Only familiar with the existence of so-called Somalian pirates through news reports I've heard infrequently over the years, I got I got a nice clear introduction to what really could be a more truthful portrayal of them then what has been revealed in the news media. The insinuation that the media made about these so-called higher record has been violent and somewhat barbaric, basically kidnap and/or kill without regards to the lives impacted. But a novice journalist, Jay Bahadur (Evan Peters), risks everything to go over from his comfortable Canadian home to an unknown world and finds like Jonathan Harker in "Dracula" that other ways are not necessarily his ways, and now, he is in no position to fight those differences.
Peters finds a hopefully sincere ally in Somalian translater Barkhad Abdi, wanting him immediately of certain things not to do and yet becoming like a brother to him as he learns about the cultures while collecting the information for the book he wants to write. It's interesting to watch Peters start you fit in, wondering with each step if he's making a mistake, and learn to trust simply because he has no choice. Those whom Abdi introduces him to have differing attitudes also none are seemingly filled with racial hatred or distrust.
He finds himself risking the wrath of the top pirate by lightly flirting with one of his wives, and in American eyes, it seems harmless. As he gets closer to those involved in the alleged piracy ring, he gets to understand why they have to exist and what the purpose really is. Agree or disagree with it, the viewer gets to see a different side then what the regular news media has reported, although when the situation gets serious, it does get scary.
The reason why this film works so well is that it is not done in the mood a nation's political upheaval or one man in a situation that is beyond their control that could end violently at any minute. Serious situations are presented in a light-hearted way so the viewer can become engaged in the story without feeling overwhelmed with tension. cameos by Melanie Griffith and Al Pacino don't really add anything to the story, but the performances by Peters and Abdi are truly engrossing. Peters, being slightly overwhelmed by his situation gets us to see inside his mind as he has bizarre fantasies that come and go throughout the film, and Abdi really seems to be looking out for his newfound Canadian buddy, separated by cultural differences but not human connection. That makes this a special film that is timeless in many ways and engrossing on many levels.
Peters finds a hopefully sincere ally in Somalian translater Barkhad Abdi, wanting him immediately of certain things not to do and yet becoming like a brother to him as he learns about the cultures while collecting the information for the book he wants to write. It's interesting to watch Peters start you fit in, wondering with each step if he's making a mistake, and learn to trust simply because he has no choice. Those whom Abdi introduces him to have differing attitudes also none are seemingly filled with racial hatred or distrust.
He finds himself risking the wrath of the top pirate by lightly flirting with one of his wives, and in American eyes, it seems harmless. As he gets closer to those involved in the alleged piracy ring, he gets to understand why they have to exist and what the purpose really is. Agree or disagree with it, the viewer gets to see a different side then what the regular news media has reported, although when the situation gets serious, it does get scary.
The reason why this film works so well is that it is not done in the mood a nation's political upheaval or one man in a situation that is beyond their control that could end violently at any minute. Serious situations are presented in a light-hearted way so the viewer can become engaged in the story without feeling overwhelmed with tension. cameos by Melanie Griffith and Al Pacino don't really add anything to the story, but the performances by Peters and Abdi are truly engrossing. Peters, being slightly overwhelmed by his situation gets us to see inside his mind as he has bizarre fantasies that come and go throughout the film, and Abdi really seems to be looking out for his newfound Canadian buddy, separated by cultural differences but not human connection. That makes this a special film that is timeless in many ways and engrossing on many levels.