A group of engineers in the Vietnam War are forced to survive an emotional battle in this dramatic action piece from filmmaker Mark Earl Burman.

In 1966, Vietnam, General Drummond has learned there is a binder that has the names and location of Vietnamese operatives, known as the Joshua Report. Drummond wants the binder and sends Special Forces Captain Mora to go to the location of the Joshua Report. The location of the binder is a remote firebase where a band of engineers are awaiting the orders from Mora. However, when an ambush causes the binder to be stolen by the Viet Cong, Drummond demands the team get the report.

The new platoon is only comprised of the engineers led by Corporal Ackerman. However, joining them are tracker Miller, and Crawford, a member of Special Forces. The engineers, Miller, Crawford follow the Viet Cong through a series of underground tunnels. There, Mora overhears a conversation between Crawford and Miller and tensions begin to grow within the group. Will they be able to overcome their differences and succeed in getting the binder back?

Vietnam War films have been some of the cream of the crop when it comes to meshing emotion with war-style combat. Films like Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket, and Platoon are stellar examples of Vietnam War films that must be seen. There are a few other standouts such as Hamburger Hill and Casualties of War. As of late, indie action films revolving around wars have arisen and this latest from Mark Earl Burman, has the feel of these throwback to these stellar films and standouts. There are a few minor flaws, but overall, a good job on part of the script and performances.

While the film is led by greats such as Aaron Eckhart as the General and Jonathan Rhys Meyers as the tracker Miller, the film really belongs to Connor Paolo as Corporal Ackerman. Ackerman is the green engineer who gets himself forced into the situation when as the title indicates, the firebase he is in charge of is ambushed by the Viet Cong. Ackerman’s only ally, aside from his fellow engineers, is Captain Mora, played by Gregory Sims. While war films are supposed to have lots of action, the only way these films can work is to have a sense of emotion and tension throughout the film and this film delivers on meshing the emotion with sporadic action sequences.

Ambush may not be on the level of an Apocalypse Now or Full Metal Jacket, but for an indie film, it delivers on meshing action and drama with a stellar performance by Connor Paolo, with great support by Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Aaron Eckhart. Definitely worth checking out.

WFG RATING: B+

Saban Films and The Highland Film Group presents an ADME Studios production in association with BondIt Media Capital. Director: Mark Earl Burman. Producer: Mark Earl Burman. Writers: Mark Earl Burman, Johnny Lozano, and Michael McClung. Cinematography: Dan Frantz. Editing: Mark Earl Burman.

Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Connor Paolo, Gregory Sims, Jason Genao, Mac Brandt, Patrick Walker, Nick Heyman, Jeff Caperson.

The film will be released in select theaters, On Demand, and Digital on February 24.