by Sonya K. Fry

The film “5 Days of War” is an action-packed thriller with journalism as its core. The five days refers to the conflict between Russia and Georgia in the summer of 2008. The story line revolves around a renegade American journalist, his cameraman and a young Georgian schoolteacher who are bound together in a desperate story to get the information out to the world. Both American and international networks suffer from war news fatigue and are spread thin covering the Beijing Olympics.

As the Russians begin airstrikes against Georgia, the three attempt to escape to safety. They witness and document the devastation of the full-scale crossfire and murder of innocent civilians. They attempt to broadcast their footage while under attack from Russian soldiers and local mercenaries. It is heart-stopping war reporting on the big screen.

The director, Renny Harlin is known for high-octane Hollywood action movies such as “Die Hard 2” and “Cliffhanger.” This successful Finnish director, working in Hollywood, was looking for a script with relevance. “I’ve waited a long time to find something with substance and reality” Harlin told The Guardian. The film was shot in Georgia in almost the exact location of the conflict.

The protagonist/ journalist is played by Rupert Friend (“Young Victoria,”
“Pride and Prejudice”). Also in the film are Richard Coyle (“Prince of Persia”), Val Kilmer and Andy Garcia.

This film preview is scheduled for Wednesday, August 17 at 6 p.m. at Magno located at 729 Seventh Avenue (between 48th and 49th streets). Reservations are essential; screening rooms have a limited number of seats. Please call the OPC at 212-626-9220 or e-mail, selecting “RSVP for an Event” in the drop-down menu.