The Pirates of Somalia

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.

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.

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.

Biographies and movies based on true events will always draw my attention especially when the theme has an interesting story or is about a person that accomplished something not everybody else would or could do. In this case it's about the first Westener that showed any interest in Somalia and their problems, and that had balls big enough to risk his life almost daily. Evan Peters did a good job playing this character, one of his better roles. Good job from Barkhad Abdi also. The bigger names in this movie barely appeared in the story so not much to write about them. Interesting story with some good acting.

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.