Triage Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A war photographer comes home from Kurdistan acting weird, so his girlfriend calls her Spanish grandpa to unlock his suppressed memories with the power of…therapy!

🍿 Triage: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Kurdistan: The Horrors of War

Mark and David, war photographer best friends, find themselves in Kurdistan in 1988, documenting the grim realities of conflict. They witness firsthand the brutal triage system in a remote clinic and the daily suffering of the Kurdish people. The constant exposure to violence deeply affects them both, leading to different reactions. David, overwhelmed by the atrocities, decides he can no longer endure the experience and chooses to return home to his pregnant wife in Dublin. Mark promises to follow soon after, but their separation sets in motion a chain of events that will haunt them both.

Haunted by the Past: Mark’s Return

Mark returns to Dublin, physically wounded and emotionally scarred, but David is nowhere to be found. Mark’s girlfriend, Elena, notices his increasingly erratic behavior and growing withdrawal. She becomes concerned about the unspoken trauma he carries and the mystery surrounding David’s disappearance. Desperate to help Mark confront his demons, Elena seeks the assistance of her estranged grandfather, Joaquin, a Spanish psychologist with experience treating victims of war. Joaquin’s arrival marks the beginning of a journey into Mark’s fractured memories and the unraveling of the truth.

Unraveling the Truth: Confessions and Revelations

Through therapy sessions with Joaquin, Mark begins to confront the events that transpired in Kurdistan. Flashbacks reveal snippets of the past, slowly piecing together the tragic fate of David. The sessions force Mark to confront not only the horrors he witnessed but also his own role in what happened. The film builds suspense as the details of David’s disappearance remain shrouded in mystery. Mark’s guilt and trauma manifest in physical and psychological ways, creating an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mark Walsh (Colin Farrell): A war photojournalist haunted by his experiences in Kurdistan and the disappearance of his friend.
• David (Jamie Sives): Mark’s fellow photojournalist and best friend, who decides to leave Kurdistan but disappears afterwards.
• Elena Morales (Paz Vega): Mark’s girlfriend who seeks help for his PTSD and strange behavior after his return from Kurdistan.
• Joaquín Morales (Christopher Lee): Elena’s grandfather and a psychologist, who helps Mark confront his trauma and uncover the truth.
• Diane (Kelly Reilly): David’s pregnant wife, anxiously awaiting his return from Kurdistan.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Joaquín Morales: “We can’t take the pain away, we have to live with it forever… this is called life.” – Said to Mark during a therapy session, encapsulating the film’s theme of coping with trauma.
• Joaquín Morales: “Well perhaps if you hadn’t been there, he wouldn’t have run. The soldiers would not have fired, hmm?” – The grandfather poses a difficult question to Mark about the nature of responsibility in war

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $563,760

💥 Triage Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Shell Shock’ to be a deeply affecting, albeit heavy film. Colin Farrell’s performance was incredibly raw and believable, really capturing the torment of PTSD. The scenes in Kurdistan were intense and unflinching, and I felt a real sense of his character’s struggle to reconcile what he’d seen with his life back home. The storyline with Christopher Lee was an excellent way to explore the complexities of the trauma and the long shadow of war, though at times it felt slightly contrived. It’s definitely not an easy watch, but it’s a powerful one that stuck with me long after the credits rolled. One of his best performances, I truly feel that, and Christopher Lee shines.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in psychological dramas”
  • “Fans of Colin Farrell”
  • “Those interested in films about war and its consequences”
  • “Viewers who appreciate thought-provoking and emotional narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic war violence”
  • “Disturbing images”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Language”
  • “Themes of PTSD and trauma”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Colin Farrell delivers a compelling performance as a war photographer grappling with PTSD. The film delves into the moral dilemmas faced by those who document war, offering a thought-provoking perspective on its psychological wounds. While the somber tone may not appeal to everyone, it provides a deep connection with the characters.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Triage presents a raw and unflinching look at the emotional cost of war. Christopher Lee adds gravitas as a psychologist, exploring themes of guilt and survival. However, the slow pacing and bleak subject matter may deter some viewers.
• Metacritic: “Danis Tanovic directs an impactful drama about the psychological impact of war on individuals, showcasing Colin Farrell’s talent. Triage is an exploration of trauma, friendship, and ethical complexities. Though its intensity is difficult for some

Audience Reactions

Farrell’s acting is amazing and captures the raw emotions of a war photographer: Viewers were most impressed by the realistic performances, especially Colin Farrell’s portrayal of PTSD.

The film is both shocking and realistic in it’s portrayal of war, a definite must see.: Some appreciated the film’s unflinching look at the realities of war, both on the battlefield and its lasting impact.

Overall Consensus: A powerful if somber drama featuring a strong performance by Colin Farrell, exploring the psychological toll of war.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Colin Farrell lost 44 pounds for the role by reportedly living on black coffee, Diet Coke, and tuna, shocking reporters with his skeletal appearance.”
• “The film explores the psychological impact of war through the eyes of a non-combatant observer, offering a different perspective on the conflict.”

🖥️ How to Watch Triage?

As of [Current Date], Triage may be available for streaming via subscription services such as [Hypothetical Streaming Service A] and [Hypothetical Streaming Service B]. It is also usually available to rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your preferred platform for current availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Triage, you might like these similar films:

• No Man’s Land (2001): Directed by the same director (Danis Tanovic), it also explores the absurdity and psychological impact of war.
• The Hurt Locker (2008): Depicts the intense psychological strain of war on soldiers, focusing on the emotional toll of constant danger.
• Brothers (2009): Explores the trauma of a soldier returning from war and the impact on his family, similar to Mark’s experience.

🛒 Triage Related Products

• Photo Camera: A professional-grade camera perfect for capturing stunning images in challenging environments, just like Mark in ‘Shell Shock’. Ideal for aspiring photojournalists.
• Shell Shock [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in high definition with bonus content, including behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews.
• The Bang Bang Club: Real-Life War Photojournalism: A gripping read by Greg Marinovich and Joao Silva, about the true story of real life photojournalism during the apartheid years. Highly Recommended
• PTSD: What Every Veteran Needs to Know: A book that every veteran and their family should have.

🎧 Soundtrack

Triage features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Theme from Shell Shock” – performed by Lucio Godoy
• “Kurdish Lament” – performed by Traditional

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Lisa Cannon interviews Colin Farrell on movie set ‘Triage’ M

Ever wondered what it’s like to transform for a role? Check out this rare on-set interview with Colin Farrell, where he discusses his intense physical transformation for ‘Triage’. It’s pretty wild to see him so dedicated!

Triage (2009) – Colin Farrell Interview – Seville Film Fest

Want to know what Colin Farrell *really* thought about playing a war photojournalist? This interview from the Seville Film Fest is a great peek into his mind while playing Mark Walsh – you might see the movie in a whole new light!

TRIAGE Interview – Colin Farrell, Branko Djuric, Danis Tanovic

Ever wanted to hear from the director AND the stars of a film all at once? This interview with Colin Farrell, Branko Djuric, and Danis Tanovic is pure gold. Hearing their different takes on ‘Triage’ is so insightful!

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