### Chapter 230: Filming at the Camp

"Only the dead have seen the end of war." — Plato

This quote is the opening line of the script for Black Hawk Down, which is based on real events.

In the early 1990s, Somalia was plagued by civil war among warlords, natural disasters, and a collapsing socio-economic system, leading to a devastating famine. Over 300,000 people died from starvation within two years.

In 1992, television broadcasts showed the world images of emaciated Somalis. The international community began relief efforts, but the delivery of aid was hindered by local warlords, who looted supplies, forcing aid workers to withdraw from the region.

As relief efforts faltered, the United Nations passed a new resolution to use force to ensure security and continue the humanitarian mission, enforcing peace in the area.

Due to the end of the Cold War, Somalia's strategic importance had diminished, and the region lacked valuable resources. Initially, the U.S. was not interested in the relief mission. However, when the United Nations requested U.S. assistance, President George H.W. Bush accepted, seeing it as a public relations opportunity, and sent troops to deliver aid.

President Bill Clinton, who succeeded Bush, decided to continue the mission for political gains.

By the end of 1992, a UN force of 38,000 troops, including 28,000 Americans, entered Somalia. Armed with guns, they distributed relief supplies to starving civilians, who welcomed them. However, the warlords, fearing the loss of their power, opposed the intervention. Despite the UN's military strength, the warlords could not openly challenge them.

In March 1993, the U.S. withdrew 25,000 troops as planned, handing over the mission to other international forces. After the U.S. Marine Corps left, warlord Aidid's forces began harassing the UN troops.

In June 1993, Aidid's men ambushed a Pakistani unit, killing 24 soldiers and mutilating their bodies, shocking the world. The UN responded by launching an operation to capture Aidid.

Aidid controlled the Mogadishu radio station, using it for inflammatory propaganda that swayed local public opinion against the UN forces. The UN's harsh tactics in searching for Aidid also disrupted the lives of Mogadishu residents, leading to increasing support for Aidid among civilians.

In September 1993, a group of militia, protected by a large civilian crowd, attacked the UN forces again. An AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter opened fire on the crowd, killing at least 100 people and further alienating the local population.

In response, the U.S. launched a special operation known as "Operation Gothic Serpent," involving a Ranger task force of 450 soldiers, composed of three army units: the C Squadron of Delta Force, B Company of the 75th Ranger Regiment, and a unit from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

The operation involved 19 aircraft, 12 vehicles, and 160 personnel. During a helicopter landing, a rookie soldier accidentally fell to the ground, severely injuring his neck. The soldiers in the helicopter tried to save him but were attacked by civilians on the ground, and other teams also encountered heavy resistance.

The "Gothic Serpent" command had to send additional troops into the city for an emergency rescue, leading to intense street fighting between the military and the militia in Mogadishu.

Due to the overwhelming number of civilians and militia, the U.S. forces suffered heavy casualties: two helicopters were shot down, two were damaged, 19 American soldiers and one Malaysian soldier were killed, 84 American soldiers and seven Malaysian soldiers were wounded, and one American soldier was captured.

The script for Black Hawk Down is based on this operation, serving as a reflection on the meaning of foreign wars.

Richard plays the protagonist, Sergeant Eversmann, who is part of the Ranger Regiment and leads a squad in this operation. His squad includes soldiers played by Ewan McGregor as Grimes and Orlando Bloom as the rookie Todd Blackburn, who injures his neck in the fall.

Since Somalia remained too unstable for filming, the Black Hawk Down production team chose Agadir, Morocco, in North Africa as their location.

Agadir is a well-known tourist city near Casablanca, facing the Atlantic Ocean and across from New York. It has beautiful white sand beaches, many Arab-style buildings, and a pleasant climate.

Upon arriving in Agadir, Richard didn’t have time for sightseeing. He carried his backpack straight to the set.

Because it was a war film, the set was built to resemble a military camp, complete with an airport, training area, cafeteria, dormitories, and recreation areas. To better prepare for the filming, the crew was under military-style management, with everyone living on set. Richard didn’t even bring his assistant.

"Good afternoon, officers! Sergeant Eversmann from Ranger Company B reporting for duty," Richard said, dropping his backpack and saluting as he entered the production tent.

"Haha, Richard's here! Have you eaten?" Director Ridley Scott asked, putting down his hamburger and standing up to greet him.

"I heard the crew's food was good, so I came straight from the airport to get a free meal."

The crew members in the tent burst into laughter.

"Richard, you might be disappointed; there's nothing good to eat here—just this stuff," cinematographer Slawomir pointed at a pile of junk food on the table.

"Haha, don't complain. The crew hasn't started cooking yet. Once filming begins, I promise you'll get barbecue every day," Ridley Scott chuckled.

"We'll hold you to that," Richard replied with a smile.

"Hey, Richard, you're here!" The military advisor for the film, Dennis Gordon, walked in. He was a captain and instructor in the Ranger Regiment. Richard had trained with him twice in camp, once in hand-to-hand combat and once in shooting, with each winning one round.

"Dennis, long time no see," Richard greeted him.

Richard bumped fists with him.

"Richard, when you have some time, how about we have another competition?"

"A competition? What kind?"

"The shooting competition from last time—I didn't get enough of it. How about another round?"

"No problem!"

Richard smiled lightly and then went on to chat with screenwriter Mark Bowden, assistant director Nolan, editor Pietro, and others.

"Richard, before we start shooting, the cast needs to go through another round of training to refresh your skills. Be ready for it," Director Ridley Scott said.

"Got it."

After a few more conversations, Richard grabbed his backpack and headed to the dormitory.

"Hey, Richard, we meet again," said Orlando Bloom, who was dressed in Special Forces pants and a green T-shirt, having shaved off his long hair, which had significantly diminished his usual charm.

Richard touched his own short hair, thinking that when it came to short hair, no one could compete with him.

"Orlando, when did you arrive?"

"This morning. I’m heading to the rec room to chat with everyone. Want to join?"

"You go ahead. I'll settle into my room first and catch up with you later."

"Alright!"

After Orlando left, Richard entered his dorm room. It was a single room with a bathroom, resembling a military barracks, and the window overlooked the training field.

Richard took a shower and changed into camo pants and a T-shirt. He made a quick call to Gisele to update her on his schedule, then took a nap.

He woke up around 2 p.m., realizing he hadn't scheduled any training for the day. So, he headed to the training field, ran a few laps, and did several sets of strength training in the gym.

The gym also had punching bags, so he wrapped his hands and spent two hours practicing.

In the evening, the main cast gathered for a party at the camp.

In addition to the actors, the crew included dozens of retired Special Forces soldiers and Black Hawk helicopter crew members, as the military had provided support for the film, covering this part of the budget.

The next day, the crew arranged for the actors to undergo training at the airfield to familiarize themselves with the set's layout.

The set was built in a rundown area of the city, essentially turning an entire town into the filming location. It was vast, and they had recruited two to three thousand local black extras.

Since the actors would be engaging in street combat in the alleys during filming, it was crucial to familiarize themselves with the terrain. This training served as a rehearsal.

After a week of rehearsals, the crew officially began shooting.

—End of Chapter—