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Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

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Tina Fey in Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. (Paramount Pictures)
Tina Fey in Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. (Paramount Pictures)

What it's about:

It’s 2002, and cable news producer Kim Barker decides to shake up her routine by taking a daring new reporting assignment in Kabul, Afghanistan. Dislodged from her comfortable American lifestyle, Barker finds herself in the middle of a war zone. Luckily, she meets Tanya Vanderpoel, a fellow journalist who takes the shell-shocked reporter under her wing. Amid the militants, warlords and nighttime partying, Barker learns the tricks to becoming a successful war correspondent.

What we thought:

I have to admit that I wasn’t really looking forward to watching WTF (Whiskey Tango Foxtrot). But after reading up on the film, checking out the trailer and watching the movie I strongly recommend that you add this one to your must-see list.

Tina Fey (Kim Barker) takes on a more serious role to tell a story based on true events and while she captures the very seriousness of what was happening in Afghanistan and Pakistan at the time, the humour perfectly balances the film.

On the one hand we get a glimpse into how a journalist covers a story, especially such a huge important one. We see the lengths Kim has to go to and the sacrifices she makes to get the story out. On the other we see the human-side of being a journalist and the importance of making friends and contacts and coping with the dark reality unfolding in front of you.

As a journalist myself I was ready to pack my bags and set off to Afghanistan right away! I could relate to a lot of themes in the film due to my background in the industry but I fear a lot of people won't pick up on these elements that made the film so enjoyable for me to watch.

Tina Fey and Billy Bob Thorton (General Hollanek) are the secret weapons of this film despite their humour bordering on blasphemy. Their comedic timing is executed perfectly and makes for a lot of laughs throughout the movie. 

The film gives great insight on what it's like living in Afghanistan and Pakistan without being offensive to any culture or religion.

Filled with action, comedy, drama and raw emotion Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is just what it sounds like – absolutely chaotic but perfectly organised!

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