Before seeing this film, I heard that it had an interesting history. It was to be shot in Pakistan, because Afghanistan was considered too dangerous. However, the director was not allowed to make it in Pakistan, so he sent most of his crew home, and just a few hardy folks went with him into Afghanistan itself, because he did not want the whole project to be wasted. As a viewer, I was very pleased indeed with the result, but quite nervous along the journey that's for sure.
He had a mission to accomplish, and we watch as his perceptions of the country change, and, as the film progresses, we all begin to see what these people actually consider to be important. He has to adjust (and does so) in order to have any likelihood of succeeding. Watching this gradual realization of what he must do is fascinating. The mix of people, both old and young, is very engaging, and we also try to work out how we would interact with these people in the situations encountered.
The towns and countryside of Afghanistan also play a vital role in the story, much of it being mountainous desert. So the film has a great mix of tense relationships, coping with a foreign culture and an unforgiving environment, handled with skill and a lightness of touch. Definitely worth the journey.
