Here's a fairly detailed review I wrote just to get my thoughts down:
Based on an often and sadly forgotten moment in military history, "The Siege of Jadotville" is a fictionalized account of the Irish Army's participation in the 1961 UN peacekeeping mission in Congo/Katanga. That war is in and of itself neglected in popular history, and the events at Jadotville even more so.
Put simply, a small contingent of inexperienced Irish soldiers--155 strong--under the command of Commandant (03) Pat Quinlan were ordered to secure a small outpost. They were lightly armed; personal weapons, a handful of machine guns, one light mortar. In an exposed position with no support, they were told to secure Jadotville against the Katanga rebels. Quinlan and his troops soon discovered they were vastly outnumbered and outgunned and would receive no support, resupply/reinforcement, or clear direction from their chain of command. A five day siege ensued, during which somewhere between three and five thousand rebels and mercenaries assaulted the Irish position. At the end of five long days, Quinlan made the decision to surrender due to a lack of water and ammunition.
The Irish took no fatalities, while inflicting hundreds on the enemy. They were released after a month in captivity.
The movie is brilliantly executed--likely the most realistic war film I've seen. The weapons and tactics reflected the state of the Irish forces at the time, as well as their opposition. The events unfold more-or-less true to life. "The Siege of Jadotville" goes beyond entertainment for me--it's a trip through military history, an intense profile in courage, and a fascinating study in the defense of a fixed position against superior numbers. We could all learn a thing or two from the tactics and leadership on display here.
I'd also like to note that this film does a wonderful job of making the Irish characters fully rounded and human. Each individual may only receive quick moments of focus or attention, but those were enough to make me really feel for them. I winched several times when folks took a bullet--I was damn near terrified for one character during a particularly intense action sequence.
In summary: it's an amazing movie. And it's on Netflix, so make it a point to watch it and then maybe read the book upon which it was based: Declan Power's The Siege of Jadotville: The Irish Army's Forgotten Battle.
(NB: I should also note that the Irish troops involved were branded as cowards when they got home. The more things change . . . )