49 (2023)

After ISIS invaded Mosul on June 11, 2014, the Turkish consulate was stormed, where the terrorists managed to capture 49 people. The Turkish intelligence service now faces a difficult task: saving its citizens from the attack of people who are not willing to act sensibly.

"49" doesn't quite make the grade as a military action thriller.

The core concept of rescuing hostages held by a terrorist group, in this case ISIS, is not unfamiliar. It starts out well, building a credible back story but then undermines its credibility, with a gun play, fight scene, that's poorly choreographed and wholly unbelievable.

The rest of the film feels a little lacklustre thereafter, as any sense of realism is gone. Its a shame too, as the acting is convincing, as is the narrative, core premise and sets.

In summary, a fundamentally limited watch, that would have been better off focusing on espionage and stealth, rather than trying to "go Rambo".