Review of Delta Force One: The Lost Patrol

"Delta force One" promotes itself as another 80's style mindless action flick, so surprisingly this turns out to be a more serious, even thought-provoking film. Warring nations in the Middle East are the reason that the Delta force Patrol is brought together; soldiers from different lands working together to locate and deactivate a missile aimed at one mid east Nation. The highlight of the film is the tale of a young Arab boy, who upon witnessing the brutal death of his father, embarks on a journey of revenge; he will find and kill the people responsible for his death. The story follows him effectively through rough desert terrain, through mosques, and crowded Bazaar's in search of a way to fulfill his destiny of vengeance. Meanwhile the Delta force, who consists of a couple American officers, A British officer, and Isreali female medical officer and an Arabic tour guide, aka "desert tracker" work together while they are beset upon by angry, warring tribes from all different directions. For me the quality of this film came as quite a surprise; effectively, and sometimes beautifully filmed on location throughout Isreal, and featuring dazzling sets and authentic traditional Arabic clothing, this is a very polished film. Some attempt at comic relief is used, successfully, but mostly this one has a sombre and serious tone. "Delta Force One" will most likely disappoint action fans, as there really isn't a whole lot of action until the films climax. instead we get a fascinating look at conditions in the mid East, and whether or not this is an accurate portrayal, it is always interesting. Gary Daniels makes for a strong and handsome leader, and mike Norris provides a lighter mood with his over wound second-in-command, and their Arab "desert tracker" who eventually confesses that he has no idea where he is leading the team is extremely likable. But the one who steals the show is young Tamil, the Arab desert child played by Orr Malka. For a young actor, Malka plays his difficult part with an impressive and believable level of bloodthirsty fury. Judging by the ridiculously low rating here, this one was obviously seen by the wrong audience. "Delta Force One" is actually a well-made little film, both technically and artistically.