Return to War: Ollie’s Heartfelt Journey with Man’s Best Friends

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As a movie enthusiast, I must say that “Ollie’s War” is a sequel to the film I previously watched, titled “War Dogs and I.” This sequel is a gripping documentary about Kobus Olivier, a South African man who found himself in Kyiv during the early stages of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Overwhelmed by grief and driven by his love for his four cherished dogs, Kobus embarked on a journey to find safety, eventually discovering Croatia as a haven for him and his family to start anew.

What makes this documentary unique is that it was primarily compiled from Kobus’s own phone footage, lending it an authentic, raw feel that captures the essence of real life. At its core, “War Dogs and I” is a poignant yet timely drama that focuses on the bond between Kobus, a former cricketer, and his four loyal hounds.

After a perilous journey, Olivier eventually reached Zagreb, Croatia, but encountered several close calls en route. He established a new life there for himself and his dogs. However, unexpectedly, he received a 5-day notice to depart the country as his Croatian work permit was not renewed. This turn of events dramatically changed the narrative from that in War Dogs and I, as the gentle-tempered 60-something teacher had no choice but to return to Kyiv amidst ongoing conflict.

The movie titled “Ollie’s War” was produced coinciding with Olivier’s return to Ukraine, allowing director Stefan Enslin to adopt a more forward-looking perspective rather than relying on hindsight for this sequel. Although it lacks the unique appeal of “War Dogs and I“, the emotional core of the narrative remains intact, making it intriguing to explore what transpired with the family consisting of five members.

In summary, “War Dogs and I” transitions into “Ollie’s War,” a tale narrated from the viewpoint of the lead dog, Ollie. The central figure, Ollie (the human character named Olivier), shares a deep bond with his canine companion who effortlessly deciphers his verbal cues and tone.

In contrast to “War Dogs,” which is a documentary, “Ollie’s War” leans more towards a docudrama, aiming for greater accessibility and entertainment. Unlike the original, it uses a narrator to speak for Ollie, creating a unique style that straddles the boundaries of traditional film genres, shifting from grounded war-themed content to family-friendly entertainment. The setting of war is still evident, with sirens signaling air raids and imminent danger, but the focus is primarily on the heartwarming bond between humans and their beloved canine companions.

“Man’s best friend… friends.”

In essence, “Ollie’s War” can be seen as a reversed version of “War Dogs and I.” Unlike the original, where a human interacts with dogs, here we have a dog (Ollie) in a war context. The sequel was carefully crafted, allowing for flexible shoot planning, yet maintaining a cinematic feel. However, while the emotional concept is new, Ollie’s narrative appearances are sparse, which questions the title’s relevance to his character. It’s thoughtful to make the story easier to understand, but the emotion seems missing from the detached and somewhat cold voice acting for Ollie.

Ollie’s War

In essence, “Ollie’s War” is a condensed recap of the happenings in “War Dogs and I,” but it assumes you’ve already watched the initial movie. It’s more like an extension or continuation rather than a self-contained story. The narrative deals with similar themes as “War Dogs and I,” although it lacks the same level of intensity and focus.

While it’s enjoyable to delve deeper into Kobus’ world, his loyal dogs, and his compassionate nature, the storyline doesn’t quite match up to that of “War Dogs and I.” Despite some challenges overcome, the stakes are simply not as high in this sequel. Spending more time with Kobus is certainly a treat, but the events of “War Dogs and I” cast a long shadow over this production.

In a different phrasing, the tale is deeply personal and emotional, but “Ollie’s War” might have been more effective if it leaned towards the straightforwardness of “The Bicycle Thieves.” Instead of the hybrid docudrama style, a straight narrative feature could have better captured the story. The core narrative revolving around a South African who chose to confront war instead of returning home is what truly matters here. A more authentic portrayal of these genuine issues might have had a greater impact on viewers if it were explored in a more direct manner.

In essence, “Ollie’s War” revisits the realm of “War Dogs and I,” yet fails to substantially expand upon its narrative beyond enhancing its aesthetic appeal. By delving deeper into Ollie, Kaya, and a heartwarming scene towards the end, it could appeal to dog enthusiasts. However, this sequel seems to lack a clear narrative focus, and despite attempts at reinventing its concept, it offers little new compared to “War Dogs and I.” A film with a compassionate heart, the genuine portrayal of love gives it relevance in today’s world. The unique bond between characters makes this film endearing, contemporary, and relatable, but it falls short of matching the authenticity, originality, and immediacy of the initial installment.

The bottom line: Tender

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2025-04-21 15:44