Watch Occupation

Occupation is a gripping, three-part drama series produced by the BBC that was first broadcast in 2009. The show follows the lives of three British soldiers - Sam (James Nesbitt), Danny (Stephen Graham), and Hibbs (Warren Brown) - as they try to adjust to civilian life after serving in the Iraq War. Along the way, they find themselves caught up in a variety of personal and political conflicts, all of which challenge their sense of identity and belonging.

The show starts off in Basra, Iraq, where the three soldiers are serving together. They're young, brave, and fiercely loyal to one another, but their time in the war takes a toll on them. After they return to the UK, they find it difficult to adjust back to normal life. Each of them has a unique set of challenges to face: Sam, the commanding officer, struggles with PTSD and guilt over a tragic incident that occurred during the war. Danny has lost faith in his superiors and feels disillusioned with the military, while Hibbs is beset by financial difficulties and a strained relationship with his wife.

As they try to find their footing in civilian life, the soldiers encounter a range of people who represent different perspectives on the Iraq War. There's Aliya (Lubna Azabal), an Iraqi woman who is desperately searching for her missing daughter and blames the British for the chaos that has engulfed her country. There's also Louise (Monica Dolan), a journalist who is investigating war crimes committed by British soldiers, and Ishmael (Nonso Anozie), an American former soldier who has joined a private security firm in Iraq. Each of these characters represents a different facet of the complex issues surrounding the war, and the soldiers find themselves grappling with the difficult moral questions raised by their experiences.

Throughout the series, there's a pervasive sense of unease and uncertainty that permeates every aspect of the soldiers' lives. They struggle to find work, pay their bills, and maintain relationships with their loved ones. They're haunted by the memories of what they've seen and done in Iraq, and they're all too aware of the invisible wounds they've sustained. Meanwhile, the political situation in the UK is rapidly deteriorating, with protests and unrest spreading throughout the country. All of these factors combine to create a sense of foreboding that pervades every scene of the show.

Despite its heavy subject matter, Occupation is a well-crafted and engaging drama that draws its viewers in from the first episode. The performances by the main cast are uniformly excellent, with James Nesbitt and Stephen Graham in particular delivering standout performances. The supporting cast is also strong, with Lubna Azabal and Nonso Anozie turning in memorable performances as Aliya and Ishmael, respectively.

The show is beautifully shot, with a moody, atmospheric cinematography that underscores the sense of tension and unease that runs throughout the series. The direction is assured and confident, and the writing is complex and nuanced, tackling difficult issues in a sensitive and thoughtful manner.

Overall, Occupation is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that offers a nuanced look at the Iraq War and its impact on the soldiers who fought there. It's a gripping and engaging series that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, right up until the final credits roll. Whether you're a fan of military dramas or simply looking for a well-crafted and thought-provoking drama, Occupation is definitely worth a watch.

Occupation is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between October 18, 2009 and on BBC