"Osama," directed by Siddiq Barmak

[bixente]

I seen this last Sunday.

Outstanding film, for a number of reasons:

The lead performances, especially Marina Golbahari and Arif Herati, are outstanding. And these people were found by the director on the street! Golbahari was a beggar, and Herati was selling some dogs (one of which appears in the movie). These non-professionals put more heart, more authenticity, than the majority of the performances you see in Hollywood nowadays. Herati should be a star, but he's still living in poverty.

The film's budget was $46,000 US, but it doesn't look cheap at all. This is due to the stunning cinematography, the film looks like a work of art.

Has anyone else seen this outstanding film from Afghanistan? I'd love to discuss this heartbreaking film with some others.

[strategery blunder]

1. I've seen it.

I can't remember if it was last year, or the year before. I'm certainly surprised that it only cost $46K to make.

Some organization (I have no idea which one) at my university sponsored a screening, and I'm so glad I went. I thought it was a documentary, not a movie...that's how convincing the performers were.

I can only imagine the freepers frothing at the name of the film though.

[bixente]

2. An interview with the director

http://actionadventure.about.com/cs/weeklystories/a/aa020604.htm

He talks about (among other things) his first encounter with Golbahari. Very interesting.

[texanwitch]

3. I have seen that movie, it depressed me.

The end of the movie was so sad, this was one movie I wished I had missed.