •Find out how soldiers interact with local Afghan children.
  • •Watch intense combat scenes against the Taliban.

Did You Know

•The film won the Critics' Week Grand Prix at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.
•Three Danish soldiers died in an IED incident during the mission.
•The film was nominated for four 2012 News & Documentary Emmy Awards.
•A Danish commander suffered a skull fracture from a roadside bomb but returned to duty.

Perfect For

Military documentariesDanish cinemaAfghanistan conflict studies