The Pirates of Somalia

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.

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.

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

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.

What a pleasant surprise as I had no expectation of this film being as good as it is. Good storyline based on fact, well cast and good acting. Thoroughly recommend this one.