Operation Leopard (1980) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language

1980 · 96 mins · French

Loading streaming availability…

Directed by

Raoul Coutard

Starring

Jacques Perrin, Giuliano Gemma, Bruno Cremer, Jean-Claude Bouillon, Laure Moutoussamy, Gérard Essomba

In May 1978, the copper‑rich town of Kolwezi in Katanga, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) is seized by communist guerrillas from Angola. They take European employees of a Belgian mining company and local residents hostage, unleashing a massacre. France responds by dispatching a Foreign Legion paratrooper regiment. The film follows former NCO Delbart, his replacement Damrémont, Zairian doctor Bia, American Annie, Legion officer Federico, and diplomatic officials as they confront the crisis.