In 2015, the internationally recognized government of Yemen was overthrown by Al Houthi, who seized most of the country. Terrorist organizations used the chaos caused by the clashing rebels and loyalists to consolidate their position. Meanwhile, the ousted government sought aid from its allies, including the UAE, to help bring back stability to the country. However, three years later the battle continues. Ambushed is based on actual events.
On Sunday, February 18, 2018, soldiers in the UAE army are enjoying some down time before it’s once again time to go out on patrol, hitting their makeshift gym while discussing the World Cup. Two patrol units are sent out to make the rounds, first visiting a friendly farmer and his children, where they get a tip that there’s been some possible enemy activity in a nearby canyon. As the lead vehicle heads to check this out, soldiers Bilal (Khalifa Al Jassem), Ali (Marwan Abdullah) and Hindasi (Mohammed Ahmed), soon find themselves the targets of a well-planned and executed ambush. The terrorists utilize land mines, RPGs, mortar and assault rifles to disable their vehicle, leaving them stuck, wounded and pinned down. The terrorists plan to use these men as bait to lure in more unsuspecting soldiers, though, they would also be more than happy to film the execution of the three soldiers to use as propaganda for their war. The soldiers’ comms are down, they have no cell phone signal, and just 4 magazines with 30 bullets each. They must now desperately attempt to fend off waves of terrorist attacks until help can arrive. As word finally gets back to the command center, a rescue is staged, but the terrorists have planned for their every move and seem to always be one step ahead.
The Ambush starts off a little slow at the beginning, introducing solider after soldier, as well as some personal beefs between a few of them. I found it a little difficult to remember all the names and keep track of who was who. However, once the patrol sets out and falls into this well-executed ambush, the film becomes 90+ minutes of non-stop edge-of-your-seat action. The filmmakers have done a nice job of ratcheting up and maintaining the tension, letting the audience feel the stress of the situation. The army constantly thinks they’ve got everything figured out and under control, only to keep underestimating the situation, and falling into the enemy’s traps, getting more men and vehicles stuck and in need of a rescue. Even when it looks like the army is certainly going to be victorious, there is always this sense of fear and dread deep down in the pit of your stomach, because you’ve seen just how resourceful these terrorists can be.
In addition to following the action in the enemy camp, the army war room, and the rescue team on the ground, the film also explores the drama of the wounded men inside the disabled vehicle. These soldiers are struggling to stay alive and keep the enemy at bay, having conversations about their loved ones back home, and trying to keep each other’s spirits and hope of alive. At the same time, the film keeps ominously cutting away to an enemy sniper who’s patiently biding his time, watching and waiting for his opening to take out the soldiers. With each new failed rescue attempt, it seems like this is going to be an impossible feat for the army, but these soldiers refuse to leave any of their men behind or give up on the rescue efforts. However, they are heavily outnumbered and under immense firepower from these well-armed terrorists who seem tobe constantly flowing out of the rocks and caves they are hiding in. Can these soldiers find a way to rescue their trapped brothers and get them home?!
Well Go’s Blu-ray release includes both the original Arabic audio as well as an English dub. With these foreign Well Go releases, I always try the English dub first so that I can concentrate more on the visuals of the film rather than reading subtitles. I found the English dub to be a little over-acted at the beginning as the soldiers are chatting with one another at base camp. However, the dialogue sounds more and more natural as the film goes on. There are times when there is static from the comms as the soldiers try to contact one another, and this was seamlessly executed in the English dub. Both versions of the audio track are phenomenal when it comes to the effects and ambiance. The tracks make excellent use of the stereo and surround channels to put the viewer right into the action, with the sounds of helicopters overhead, and gunfire and explosions all around, especially during a carpet bombing sequence. It is a very immersive experience. Despite much of the fast-paced action taking place in the dusty tan desert, the video still remains clean and clear throughout, with a solid level of detail in faces and textures. The film combines wide and close-up camera shots with drone footage to keep things fast-paced and exciting.
Well Go’s Blu-ray release is bare-bones. There is no bonus material except for the film’s trailer and some previews for three other Well Go releases. The disc comes packed in a locking HD keepcase, and doesn’t include a digital copy. Our review copy included a cardboard slipcover.
What’s Included:
Film: (1:51:15)
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Blu-ray:
- 1080p / Widescreen 2.35:1
- Audio: Arabic DTS-HDMA 5.1, Arabic Stereo, English DTS-HDMA 5.1, English Stereo
- Subtitles: English
Extras:
- Trailer (1:55)
- Previews
- Sniper: The White Raven (2:16)
- Hansan: Rising Dragon (1:34)
- Death Knot (2:10)
Final Thoughts:
The Ambush is a tense, exciting thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat as soon as action begins. It blends character drama with exciting battle sequences to make the viewer get emotionally invested and care about these soldiers. Well Go’s Blu-ray release looks great and sounds amazing. Even though there is no bonus material included, this is an easy recommendation based on the quality of the film itself.
The Ambush
(as of June 3, 2026 10:11 GMT -04:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Ambush
(as of June 3, 2026 10:11 GMT -04:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Ambush
(as of June 3, 2026 10:11 GMT -04:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
