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Showing all 28 reviews...
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It was a really nice movie. I liked it a lot :)
7/10
8.9.2005 -
gabriella_matich@ - age: 18-25
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[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
The beginning is deceptive - tries to insinuate that it is a documentary, but it is not. The audio in the beginning was also nearly impossible, and since there was no closed caption, it was quite a strain. Somewhere along the way, it becomes obvious that if this were a documentary, the person filming is out of place. The viewer feels duped, deceived... a straightforward presentation of the message and scenes would have been better appreciated, in my opinion. Still, the film has some hauntingly beautiful scenes of people and landscapes. It depicts some original concepts which must haunt the viewers, but each one leaves the viewer with questions to research further: for example, the scene of the girls' last day at school (why was it their last day? Why the mixture of empty eyes and then playing? ); the Red Cross scene (is that true? It was presented in a surreal sense, like someone's horrific/saving dream. Were they running toward the legs because there was competition for them? Who were the women in white who worked for the Red Cross? What language were they speaking to each other? Why was the site in the middle of the desert? How can someone use the temporary legs? They had no means of attachment); how did the doctor pay his way (he seemed to have plenty to give, never taking); is it realistic that an American doctor would be fulfilling this role? Do the doctors actually treat the women through a hole in a drape, and through intermediaries like this? What happened to the people who were told to separate and sit down when (I assume) the black-hooded inspectors/officials searched the wedding party? Were they simply thiefs? The film expands the mind and attempts to expand the understanding... however, there are many questions and loose ends that beg to be resolved.
6/10
22.11.2004 -
betty@ - age: 50+
I wouldn't call this film an intructional tool on afghani life. Although Nafas, the principle character passes through, she is somewhat detached from the culture. Most insight comes in rare glimpses, however it is enough to capture imaginations. Although it's not a movie to define afghani's by, it's valuable in that it gives a brief enough glimpse to stir peoples interest into learning more about this culture.
8/10
16.12.2003 -
grace_cartwright@ - age: 18-25
That movie was great!!! Now my project in school to write a review. I recomend every one to watch it!!!
10/10
20.11.2003 -
asdfsad@
Touching, amazing, a veryg interesting story about the life in a unknown land. This land deserves more en better. A picture to be discussed. A story behind a story? I have seen great anxious in the eyes of hte children.
9/10
13.10.2003 -
rverniest@ - age: 50+
This movie was pure bullshit. The fact that alot of people, specially westerners, have found it quite interesting is that most of them hadn't known very much about Afghanistan and now thanks to Nilofar Pazira (an Afghan) for the way she has presented her country. The whole movie was such a crock of shiAt!!!
1/10
22.9.2003 -
zack@ - age: 18-25
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The fact that Makhmalbaf's movie didn't actually follow the story nor... well... end is the least of its problems. Great set location props up good cinematography to visually stunning but it doesn't save the movie. Wooden acting and scripted interplay-from apologetic to demonising-are the first things to raise hackles. It is no small wonder that the film was lost even amongst foreign film fans NOT in North America before september 11th and the WTC attacks. To film young students reciting the Qu'ran then rattling off the bloody effect of the Kalishnakov rifle (AK-47) as part of an unscripted documnetary would be one thing but to set it up specifically is another. Makhmalbaf clearly wants you to see Islam=violence. If this had been the only scene it may have been less of a red flag but the "Chariot's of Fire" for cripples was over the top. The message may have been a juxtaposition of desperation and desire but it failed miserably. To equate this movie as "a great introduction to Afghanistan and the Afghan people" is to do a ridiculous injustice to a peoples and culture (hey just because Nelofer Pazira is from there doesn't mean she's 'the' authority or an unbiased documentarian!!) From the credulous defense of the Burqha to the fact that it was one of the worst pretend-this-is-a-documentary films it should rate nothing more than fortunate propaganda. [...]
5/10
27.12.2002 -
bohemian_life@ - age: 36-49
My wife (Chinese) and I (American black) enjoyed this movie very much. The idea of an American black living in Afghanistan gave the movie an slightly surreal quality. I think some of the criticisms of the movie are unwarranted. Considering the circumstances, this movie was a great introduction to Afghanistan and the Afghan people.
9/10
26.10.2002 -
bpolk@ - age: 36-49
The scene of cripples chase after the artificial limbs from the sky in the desert has to be the most imaginative sight in any movie.
9/10
10.10.2002 -
sdj108@ - age: 50+
I appreciated the landscape showing the mountains and desert. Such an inhospitable place. How on earth did the clinic operate in the middle of the sandy desert? This film left more questions than it answered. What was the significance of the left earthernware pot at the end of the film.
7/10
24.7.2002 -
joycan2@ - age: 50+
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First, I'd like to say this film was amazing. I saw it on DVD where I could listen to Nafas' commentary and see a background W-5 segment on her and her (mostly) autobiographical journey. This was an eye opening foray in to the 'eye of the storm', as they say. But to counter those who were angered by the negative portrayal of Afghanistan, I would like to point out that Nafas and her family WERE from Afghanistan and she DID go back as in the movie (although it wasn't for her sister but her friend) She did have some of the difficulties depicted. I know that Islam at its soul is a good, peaceful faith (not mine, though) , but as in every religion, for every good, there is a bad, every ying has its yang. Unfortunately, much of this bad seems to come from this area (Taliban) This is a story of desperate people in desperate times and I think it was very even-handed in its telling. I urge you, if you can, to see the DVD and get the background on this brave woman and her wonderful film.
9/10
26.6.2002 -
dphumphrey@ - age: 36-49
It was the worst movie the acting was terrible and it ws really boring and I recommend you not to see it.
1/10
5.6.2002 -
stick_81@ - age: 36-49
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I was truly disappointed in this film basically because I believe it presents a distorted view of the Afghani people. It appeared that the only people who could be trusted were English speakers! There were no Afghani people presented which you could respect and honour. Of course the Afghan Canadian lead could be trusted, but it seemed she was an observer, no longer a part of the culture (perhaps she has been "civilised" by her years in Canada?!) And on what basis did the doctor decide that the young boy could not be trusted? And then place the woman in the hands of someone we knew could not be trusted! Some of the images were memorable, but you could go to the National Geographic for those. It is a great pity that the film is an outsider's view of Afghanistan. Both my husband, a Muslim, and I were offended by the representation of the children in the mosque with the sabre and the automatic rifle. That particular scene may be realistic, and it is shocking to contemplate, but where was the balance for a non-Muslim audience? My experience of Islam is so very different.
4/10
30.4.2002 -
s,ali@ - age: 36-49
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I found the message attempted in this movie was good, but the delivery left a lot to be desired. The pretense for the journey undertaken by Nafas was of a pretty standard movie drama style, and the acting, done by all unprofessional actors, was horrid. The cinematography was wonderful, and many of the scenes were very emotionally powerful. The use of the burqa as the symbol of oppression was pretty heavy, though the true message about the way women are treated in that part of the world comes through clearly. Women are treated horribly. The ending leaves the viewer in the lurch. There is no resolution. All that is understood is that the movie ended without resolution to the story. It can only be assumed that Nafas did not reach her sister in time and her sister did kill herself. This movie is worth watching, but it is worth investigating. The true worth of this film is to stir interest in the human beings that make up Afghanistan, and to find out what caused the horrendous conditions and destroyed both the land and its people.
7/10
5.4.2002 -
jesse@ - age: 26-35
The photography was marvellous. Some scenes went on too long. Acting not great. Story plot weak but still I was captivated and could have watched more.
7/10
4.4.2002 -
val@ - age: 50+
It was the truth, and that's what I liked about it. But the acting was kind of weak. But that was Ok because the movie has served its purpose very well. I hope we see more of these movies from Mr. Makhmalbaf.
9/10
27.3.2002 -
n_arbabi@ - age: 18-25
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Boycott the Movie Kandahar and Say NO to a Terrorist by Farhad Mafie Almost 22 years ago Ali Akbar Tabatabai, an active outspoken critic of the Islamic government of Iran, was assassinated in front of his home in Bethesda, Maryland by David Theodore Belfield, an assassin hired by the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) At the time Mr. Belfield was a student who had recently converted to Islam and adopted the Muslim name Daoud Salhuddin. Following the murder he fled through Canada and Switzerland to Iran where he has resided ever since. Just like many other assassins who have brutally murdered hundreds of Iranian opposition activists in exile, Mr. Belfield is also highly respected and rewarded by the Islamic government of Iran and enjoys a very comfortable life in Iran. Well, guess what, Mr. Belfield is back in the U. S. but not to be prosecuted for his terrorist activities. He is instead to be rewarded by Americans. Yes, a terrorist is being promoted and rewarded as a movie star by the Iranian Islamic government. The same Islamic government that, based on the U. S. State Department report of April 2001, is the most active supporter and promoter of terrorist activities in the world. Yes, an Islamic Iranian made movie entitled Kandahar, is staring Mr. Belfield and is being distributed in the U. S. How ridiculous. This is another example of hypocrisy in action."We are very comfortable that the man who appears in this film is indeed David Belfield, " Maryland state attorney for Montgomery County Doug Gansler told ABC News."He's an assassin and he's a terrorist." Well, why is this movie being distributed in the United States? Why should we watch this movie and directly support a terrorist and a terrorist supported government? This is not a practice of free speech. This is hypocrisy and direct support for terrorism. We as Iranians, we as Americans of Iranian heritage, we as proud Americans have to say NO to this movie (Kandahar) and to those who are promoting it. Let the French government and it's Cannes Film Festival reward this movie and its terrorist star. Let those who look for short-term benefits by supporting a terrorist government promote this movie. But let the rest of us stand for the right principles and say NO to this murderer and to its supporting government. We either say NO to terrorism in every form and shape or we all will suffer from the consequences of our indifference and our lackadaisical attitude. Mr. Mohsen Makhmabalaf the film's director, denied knowledge of Belfield's past."I have always chosen my actors from crowded streets and barren deserts, " he said."I never ask those who act in my films what they have done before, nor do I follow what they do after I finish shooting my film." How ridiculous and how stupid. I guess we will be seeing Mr. Bin Laden and other terrorists and murderers in Mr. Mohsen Makhmabalaf's future movies very soon. Every single movie, book, article, music, etc. , that is produced in the Islamic Iran has to go through several stages of checking, rechecking, and major scrutiny by the Islamic government before it can be distributed in Iran or outside of Iran. Mr. Makhmabalaf's statements not only shows his irresponsibility and his lack of professionalism as movie director, it also shows he has no objection toward IRI's terrorist mentality and actions. The least that he could have done as a responsible movie director and producer is to put a stop to this movie distribution and also offer his apologies toward Mr. Tabatabai's family and other families who have suffered from terrorism. Enough is enough. This is not a matter of having a difference of opinion. This is direct support for a terrorist and a terrorist supporting government. We all need to say NO to a terrorist and we all need to boycott this movie. Thanks for your support in boycotting this movie (Kandahar) and please also share this message with others..
1/10
22.3.2002 -
mafie@ - age: 26-35
I thought it was really good. An eye opener.
9/10
8.3.2002 -
sh1982@ - age: 18-25
I think it is a great movie. I learned alot about afghan people when I watched this movie. It is wonderful. I think everyone should watch it.
9/10
11.2.2002 -
angelgirl180@ - age: 13-17
Excellent movie... is the reality of life in other latitudes...
9/10
7.2.2002 -
mapico@ - age: 26-35
As I am written a critics on this movie before, this not a picture from Afghanistan. Can't express the true nature of Afghanistan and shows Afghanistan is the worst country in the world.
3/10
3.2.2002 -
afghanian@ - age: 26-35
Kandahar made me realize I've been biased about the suffering about women in Afghanastan. It sheds light on the difficulties of all the people of the country. The non-muslim world should see this in order to see that the problems there seem to be political rather than religious.
9/10
18.1.2002 -
ireland21@ - age: 26-35
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I thought Kandahar was excellent. The photography and the editing were superb. My only complaint was the unnatural and rather stiff performance of the protagonist in certain scenes. As a documentary, the focus on the unimagined plight of those unfortunate enough to require medical attention in that pathetic land, such as the scene of the amputees racing on their crutches to get artificial limbs dropped by parachutes or the examination of women by a healer through a hole in a screen, are more effective than a thousand words. The subplots in the movie about the American finding his goal in life (if not the God he seeks) and the protagonist's need to assuage her gilt for being the lucky sister, by relinquishing everyting she had enjoyed in life and that her sister had not, are well developed. The cultural values of the area are consistently and effectively shown (eg: the indoctrination of future terrorists in school and the misogynous attitude of the dominant male exemplified by the treatment of the protagonist by the young guide and of the nurses by the husband and the thief) I must say that this movie (in 1.25 hr) was more elocuent to me than everything I have read about the Taliban and Afghanistan during the last three months.
9/10
15.1.2002 -
degavrillac7@ - age: 50+
Worth seeing.
8/10
13.1.2002 -
bamba@ - age: 26-35
I think it was marvellous.
10/10
3.1.2002 -
mozhgannikkhah@ - age: 26-35
[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
I wasn't sure what to expect from this film, but I was fascinated by the story of this Afgan Canadian returning back home trying at all cost to reach Kandahar, to try and save her sister before she commits suicide. The photography was beautiful, and many scenes were moving. I think the directer Mr. Makhmalbaf did a great job. Thank you very much.
10/10
27.11.2001 -
javabox@ - age: 26-35
It seems a little warped to say you "enjoyed" this sad tale, but I did. Perhaps appreciated, is a more suitable adjective. Though the focus is one womans' journey, it also provides a glimpse into what daily life can hold for those who call the wasteland that is Afghanistan, home. It's difficult to imagine that you could find anything you would describe as "beautiful" in this country, considering recent events, however - some of the footage captured in "Kandahar" is visually stunning, though equally disturbing. The only complaint I had with "Kandahar, " was the ending... I am curious to know more about the fate of the journalist? Overall - I highly recommend this movie. Keep in mind, the things we (as Canadians) choose to complain about in our daily lives. Upon leaving the theatre - you may feel just a little embarassed.
8/10
22.11.2001 -
extone@ - age: 36-49
Interesting movie w/ wonderful scenes and a tragic story. I think it was very artistic. It was so much more than just a movie about what's going on in afghanistan. The only thing I didnt like was the poorly acting cast. The cameras were used great but the actors werent directed well maybe :) I mean you can say that they're acting, so that pushes you out of the mood from time to time.
9/10
2.11.2001 -
chemical@ - age: 18-25
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