“Kabul Express”, 2006
Director: Kabir Khan
A dark comedy and adventure film set in post-9/11 Afghanistan, focusing on an Indian journalist and his Pakistani counterpart who embark on a journey to capture the stories of a war-torn Afghanistan, forging unexpected connections and facing perilous situations.
Starring: John Abraham, Arshad Warsi, Salman Shahid, Hanif Hum Ghum, Linda Arsenio, Wali-o Qhab, Khader Arya, Haji Gul Asir, Abdul Basir Mujahid, Saeed Meeran Farhad;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: thriller, drama, comedy, adventure, war;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Kabul Express” on the website imdb.com
“Osama”, 2003
Director: Siddiq Barmak
Directed by Siddiq Barmak, this is a poignant drama about a young girl living under the Taliban regime who disguises herself as a boy, Osama, to work and support her family. The film offers a harrowing look at the oppression faced, particularly by women, during the Taliban's control.
Starring: Marina Golbahari, Khwaja Nader, Mohammad Arif Herati, Zubaida Sahar, Mohamad Haref Harati, Hamida Refah, Gul Rehman Ghorbandi, Mohammad Nadir Khwaja, Malik Akhlaqi;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 83 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Osama” on the website imdb.com
“Restrepo”, 2010
Director: Tim Hetherington, Sebastian Junger
A powerful documentary that follows a platoon of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley, considered one of the most dangerous postings in the U.S. military. This film provides an intimate and unflinching look at the soldiers' experiences and the complexities of the war.
Starring: Juan 'Doc Restrepo, Dan Kearney, The Men of Battle Company 2nd of the 503rd Infantry Regiment 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, LaMonta Caldwell, Aron Hijar, Misha Pemble-Belkin, Miguel Cortez, Sterling Jones, Brendan O'Byrne, Joshua McDonough;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: documentary, war, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Restrepo” on the website imdb.com
“Lone Survivor”, 2013
Director: Peter Berg
Based on true events, this film tells the harrowing story of four Navy SEALs on a covert mission to neutralize a high-level Taliban operative who are ambushed in the mountains of Afghanistan, providing an insight into the bravery and hardships of soldiers.
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster, Eric Bana, Alexander Ludwig, Ali Suliman, Sammy Sheik, Yousuf Azami, Rich Ting;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: war, action, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
“In This World”, 2002
Director: Michael Winterbottom
A docudrama that follows two young Afghan refugees, Jamal and Enayatullah, as they embark on a perilous journey across Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey towards London in search of a better life. The film offers a raw and engaging look at the refugee experience.
Starring: Jamal Udin Torabi, Enayatullah, Imran Paracha, Hiddayatullah, Jamau, Wakeel Khan, Lal Zarin, Ahsan Raza, Mirwais Torabi, Abdul Ahmad;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 88 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “In This World” on the website imdb.com
“The Breadwinner”, 2017
Director: Nora Twomey
An animated film based on the children's novel by Deborah Ellis, telling the story of Parvana, an 11-year-old girl growing up under the Taliban in Afghanistan who disguises herself as a boy to provide for her family after her father is unjustly arrested.
Starring: Saara Chaudry, Soma Chhaya, Noorin Gulamgaus, Laara Sadiq, Ali Rizvi, Shaista Latif, Kanza Feris, Kawa Ada, Kane Mahon, Ali Kazmi;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: animation, drama, family, war;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Breadwinner” on the website imdb.com
These films, each in their unique way, contribute to a broader understanding of Afghanistan's multifaceted narrative, blending the country's deep cultural heritage with its contemporary struggles and resilience.
In conclusion, the diverse range of films about Afghanistan paint a multifaceted picture of a country often misunderstood, grappling with the complexities of war, culture, and the human condition against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and rich historical context. Through these cinematic works, viewers are invited into intimate stories of struggle, resilience, and hope that transcend geopolitical narratives. Whether it’s through the poignant realism of “The Kite Runner,” the harrowing depiction of conflict in “Restrepo,” or the inspiring account of freedom in “Osama,” these films offer a vital and often heart-wrenching insight into the Afghan experience. They challenge audiences to look beyond the headlines, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy for a people whose stories are integral to our shared human tapestry. Through the lens of filmmakers from around the globe, Afghanistan emerges not just as a land of endless conflict, but as a place of profound humanity and enduring spirit.
