In 2008, rookie journalist Jay Bahadur forms a half-baked plan to embed himself with the pirates of Somalia. He ultimately succeeds in providing the first close-up look into who these men ar... Read allIn 2008, rookie journalist Jay Bahadur forms a half-baked plan to embed himself with the pirates of Somalia. He ultimately succeeds in providing the first close-up look into who these men are, how they live, and the forces that drive them.In 2008, rookie journalist Jay Bahadur forms a half-baked plan to embed himself with the pirates of Somalia. He ultimately succeeds in providing the first close-up look into who these men are, how they live, and the forces that drive them.
- Awards
- 1 nomination total
Mohamed Hakeemshady
- Ancient Warrior
- (voice)
- (as Hakeemshady Mohamed)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
6.711.8K
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Featured reviews
Although slow paced, an entertaining, informative and well put together production
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.
Evan Peters does an amazing 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
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
very interesting movie !!
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.
...if you go in, have patience.
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.
Watch only if you've got some brains to follow along.
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.
Did you know
- TriviaBarkhad Abdi, who was born in Somalia, had his break out role in Captain Philips. A movie about Somalian Pirates. Barkhad Abdi plays one of the main pirates in that movie that is describing an incident that is part of this story.
- Crazy creditsThe closing credits identify the many Somali refugees in the cast and crew with the year they became a refugee.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Conan: Jean-Claude Van Damme/Barkhad Abdi/Dina Hashem (2017)
- How long is The Pirates of Somalia?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $103,385
- Runtime
- 1h 56m(116 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content






