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Heavy Metal in Baghdad (2007)

Heavy Metal in Baghdad (2007)
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VICE Magazine co-founder Suroosh Alvi and VICE Films head Eddy Moretti embark on a gonzo journey to meet Iraq's only heavy metal band in a freewheeling documentary focusing on youth culture in war-torn Iraq. In the summer of 2005, shortly after Saddam Hussein's brutal rule came to an end, Iraqi heavy metal group Acrassicauda (named after an especially venomous breed of black scorpion) teamed with VICE Magazine to stage a sold out rock concert. Over a year later, VICE co-founder Alvi and filmmaker Moretti travel back to the Middle Eastern country to find out how the war has affected the band. What they find upon arriving for their reunion with Acrassicauda is especially disturbing. These are the images that the network news refuses to run - the story of an entire generation who risk their lives simply by standing in the open, and who are driven from their homeland by bombs and machinegun fire. In order to even practice, the band would have to risk their lives by exposing themselves to both Iraqi snipers and suspicious coalition forces. Then again, after your studio has been bombed into the ground what's the point in rehearsing anyway? ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Starring:
Eddy MorettiSuroosh Alvi, (more)
Director(s):
Suroosh AlviEddy Moretti, (more)
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD
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Synopsis of Heavy Metal in Baghdad

VICE Magazine co-founder Suroosh Alvi and VICE Films head Eddy Moretti embark on a gonzo journey to meet Iraq's only heavy metal band in a freewheeling documentary focusing on youth culture in war-torn Iraq. In the summer of 2005, shortly after Saddam Hussein's brutal rule came to an end, Iraqi heavy metal group Acrassicauda (named after an especially venomous breed of black scorpion) teamed with VICE Magazine to stage a sold out rock concert. Over a year later, VICE co-founder Alvi and filmmaker Moretti travel back to the Middle Eastern country to find out how the war has affected the band. What they find upon arriving for their reunion with Acrassicauda is especially disturbing. These are the images that the network news refuses to run - the story of an entire generation who risk their lives simply by standing in the open, and who are driven from their homeland by bombs and machinegun fire. In order to even practice, the band would have to risk their lives by exposing themselves to both Iraqi snipers and suspicious coalition forces. Then again, after your studio has been bombed into the ground what's the point in rehearsing anyway? ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
84 mins

Complete Cast of Heavy Metal in Baghdad


Director(s):
Suroosh AlviEddy Moretti
Writer(s):
Bernardo LoyolaSuroosh Alvi
Producer(s):
Eddy MorettiMonica HamptonSuroosh Alvi
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Categories:
Documentary
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Member Reviews
 
Jon B.

Loved this movie. It clearly demonstrates the mess western powers have made of Iraq and the suffering of orginary people. Talk about a band paying its dues! wow!

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Keith G.

I find myself surprised to be giving a film about heavy metal a 4.5 star rating, and maybe I am being too generous. But this tragic and darkly comic (and oddly triumphant and endearing) look at a group of young Iraqis trying to keep their band together and play, in the middle of the insanity of war, and then in exile in Syria - and at the crazy bravery of the two young guys trying to make a film about them - has stuck in my head with very fond feelings. By making the effects of war personal and specific there is a much deeper understanding than in trying to cover the whole wide landscape. Not quite as moved on a second viewing with friends, but that did not stop me from buying a copy.

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Donald M.

I really enjoyed the DVD. I have been to Iraq and it does a good job of showing what it is like to travel around Baghdad. It also gave me a good idea of some of the hardships that ordinary Iraqis in Baghdad face. The DVD follows the life story of Iraq's only heavy metal band. It even includes footage from their performance for Saddam Hussein. Just being able to put on a show is a big challenge for them. Two American journalists come to Iraq to interview them and to record their show. I enjoyed watching the movie and later watching the bonus features that track what happened to the band after they left Baghdad. I found myself rooting for these guys because they were up against so much. It is a very entertaining movie.

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