188. The Deminer; movie review

THE DEMINER
Cert 15
83 mins
BBFC advice: Contains distressing scenes, strong threat

I am shattered. Watching Shinwar Kamal and Hogir Hirori's documentary literally prompted me to gasp.
The bravery of Colonel Fakir Berwari will live with me for a very long time.
Colonel Berwari deactivated hundreds of mines across Iraq, armed with a pair of clippers and often protected only by blind faith.
His story is one of dedication and fearlessness bordering on recklessness.
Fakir started defusing mines shortly after the American invasion of Iraq, believing that he could play a part in rebuilding his country after years of Saddam Hussein's tyranny.
He joined the army and rose to the rank of major as he fulfilled this vital but incredibly dangerous work.
The beauty of The Deminer is that is shows him in action because he was fanatical about recording his work.
As a consequence, I was biting my nails throughout, fearing that a mine may go off at any time.
This anxiety was heightened because many of the bombs are attached to mobile phones and Fakir's men are on tenterhooks whenever the hear one ring.
Fakir's story is one of the most inspirational and yet terrifying I have witnessed. I would say I could not imagine what he put his family through but they tell for themselves in painful detail.
Indeed, while it is clear that they are proud of his determination to build a new nation and save lives, they seem to question his addiction to danger.
Ultimately, The Deminer is a tale of great heroism but it is also an account of what can happen when a man is confronted with life-threatening peril as a norm.
It reminded me of the later Russian roulette scenes in The Deer Hunter. Fakir is not drugged before he clears mines but he no longer has fear of them.
And that makes his audience even more on edge.
The Deminer is a startling film. I recommend it for those with strong hearts.

Reasons to watch: Incredible story of fearless determination
Reasons to avoid: It is dangerously riveting

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 9/10

Director quote - Hogir Hirori: "“Working with him always felt safe. His decisions about whether a situation was safe could always be trusted.”

the big question: How do some people seem to have no fear?

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