Warhorse One is a 2023 American war drama, directed by William Kaufman and Johnny Strong. The film stars Strong alongside Athena Durner, with both Kaufman and Strong taking on multiple roles in the production.
The story follows a Navy SEAL Master Chief who crash-lands near the Afghan border. With limited time, he must protect a young girl and guide her to safety while battling Taliban fighters. Released in theaters on June 30, 2023, Warhorse One became available for digital streaming on July 4, 2023. The film blends action and emotion as it tells a gripping tale of survival.
Discover the Plot of Warhorse One: A Journey of Survival and Courage
In Warhorse One, Navy SEAL Master Chief Richard Mirko (Johnny Strong) is part of a mission to rescue American aid workers trapped in Taliban-controlled territory in Afghanistan.
When his helicopter is shot down during the mission, Mirko finds himself as the sole survivor in the rugged mountains near the Afghan border. Amid the wreckage, he discovers a young Afghan girl, the last survivor of the group they were sent to save.
Injured and cut off from support, Mirko takes responsibility for the child’s safety. Together, they embark on a perilous journey through hostile terrain, with Taliban fighters in pursuit. Along the way, Mirko faces ambushes, sniper fire, and close-quarters combat, using all of his military training to protect the girl.
As they struggle to survive, Mirko and the girl form a strong bond despite their cultural and language differences. The film highlights Mirko’s internal struggle with the emotional scars of war while also showing his determination to fulfill his duty as both a soldier and protector.
With time running out and the enemy closing in, he must make difficult choices in a final stand for their lives. Warhorse One delivers a gripping mix of action and emotion, telling a story of courage and sacrifice.
Where Did Warhorse One Shoot?
Warhorse One, a military drama, was filmed in several locations, including Texas and Convict Lake, located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, California. Convict Lake is a lake located in Mono County, California, United States, situated in the Sherwin Range of the Sierra Nevada. It is known for its turquoise-blue water, the dramatic mountains that surround it, the trout fishing it affords, and its unusual history.
The scenic and rugged landscape of Convict Lake adds a dramatic backdrop to the intense survival story, providing the film with a visually stunning and realistic setting for its high-stakes action scenes.
The combination of these locations helps create an immersive atmosphere that enhances the film’s themes of endurance and struggle amidst the harsh environment.
Who’s Starring in Warhorse One? Check Out the Cast Members
- Johnny Strong as Master Chief Richard Mirko
- Athena Durner as Zoe Walters
- Raj Kala as Ahmad Radam
- James Sherrill as Petty Officer James “G” Wiliker / Castle
- Siya Rostami as Tarad
- Todd Jenkins as Youssef
- Danny Augustus as Jarrah
- Michael Sauers as Chief Petty Officer Mike “Miller”
- Xander Gòmez as Lewa “The Hunter”
- David Ibrahim as Abu Bakar
- Steve Mokate as Commander Johns
- E.K. Spila as Assistant Director Dave Mattis
Review and Rating Warhorse One
Warhorse One received mixed to positive reviews for its gritty portrayal of survival and intense action sequences. Critics praised Johnny Strong’s performance as Navy SEAL Master Chief Richard Mirko, highlighting the emotional depth he brings to the character.
The film’s realistic combat scenes and stunning visuals, especially with the backdrop of Convict Lake and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, were also noted as strong points. However, some reviewers felt that the pacing was uneven, with moments that slowed the narrative. Overall, Warhorse One was appreciated for its blend of action, emotional storytelling, and its focus on the human side of warfare.
Public Reviews
- I actually did like Mr. Strong´s most well-known movies, Daylights End and Sinner&Saints, but this one is too long, takes itself too seriously, and suffers from mediocre acting by all parties. The landscape does not look right, some weapon effects look lousy, yet it is somewhat of a gun-gear-show. Which is cool, they did that a lot in the 80s, and people now consider those flicks to be cult. The soundtrack is really nice and fitting. The girl being saved sometimes talks and looks like the Alia character from Lynch´s Dune movie. Maybe that is related to shock story-wise, ok, I get it. Many scenes are too slow, seem edited with haste. It is a mediocre genre-movie, but I recommend instead watching a show like Terminal List if you are low on time. 6/10
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I dont know, why as to why such movies are made. Firstly, I can understand that back in the day of Rambo, very few would have seen Afghanistan, and it would be difficult back then to match the movie sets with the actual landscape. But now there are thousands of movies and documentaries available, and the director could have used them in order to make something sensible.
More than 5 minutes of starting titles, with that deep music and trying to create some drama—well, these five minutes of one scene, unnecessarily prolonged, will give you a fair idea, how bad the movie is and how bad it will be to watch it.
Next scene, Solider waking up in California Forest, which they are trying to show as Afghanistan. 1/10
Conclusion
Warhorse One is a gripping military drama that skillfully blends intense action with emotional storytelling. Johnny Strong’s strong performance and the stunning cinematography enhance the film’s portrayal of courage and sacrifice.
While it has some pacing issues, the film’s exploration of human connection amid adversity makes it a notable entry in the genre, resonating with audiences seeking both excitement and depth.
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