In this intensely human portrayal of courage under fire, acclaimed director Renny Harlin combines adrenaline-pumping action with genuine human drama, weaving a gripping narrative about a war reporter ensnared behind enemy lines during the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia. As the nation fights for survival, a courageous coalition of international journalists and local Georgians puts their lives on the line to reveal the true human cost of military conflict.
Filmed on location for six weeks, 5 DAYS OF AUGUST presents a suspenseful portrait of bravery in dire circumstances. Following a devastating ambush in Baghdad that claimed the life of his dear friend, Miriam Eisner (portrayed by Heather Graham), American war correspondent Thomas Anders (played by Rupert Friend) seeks solace from his haunting past. The looming threat of war draws him to the chaotic republic of Georgia, just before the Russian invasion.
Reuniting with a determined group of war reporters in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, Anders embarks on a perilous journey with his cameraman and fellow road-warrior, Sebastian (played by Richard Coyle). They head north to the breakaway republic of South Ossetia, barely making it in time to witness a horrific Russian airstrike on the tranquil village of Vaziani. Amidst the chaos, they boldly document the devastation while assisting survivors to a military hospital in Gori, guided by the resilient and beautiful Georgian school teacher, Tatia (played by Emmanuelle Chriqui).
Struggling to share his story amidst the din of Russian propaganda and a world preoccupied with the Beijing Olympics, Anders and Sebastian hastily return to the front lines to aid a desperate Tatia in searching for her missing family. As they find themselves caught in a full-scale assault while documenting civilian murder, Anders collects evidence designed to expose the atrocities to the world. However, before he can make his move, he, Sebastian, and Tatia are captured by the mastermind behind these horrors, the ruthless Colonel Demidov (Rade Serbedjiza), alongside his merciless accomplice, Daniil (Mikko Nousiainen).
Just as hope fades, they are rescued during a daring raid by Georgian soldier Captain Rezo (Johnathon Schaech). Together with a weary Dutchman (Val Kilmer), Anders and his friends are forced to join the fight for their freedom and their ideals in a climactic battle in Gori. Ultimately, while President Saakashvili (Andy Garcia) seeks aid from allies, Anders faces an ultimate test of bravery, striving to save Tatia’s life at the cost of everything he holds dear — except the truth.
