Films about Iraq delve into various aspects of the country, including its rich history, culture, and the conflicts that have shaped its more recent history, particularly the Iraq War starting in 2003. These films can range from hard-hitting documentaries that explore the reality on the ground, to fictional narratives that use Iraq as a backdrop to tell compelling human stories. Whether focusing on the perspective of soldiers, civilians, or the international community, films about Iraq offer insightful commentary on the consequences of war, the struggle for peace, and the resilience of the human spirit.
“The Hurt Locker”, 2008
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this film is a gripping portrayal of the dangerous world of bomb disposal teams in Iraq. It follows an elite Army bomb squad unit as they navigate the perils of war while dealing with personal issues and the constant threat of death.
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Christian Camargo, Guy Pearce, Ralph Fiennes, David Morse, Sam Spruell, Christopher Sayegh, Evangeline Lilly;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: thriller, drama, war, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
“Green Zone”, 2009
Director: Paul Greengrass
Set shortly after the invasion of Iraq, this thriller, directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Matt Damon, focuses on an Army officer who goes rogue as he hunts for Weapons of Mass Destruction in an unstable region, questioning the motives behind the war.
Starring: Matt Damon, Jason Isaacs, Greg Kinnear, Amy Ryan, Brendan Gleeson, Nicoye Banks, Jerry Della Salla, Sean Huze, Michael O'Neill, Antoni Corone;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
“In the Valley of Elah”, 2007
Director: Paul Haggis
Directed by Paul Haggis, this crime drama tells the story of a retired military investigator who probes into his son's mysterious disappearance shortly after returning from Iraq, unraveling a deeper conspiracy.
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, Jason Patric, Susan Sarandon, James Franco, Barry Corbin, Josh Brolin, Frances Fisher, Wes Chatham, Jake McLaughlin;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, crime, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “In the Valley of Elah” on the website imdb.com
“Three Kings”, 1999
Director: David O. Russell
Although set during the aftermath of the Gulf War rather than the more recent conflict in Iraq, this film directed by David O. Russell, starring George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, and Ice Cube, follows a group of American soldiers who set out to find gold that was stolen from Kuwait, but find themselves deeply involved in the plight of the local population.
Starring: George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube, Spike Jonze, Cliff Curtis, Nora Dunn, Jamie Kennedy, Saïd Taghmaoui, Mykelti Williamson, Holt McCallany;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: action, drama, comedy, war, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Three Kings” on the website imdb.com
“War Dogs”, 2016
Director: Todd Phillips
Directed by Todd Phillips, this film is a dark comedy-drama based on a true story. It follows two friends in their early 20s (played by Jonah Hill and Miles Teller) who exploit a government initiative that allows small businesses to bid on U.S. Military contracts, landing them in over their heads in Iraq.
Starring: Miles Teller, Jonah Hill, Ana de Armas, Kevin Pollak, Bradley Cooper, JB Blanc, Patrick St. Esprit, Shaun Toub, Eddie Jemison, Daniel Berson;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, comedy, crime, war, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “War Dogs” on the website imdb.com
“Body of Lies”, 2008
Director: Ridley Scott
Directed by Ridley Scott, this spy thriller stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. It tells the story of a CIA operative in Jordan hunting a powerful terrorist leader with the help of the Jordanian intelligence.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong, Golshifteh Farahani, Oscar Isaac, Ali Suliman, Alon Abutbul, Vince Colosimo, Simon McBurney, Mehdi Nebbou;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: action, thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Body of Lies” on the website imdb.com
These films, each in their own way, provide a canvas to explore the complexities, agonies, and ramifications of Iraq's recent history, offering viewers a mixture of entertainment, education, and sometimes, a stark reminder of the realities of war.
In summary, films about Iraq have undeniably left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape, offering audiences a multifaceted exploration of conflict, human resilience, and the cultural complexity of a nation grappling with both its past and its future. These cinematic works range from raw, unfiltered portrayals of warfare's brutality in documentaries and dramas to nuanced, often poignant examinations of the Iraqi experience, both within the country's borders and in diaspora. Directors from various backgrounds have approached the subject matter with distinct perspectives, contributing to a rich, albeit challenging, tapestry of narratives that seek to understand and represent Iraq's relentless turmoil and its people's enduring spirit. Through their lenses, we've been afforded critical insights into the consequences of conflict, the struggles for identity and autonomy, and the universal quest for peace and normalcy amidst chaos. Films about Iraq not only serve as historical documentations but also as platforms for empathy and global awareness, urging audiences to look beyond headlines and perceive the human faces of conflict.
