Juonikuvaukset(1)
Mercenary soldiers, or soldiers of fortune, have always been around. They were implemented in the Roman Army, during the Hundred Years' War and in dozens of armed conflicts in our time as well. At the time that Shadow Company was being made, the total number of mercenaries in Iraq was estimated to be about 20,000. Using a video diary from Iraq, news footage, clips from videogames and promotional films and interviews with those involved, this film attempts to answer questions about who these people are. What motivates them to travel to hotbeds of conflict in the farthest corners of the world to hire themselves out as soldiers, or put more euphemistically, security guards or bodyguards? In whatever case, it's not a question of ideology and love for their country. Usually, they're driven by a desire for adventure, but the more than generous salaries would also appear to be an incentive. Soldiers of fortune can be former military men, but also police officers or security personnel, who have no problem lending their expertise to earn a lot of money in a short period of time. For the companies that hire the soldiers, there is often a tremendous amount of money at stake. Slowly, a considerable problem is emerging, as it is completely unclear which rules, regulations and laws soldiers of fortune are supposed to obey, and who is responsible for the perilous missions that cost many of them their lives. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)
(lisää)