I enjoyed Pirates of Somalia far more than I thought I would. Evan Peters is credible and very watchable. The supporting cast is strong enough to keep you interested in a well-told story. I wasn't as informed about the piracy situation in Somalia. I'd wager that bunches of Westerners aren't, either. However, this film does a great job of laying out the recent Somali history, while also telling a compelling "true" story. I'd recommended Pirates of Somalia, but only to someone who can handle a human drama with some political history, good characters, and touches of humor. This film is not for the blissfully uninformed. You'll learn something. And you'll like it, too.
49 Reviews
"Dabka" is inspirational, crazy, funny, and educational all at once, and in the hands of Buckley, exceedingly entertaining.
asifahsankhan2 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
"Dabka" is a true story about how a wannabe journalist's naivete and willingness to put his neck on the line paid off and made him a New York Times bestselling author.
The film is based on the story of Jay Bahadur, a young Canadian man who wanted very much to be a journalist but struggled to get a publication to buy his story ideas. Then, because of an interest in Somalia, he decided to scrape some money together and fly there, where he would interview pirates. Since virtually no western journalists were there at the time due to the dangers, Bahadur received help from the locals and got what he went after.
As fate would have it, the Captain Phillips hijacking took place while Bahadur was in the country, and the interest in Somali pirates skyrocketed across the world. Eventually, Bahadur wrote a book called The Pirates of Somalia: Inside Their Hidden World, which landed on the Times bestseller list. Today, he lives in Kenya, writes for top publications, and is considered one of the foremost western experts on Somalia.
Obviously, Bahadur put himself in danger and had many brushes with death, but the absurdity of the tale allowed screenwriter/director Bryan Buckley to find a great deal of humour in the story. The film is surprisingly what I would term a comedy, even as much of the subject matter is deadly serious. There is even some use of clever animation within the film.
Buckley starts the movie with a voice-over, as Bahadur's character is quick to say that he hates voice-overs. We see him in Toronto as played by Evan Peters, working in a job that's so boring, it's hard to believe it's actually a job. He has to visit grocery stores and interview clerks about how well a particular brand of napkins is selling.
In a bit of cinematic invention that Bahadur says didn't happen in real life, the character meets Al Pacino, who plays one of Bahadur's favourite journalists. Pacino plays it with his usual aplomb, of course, and tells his young protégé to skip journalism school and do something crazy.
Bahadur then finds a contact in Somalia via email and ends up in touch with the president's son. Eager to have their people accurately portrayed in the media, they arrange a body guard and translator, played by Barkhad Abdi, the real life Somali refugee who played the main pirate in "Captain Phillips." Bahadur is immediately way in over his head and has to learn how to stay alive while flying by the seat of his pants.
In another bit of cinematic invention, Bahadur notices a beautiful Somali woman who sells the local drug in the market. The drug, which actually consists of leaves called KHAT that you chew to get high, is the price for gaining an interview with a pirate.
It turns out that the woman is one of the wives of a very dangerous and powerful pirate. In the film, a mild (but dangerous) flirtation with Bahadur ensues. In the Q&A after the screening, however, the real Bahadur appeared on stage and said that while the woman did exist and was quite beautiful, there was no flirtation between them.
"Dabka" was mostly shot in South Africa, where the majority of the extras and Somali cast were real life Somali refugees. Abdi, who is a bit of a celebrity among Somalis after his Oscar nomination for "Captain Phillips," often served as a translator and intermediary for the director and crew. (Abdi told the press that the friendship between his character and Bahadur in the film mirrored the strong friendship that he developed with costar Peters).
There are just a few seconds of actual footage from Somalia in the film that Bahadur shot from the window of his room. Over the credits, however, we're treated to some of Bahadur's photos, including images of some of the characters in the movie.
As far as I can tell, "Dabka" might just go unnoticed among movie- goers unless I'm mistaking or if it's the awards seasons. But do take my word for it: It is indeed inspirational, crazy, and educational all at once, and in the hands of Buckley, exceedingly entertaining.
The film is based on the story of Jay Bahadur, a young Canadian man who wanted very much to be a journalist but struggled to get a publication to buy his story ideas. Then, because of an interest in Somalia, he decided to scrape some money together and fly there, where he would interview pirates. Since virtually no western journalists were there at the time due to the dangers, Bahadur received help from the locals and got what he went after.
As fate would have it, the Captain Phillips hijacking took place while Bahadur was in the country, and the interest in Somali pirates skyrocketed across the world. Eventually, Bahadur wrote a book called The Pirates of Somalia: Inside Their Hidden World, which landed on the Times bestseller list. Today, he lives in Kenya, writes for top publications, and is considered one of the foremost western experts on Somalia.
Obviously, Bahadur put himself in danger and had many brushes with death, but the absurdity of the tale allowed screenwriter/director Bryan Buckley to find a great deal of humour in the story. The film is surprisingly what I would term a comedy, even as much of the subject matter is deadly serious. There is even some use of clever animation within the film.
Buckley starts the movie with a voice-over, as Bahadur's character is quick to say that he hates voice-overs. We see him in Toronto as played by Evan Peters, working in a job that's so boring, it's hard to believe it's actually a job. He has to visit grocery stores and interview clerks about how well a particular brand of napkins is selling.
In a bit of cinematic invention that Bahadur says didn't happen in real life, the character meets Al Pacino, who plays one of Bahadur's favourite journalists. Pacino plays it with his usual aplomb, of course, and tells his young protégé to skip journalism school and do something crazy.
Bahadur then finds a contact in Somalia via email and ends up in touch with the president's son. Eager to have their people accurately portrayed in the media, they arrange a body guard and translator, played by Barkhad Abdi, the real life Somali refugee who played the main pirate in "Captain Phillips." Bahadur is immediately way in over his head and has to learn how to stay alive while flying by the seat of his pants.
In another bit of cinematic invention, Bahadur notices a beautiful Somali woman who sells the local drug in the market. The drug, which actually consists of leaves called KHAT that you chew to get high, is the price for gaining an interview with a pirate.
It turns out that the woman is one of the wives of a very dangerous and powerful pirate. In the film, a mild (but dangerous) flirtation with Bahadur ensues. In the Q&A after the screening, however, the real Bahadur appeared on stage and said that while the woman did exist and was quite beautiful, there was no flirtation between them.
"Dabka" was mostly shot in South Africa, where the majority of the extras and Somali cast were real life Somali refugees. Abdi, who is a bit of a celebrity among Somalis after his Oscar nomination for "Captain Phillips," often served as a translator and intermediary for the director and crew. (Abdi told the press that the friendship between his character and Bahadur in the film mirrored the strong friendship that he developed with costar Peters).
There are just a few seconds of actual footage from Somalia in the film that Bahadur shot from the window of his room. Over the credits, however, we're treated to some of Bahadur's photos, including images of some of the characters in the movie.
As far as I can tell, "Dabka" might just go unnoticed among movie- goers unless I'm mistaking or if it's the awards seasons. But do take my word for it: It is indeed inspirational, crazy, and educational all at once, and in the hands of Buckley, exceedingly entertaining.
Relevant story of the struggles of Somalia
stephenw-301809 December 2017
I found this film to be very intriguing. When I started it, I was expecting a documentary type film on pirates in Somalia made famous by the terrific film "Captain Phillips".
About 10 minutes in, I realized this was going to be a lot more then an action/Drama film on the exploits of Somalian Pirates. What you get in this way better then average movie is a man who yearns to be a published writer/journalist. He tries his hand at some very uninteresting subject matter and then sees the news reports in the Hijacking of the cargo ship "Maersk Alabama" by Somalie pirates and, after some research, that NO Western journalist has ever truly entered the world of Piracy in that region of Africa.
He is Canadian (Evan Peters who plays real life journalist Jay Bahadur) and gets his parents to finance an adventure to a life completely unknown to him in Somalia.
Without giving more of the film away, I can say that the true elements of how Piracy got its start in this poor and almost forgotten African nation and more importantly WHY it happens to this day. It gives the viewer a really different perspective on the story of these proud people who have a history of culture and used to settle disputes with poetry, not violence. I enjoyed the way the protagonist explores the realities and history of the Somalie people rather then exploit the violence often used by the very nature of piracy.
This is a must see for anyone who is interested in the culture and reasons behind why piracy is a way of life for peoples of this region.
A very well done film. Definitely recommend.
About 10 minutes in, I realized this was going to be a lot more then an action/Drama film on the exploits of Somalian Pirates. What you get in this way better then average movie is a man who yearns to be a published writer/journalist. He tries his hand at some very uninteresting subject matter and then sees the news reports in the Hijacking of the cargo ship "Maersk Alabama" by Somalie pirates and, after some research, that NO Western journalist has ever truly entered the world of Piracy in that region of Africa.
He is Canadian (Evan Peters who plays real life journalist Jay Bahadur) and gets his parents to finance an adventure to a life completely unknown to him in Somalia.
Without giving more of the film away, I can say that the true elements of how Piracy got its start in this poor and almost forgotten African nation and more importantly WHY it happens to this day. It gives the viewer a really different perspective on the story of these proud people who have a history of culture and used to settle disputes with poetry, not violence. I enjoyed the way the protagonist explores the realities and history of the Somalie people rather then exploit the violence often used by the very nature of piracy.
This is a must see for anyone who is interested in the culture and reasons behind why piracy is a way of life for peoples of this region.
A very well done film. Definitely recommend.
...if you go in, have patience.
steveo12218 January 2018
The title "The Pirates of Somalia" + 'too old for action' Pacino set up in my mind a film completely different from what transpired. And so did the 'tone' of the first 20 or 30 minutes. The unprepossessing lead actor and the 'near-goofy bro' tone almost had me leave early but, if you go in, have patience. This well made true life tale of an idealist who takes a way-over-his-head risky chance in the hope of establishing himself as a journalist keeps adding weight as goes. The director mixes in a little magical-realism while presenting background to the Somali situation that I had never heard or read of before.
Plus, it happens to be funny quite often.
Enough license taken to make it a tense grand adventure.
Our favorite Somali actor, Barkhad Abdi, once again, does a great job.
An informative gem
Vindelander8 August 2019
Piracy or coast guard?
mark.waltz18 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
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.
Based on a true story
AlsExGal20 December 2022
This black comedy has twenty-something Canadian Jay Bahadur (Evan Peters) with dreams of becoming a journalist but no clear path towards reaching that goal. One day he hits upon the dubious idea of traveling to Somalia, a very dangerous country where no Western journalists will go out of fear, and writing a book about the coastal pirates. Once there, he learns about the local culture while also clumsily causing havoc. Featuring Barkhad Abdi as his friendly translator, Al Pacino as a journalistic mentor, and Melanie Griffith as Jay's mother. Also appearing are Coral Pena, Russell Posner, Kiana Madani, Maria Vos, and Philip Ettinger.
Peters is good in the lead, a goofball who makes up in courage what he lacks in common sense. Abdi, who played the lead Somali pirate in Captain Phillips, is also excellent as the cheerful local. Pacino and Griffith have little more than cameos. The film seems to be trying for a mix of Salvador and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, with many of the dangerous situations offset by humor. It doesn't always work, and the movie could have been 20 minutes shorter, but it's still a somewhat interesting glimpse at a foreign culture.
Peters is good in the lead, a goofball who makes up in courage what he lacks in common sense. Abdi, who played the lead Somali pirate in Captain Phillips, is also excellent as the cheerful local. Pacino and Griffith have little more than cameos. The film seems to be trying for a mix of Salvador and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, with many of the dangerous situations offset by humor. It doesn't always work, and the movie could have been 20 minutes shorter, but it's still a somewhat interesting glimpse at a foreign culture.
Entertaining, informative, and made me care about Somalia
mstyles-624-3993561 February 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This is a nice movie.. It's not pretentious. It's more about self-realization, and interactions with people.. The movie is very well cast, and dialog well constructed.
There are several supporting roles, which are quite interesting.
The thing about this movie I really liked and it really doesn't happen that much anymore, Is that I felt like I got to know the characters, and I cared and liked them. They each are working their way thru their own issues, which are not really the focus of the movie (or is it?)
I do wish they explored the parents more, especially Melonie Griffith. It could have added even more to this gem.
Too many movies these day are just lame. Or they try and clobber you over the head, with visuals, super-powers, end of the world threats.
This movie is entertaining, but also has points to think about it. It made me go and read up about Somalia, which has an amazing story to it's very long existence.
In short, this movie, entertained, informed, and made me think about things. something so rarely accomplished anymore.
The thing about this movie I really liked and it really doesn't happen that much anymore, Is that I felt like I got to know the characters, and I cared and liked them. They each are working their way thru their own issues, which are not really the focus of the movie (or is it?)
I do wish they explored the parents more, especially Melonie Griffith. It could have added even more to this gem.
Too many movies these day are just lame. Or they try and clobber you over the head, with visuals, super-powers, end of the world threats.
This movie is entertaining, but also has points to think about it. It made me go and read up about Somalia, which has an amazing story to it's very long existence.
In short, this movie, entertained, informed, and made me think about things. something so rarely accomplished anymore.
Great!
orangehenryviii8 December 2017
This was one of the most entertaining movies I've seen all year. A compelling retelling of a great story, with a refreshing approach to movie-making and an awesome cast, and some very memorable characters. Underlying all of that was a credible presentation of some important real life issues, which didn't come across as being overbearing or politically driven.
The bottom line for me is that is was a enjoyable, well made movie about a good story.
The bottom line for me is that is was a enjoyable, well made movie about a good story.
Title misleading
bryangary657 June 2018
Though a true story was a bit disappointed with the film.
Seemed a bit silly in many parts. Al Pacino was good but underused while Barkhad Abdi was probably the best character though every time you saw him I couldn't help but think he was playing his Captain Phillips role!
Seemed a bit silly in many parts. Al Pacino was good but underused while Barkhad Abdi was probably the best character though every time you saw him I couldn't help but think he was playing his Captain Phillips role!
Although slow paced, an entertaining, informative and well put together production
Top_Dawg_Critic13 December 2017
This type of docufilm is not my cup of tea as I'm more into the action/tension type films, but I still found it entertaining, informative and a well put together production with great casting, directing, writing and cinematography. Although the pace was too slow for me, still a great watch and thus a 8/10 from me.
Great heart and quiet bravery, but a little too long
robertemerald31 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This is a feel good movie. It's probably what people call indie as well. The two leads are interesting rather than sparkling with wit or any sort of challenge. This is basically a movie about garnering friendships and contacts in a foreign land. It's sweet. There are some good cultural moments. It is, however, very slow paced. The problem is that once the young reporter is down and settled in Somalia then, as far as it goes watching a movie, all the built up tension and great charm of the lead in just kind of fizzles out. He's in no danger at all for most of the time, and only very slight danger when meeting warlords, which in any case, fails to be transcribed to the screen. There's an interesting and original soundtrack. We could have heard more of that, as there was a real talent there for sound fitting moment. The photography was capable, but never really became cinematography, if you know what I mean. I would have loved to have seen more of the towns, the people, the farms, the insects and birds, and especially the coast. For a movie about a wide open desert country and a people dependant on fishing there was a conspicuous lack of sightseeing. The lead was young, true, but still managed to irritate rather than captivate with his constantly malfunctioning recorder. OK, I've had my little go at it. For all its laidback pedestrianism, The Pirates of Somalia is an important cultural moment, as it captures an adventure (which was brave) that was to become highly significant to the future of an entire people, and is definitely quietly enjoyable, particularly if you are a lover of adventure and cultural experience.
Not really
borbatr-118 January 2018
The movie dedicates from 3 - 5 minutes of dialogue to explain something of Somalia history, culture and situation. Throughout the rest of it, it tells the story of a prepotent journalist trying to make a career out of another country situation. The main character is just annoying and futile. Native actors made good performances.
Important story told through a bad script.
Great flick
tngdir9 February 2019
Honest movie has heart but plods along
robertemerald31 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This is a feel good movie. It's probably what people call indie as well. The two leads are interesting rather than sparkling with wit or any sort of challenge. This is basically a movie about garnering friendships and contacts in a foreign land. It's sweet. There are some good cultural moments. It is, however, very slow paced. The problem is that once the young reporter is down and settled in Somalia then, as far as it goes watching a movie, all the built up tension and great charm of the lead in just kind of fizzles out. He's in no danger at all for most of the time, and only very slight danger when meeting warlords, which in any case, fails to be transcribed to the screen. There's an interesting and original soundtrack. We could have heard more of that, as there was a real talent there for sound fitting moment. The photography was capable, but never really became cinematography, if you know what I mean. I would have loved to have seen more of the towns, the people, the farms, the insects and birds, and especially the coast. For a movie about a wide open desert country and a people dependant on fishing there was a conspicuous lack of sightseeing. The lead was young, true, but still managed to irritate rather than captivate with his constantly malfunctioning recorder. OK, I've had my little go at it. For all its laidback pedestrianism, The Prates of Somalia is an important cultural moment, as it captures an adventure (which was brave) that was to become highly significant to the future of an entire people, and is definitely quietly enjoyable, particularly if you are a lover of adventure and cultural experience.
hakuna simba.......
ops-525358 December 2017
This is not a blockbuster of a movie,Al Pacino,glimmering his name on the movie posters had a cigg-butt lasting appearance or disappearance.i had in the end forgot about ''scarface'',till i saw a cigar tasted by the main actor.so Pacino fans, be wilder-ed.... The lead actor and his Somalian interpreter and friend ,does a decent acting in this drama . The filming were colorful, but the direction and script are somewhat toothless and mediocre and high on khat. Not much pirating or shooting to be a pirate film. It is what i call ''nearly there''......and watching waiting for things to explode makes some 140 minutes seem very long.
Do not avoid this movie,the subject are important,but without angry lions(hakuna simba...)
Do not avoid this movie,the subject are important,but without angry lions(hakuna simba...)
Good movie
pedrowatkins15 January 2020
It's chill way to spend two hours with a movie, and the acting is very human and natural
kaptenvideo-8987518 March 2018
Ah, Somalia... where is it again? There's a new movie for every- or anybody willing to learn something about this African country famous for having been an major commercial centre in antique period, and, er, its pirates gaining international fame during the 2000's.
Or they might have been just local fishermen protecting their livelihood from illegal fishing by foreign trawlers, depending on who you ask.
As the title strongly suggests, "The Pirates of Somalia" is about those fishermen. It's based on actual events taking place mostly circa 2009, and actually has two stories in one.
The smaller story - mostly the beginning and the end - is about this American dude (Evan Peters) who wants to become journalist after college but can't get work. So he decides to do something noteworthy and travels to Somalia to write a book about its pirates.
This section plays out like typical youth comedy: dude fighting with parents who would like to see him doing something with his life, instead of living in their basement, smoking marijuana with friends, hanging out with this funny old man (Al Pacino) who likes cigars and drinks.
The dialogue feels pretty fresh and the general vibe is good. I enjoyed the unexpected little surprises such as the the character of pothead friend who's actually pretty smart, the foul language in TV news...
Also, Evan Peters is a likable leading dude, unpretentious but informed and eloquent, nerdish but charming. Think along the lines of Jesse Eisenberg and Emile Hirsch, and you might get the picture.
The bigger story is about him living in Somalia, socializing with the locals and trying to get interviews from pirates. All this is harder to describe because writer-director Brian Buckley has wanted to show life as it was, and not offer some packaged or ready-to-go entertainment connected to a specific genre.
He has dived right in the middle of Somalian everyday life and avoids typical cliches about Africa, as far as I can tell.
Yes, there are some goats walking on the streets, people living in slums, a lot of men carrying guns in public, etc. But the style is not hollywood-ish at all. People are just people, and most of the time, nothing big and exciting happens. Even the witty dialogue has been left back home at the U.S.
This simple and humane approach is "Pirates's" main strength but also it main weakness. Because for a near two hour movie, we see pirates but not exciting about them, and there's actually not much to learn about the local life too.
I did not get the general sense of what the people do all day every day, or even what the dude does (I can deduce he was writing for some of the time, and doing local drugs for fun, but then what?).
I know I am supposed to judge what the movie for what it is, not what it isn't. But it's still kind of funny that a story trying to give us deeper understanding about Somalia never really explores or explains what makes its people tick, or the pirates.
Well, it's still pretty chill way to spend two hours with a movie, and the acting is very human and natural, both by professionals and the locals, almost all of who are played by actual Somalian refugees.
In the central role is this Barkhad Abdi - nominated for Golden Globe and Oscar for 2013's "Captain Phillips" (where he played Somalian pirate). On American side, we also have some former stars like Melanie Griffith and Al Pacino.
Or they might have been just local fishermen protecting their livelihood from illegal fishing by foreign trawlers, depending on who you ask.
As the title strongly suggests, "The Pirates of Somalia" is about those fishermen. It's based on actual events taking place mostly circa 2009, and actually has two stories in one.
The smaller story - mostly the beginning and the end - is about this American dude (Evan Peters) who wants to become journalist after college but can't get work. So he decides to do something noteworthy and travels to Somalia to write a book about its pirates.
This section plays out like typical youth comedy: dude fighting with parents who would like to see him doing something with his life, instead of living in their basement, smoking marijuana with friends, hanging out with this funny old man (Al Pacino) who likes cigars and drinks.
The dialogue feels pretty fresh and the general vibe is good. I enjoyed the unexpected little surprises such as the the character of pothead friend who's actually pretty smart, the foul language in TV news...
Also, Evan Peters is a likable leading dude, unpretentious but informed and eloquent, nerdish but charming. Think along the lines of Jesse Eisenberg and Emile Hirsch, and you might get the picture.
The bigger story is about him living in Somalia, socializing with the locals and trying to get interviews from pirates. All this is harder to describe because writer-director Brian Buckley has wanted to show life as it was, and not offer some packaged or ready-to-go entertainment connected to a specific genre.
He has dived right in the middle of Somalian everyday life and avoids typical cliches about Africa, as far as I can tell.
Yes, there are some goats walking on the streets, people living in slums, a lot of men carrying guns in public, etc. But the style is not hollywood-ish at all. People are just people, and most of the time, nothing big and exciting happens. Even the witty dialogue has been left back home at the U.S.
This simple and humane approach is "Pirates's" main strength but also it main weakness. Because for a near two hour movie, we see pirates but not exciting about them, and there's actually not much to learn about the local life too.
I did not get the general sense of what the people do all day every day, or even what the dude does (I can deduce he was writing for some of the time, and doing local drugs for fun, but then what?).
I know I am supposed to judge what the movie for what it is, not what it isn't. But it's still kind of funny that a story trying to give us deeper understanding about Somalia never really explores or explains what makes its people tick, or the pirates.
Well, it's still pretty chill way to spend two hours with a movie, and the acting is very human and natural, both by professionals and the locals, almost all of who are played by actual Somalian refugees.
In the central role is this Barkhad Abdi - nominated for Golden Globe and Oscar for 2013's "Captain Phillips" (where he played Somalian pirate). On American side, we also have some former stars like Melanie Griffith and Al Pacino.
Evan Peters does an amazing job
robmacom-2078314 February 2018
I loved this film, it is so refreshing to see actual Somalian people given the chance to tell their story. I thought the film was fantastic, the drama was peppered with humor which made it more real
All of the leads were fantastic Evan Peters and Barkhad Abdi were the stand outs. I really felt their friendship grow through the film and about 30 minutes in I forgot they were acting as the drama became more real. I loved the Director's use of animation throughout the film.
I recommend this film as it is about another point of view and it is linked to the movie Captain Philips.
This film explains about the Somalian Culture and the motives behind the Piracy. I learned so much more from this film than from the Tom Hanks vehicle.
If I was to sum up its a cracking story of courage, hope and the search for the truth.
Loved every minute of it
All of the leads were fantastic Evan Peters and Barkhad Abdi were the stand outs. I really felt their friendship grow through the film and about 30 minutes in I forgot they were acting as the drama became more real. I loved the Director's use of animation throughout the film.
I recommend this film as it is about another point of view and it is linked to the movie Captain Philips.
This film explains about the Somalian Culture and the motives behind the Piracy. I learned so much more from this film than from the Tom Hanks vehicle.
If I was to sum up its a cracking story of courage, hope and the search for the truth.
Loved every minute of it
Great except for Jay character who is annoying.
ayaan-bretmitchell25 February 2020
I thought it was a good movie. The acting was good but the only reason it got a lowish rating was literally down to the character/actor Jay whatever his name is.
It's a sensitive subject, in a sensitive country but once again in true Hollywood style you get the loud obnoxious immature woo hoo individual that just ruins the whole film. Now, I have no idea if this is how Jay was in real life (chances are he is the same as it's a biography) but every single scene he is in I felt myself getting angrier and angrier. Acting like a spoilt child in a country that is trying to sort itself out.
The Somalian guy helping him was great but the Jay character just kept putting everyone associated with him in danger constantly due to his overt personality. If I was there and around him I would have probably left him to die many times.
So to sum up it's a great movie ruined by the main character with his 'Canadian in a different country let's party woo hoo' personality.
It's a sensitive subject, in a sensitive country but once again in true Hollywood style you get the loud obnoxious immature woo hoo individual that just ruins the whole film. Now, I have no idea if this is how Jay was in real life (chances are he is the same as it's a biography) but every single scene he is in I felt myself getting angrier and angrier. Acting like a spoilt child in a country that is trying to sort itself out.
The Somalian guy helping him was great but the Jay character just kept putting everyone associated with him in danger constantly due to his overt personality. If I was there and around him I would have probably left him to die many times.
So to sum up it's a great movie ruined by the main character with his 'Canadian in a different country let's party woo hoo' personality.
very interesting movie !!
Billkos14 December 2020
The movie was very interesting, it is good to see "Captain Philips" first, but even without it you can see it again. It is a very good movie with very beautiful locations and excellent interpretations, mainly by Barkhad Abdi and Evan Peters. The fact that it is based on a book makes it even more attractive. I highly recommend it.
Good story
sandino_owen27 September 2021
An incredible story based on real life events from 2008 and 2009, with a very well managed script and an incredible direction, however the production of this film chose poorly by choosing Evan Peters as the main actor playing Jay Bahadur, it took away force the character, you could even feel in a bad movie at times, made the story send the wrong and distorted message.
Aargh, A Pirate Movie without anyone walking the plank.
nogodnomasters28 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Based on a true story.
Jay Bahadur (Evan Peters) is a wet behind the ears, wannabe journalist. He decides the way to get noticed is to go to Somalia and do a story on the pirates with the help of mom's milk money (Melanie Griffith). Yup, that's about it. We see Jay in his small room with yellow sticky notes. He goes out and talks to people and goes back to his room. I guess the climax was his debriefing. Not much in the way of action. He talks to the "pirates" and never once says, "aargh." Oh yes, he eats some khat and talks too much.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.
Jay Bahadur (Evan Peters) is a wet behind the ears, wannabe journalist. He decides the way to get noticed is to go to Somalia and do a story on the pirates with the help of mom's milk money (Melanie Griffith). Yup, that's about it. We see Jay in his small room with yellow sticky notes. He goes out and talks to people and goes back to his room. I guess the climax was his debriefing. Not much in the way of action. He talks to the "pirates" and never once says, "aargh." Oh yes, he eats some khat and talks too much.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.
One person can make a difference
texastea-2207320 March 2018
Unexpectedly excellent
davethemathtutor28 July 2021
This based-on-facts movie looks like it's going to be a trashy, violence-filled tale of mayhem, but it turns out to be something quite different, and much better.. It tells the story of Jay Bahadur (played by Evan Peters), a young Canadian who wanted to be a journalist. A chance meeting with a journalist whose writings he greatly admired (a fictitious composite played by Al Pacino) persuaded him that rather than going to journalism school, he should go somewhere dangerous and write about it. He went to Somalia, a country he had researched for a paper he had written in college, and found opportunities to interview the Somalian pirates, which no Westerner had ever done.
It's an exciting story, well told, well acted, and believable. The Somalians in particular are portrayed as three-dimensional characters rather than simply as savages (as they are often portrayed in the media). Yet brutality and ruthlessness are present in their everyday lives as well. Action, suspense, friendship, courage, humor, this movie has it all.
What it does not have, unfortunately, is captioning. Much of the dialogue is difficult to catch, especially the English spoken by the Somalians with their strong African accent. This is a rather serious flaw impairing the enjoyment of an otherwise excellent movie.
It's an exciting story, well told, well acted, and believable. The Somalians in particular are portrayed as three-dimensional characters rather than simply as savages (as they are often portrayed in the media). Yet brutality and ruthlessness are present in their everyday lives as well. Action, suspense, friendship, courage, humor, this movie has it all.
What it does not have, unfortunately, is captioning. Much of the dialogue is difficult to catch, especially the English spoken by the Somalians with their strong African accent. This is a rather serious flaw impairing the enjoyment of an otherwise excellent movie.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
