Lots of films have emerged over the last few years as America comes to terms with the Iraqi wars; some have been disappointing (The Kingdom anyone?) but some have been both exciting and thought provoking. Paul Greengrass' Green Zone is sure to fall into the latter category. Matt Damon plays a warrant officer assisting a CIA operative in his search for weapons of mass destruction in the lead up to the war. If you were a fan of the Bourne films this is a must see!
What better opportunity to catch up with the best films to come out of the conflict. Get some!
Body of Lies
International relations is a confusing business really. Suitably, Ridley Scott's 2008 film Body of Lies stays true to this. It has more intrigue than you can shake a stick at but miraculously stays on the right side of interest. Leonardo Di Caprio gets hot and sweaty as CIA operative Roger Ferris working in Iraq to track down a wanted terrorist called Al-Saleem. Even though he frequently has to narrowly avoid death he's still under the watchful eye of his boss Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe) - who has the luxury of calling the shots from the comfort of his own home. The film not only follows Ferris' case but also the tense relationship he has with the decidedly shady Hoffman.
The Mark of Cain
Produced by Film4, The Mark of Cain was originally shown on Channel 4 but this feature length TV movie outshines the vast majority of Iraq films that have come out of Hollywood. Directed by Marc Munden and starring a host of young British talent, this is by no means an easy watch. Following the death of their major in an attack, the troops of a British battalion use unnecessary force to deal with suspected insurgents in their custody. The film follows their actions and then the court martial that faces them when they return home.
Heavy Metal in Baghdad
If you get tired of looking at the Iraq war from the poiont of view of the soldiers and politicians, then why not check out this fascinating documentary that really goes places that no war thriller can. Directed by Suroosh Alvi and Eddy Moretti and produced by Spike Jonze, the film tracks down heavy metal band Acrassicauda in the aftermath of the Saddam Hussein's dowfall in 2005. This is an inspiring story about the joy of music, the band members keep going despite the chaos that has been going on around them - bombed out rehearsal studios, death and violence. A testament to the awesome power of rock!