X
- 2013
- Not Rated
- IFC Films
- 1 h 27 m
- 2013
- Not Rated
- IFC Films
- 1 h 27 m
Summary Investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill is pulled into a surprising journey as he chases down the hidden truth behind America's expanding covert wars.
Directed By: Rick Rowley
Written By: David Riker, Jeremy Scahill
- 2013
- Not Rated
- IFC Films
- 1 h 27 m
- 2013
- Not Rated
- IFC Films
- 1 h 27 m
Dirty Wars
76
8.1
Where to Watch
Summary Investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill is pulled into a surprising journey as he chases down the hidden truth behind America's expanding covert wars.
Directed By: Rick Rowley
Written By: David Riker, Jeremy Scahill
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 18 Critic Reviews
76
89% Positive
16 Reviews
16 Reviews
11% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 18 Critic Reviews
76
89% Positive
16 Reviews
16 Reviews
11% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
I wish Rowley didn’t so often dabble in standard movie-thriller-style stylistics, but his film is an exposé of practices that need – demand – exposing.
A remarkable documentary as important as it is compelling.
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 29 User Ratings
8.1
86% Positive
25 Ratings
25 Ratings
7% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
7% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 29 User Ratings
8.1
86% Positive
25 Ratings
25 Ratings
7% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
7% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
Modern day heroism at its finest, offering us help to see the results of our continuing ignorance, so we could realize what needs to be done and do it. To stop the endless, self-perpetuating wars (there are other kinds also going, economic etc.) and instead start using beneficial, efficient and prosperous tactics (there are a lot of options available, and more to be found).
Report
Essential viewing for anyone who still retains a shred of independent thought. This courageous work is unique in that it tells it like it is the sad truth which is so often obscured. Highly recommended and then go watch Oliver Stone's 'Untold History of the United States,' and you will see...
Report
Dirty Wars leaves some deeper questions unexplored, mainly the philosophical struggle between security and secrecy, but makes up grandly with raw data and one correspondent’s passion.
These wars being fought in our name may be dirty, but this courageous film reminds us that as long as we have a free press, they don’t have to be secret.
Ably leads us through its extensive investigation, faltering only when the camera lingers on Jeremy Scahill for a touch too long at the expense of his interview subjects.
As a polemic, Dirty Wars is provocative and productively depressing, raising doubts about the effectiveness of military missions that have the potential to create ideological enemies, as well as the degree to which elected officials can—or are willing to—place checks on secret ops. (Obama gets no more points than Bush in any of the matters discussed.)
The movie has rather silly, Bourne-style thriller graphics, which are unnecessary: it has an important story to tell.
This is beyond eye-opening. Such courage in Scahill's determination to get this out there, despite its "hiding in plain sight." Next up, I hope: A similar pursuit of the reasons WHY Jsoc keeps operating in a world that's become a battlefield: The weapons industry. Please, Mr. Scahill: Follow the money.
Report
The presentation and style of the movie is a little distracting, putting Scahill front-and-center with a noir style running commentary. That said, Scahill is a great journalist and the information presented in Dirty Wars is essential to all Americans. The movie is an introduction and an eye-opener, but I recommend following up with Scahill's book of the same name. The book is far more detailed and encompassing.
Report
A gripping conspiracy story with a back bone of evidence, Dirty Wars is one of the most important films to see of 2013. Its designed to provoke outrage, and I would image most will feel outraged when they see it. The film focuses on Scahill, an American Journalist trying to reveal stories of secret divisions of the US Army and the damage they have caused. While the frustrations of entering the media circuit and dismissal at the top courts are interesting, the persist focus on Scahill instead of the victims can be at times distracting. This is especially true during interviews where the camera continually drifts back to Scahill to capture his reactions. The film attempts to present itself as a spy story with Bond style graphics and cuts following its lead star. All this been said, my criticisms are to do with how cinematic the film is, not the story itself. The story as well as the journalism behind it is truly excellent. Regardless of your political stance, see Dirty Wars, if only to glimpse the lives of people caught in the cross fire. War is indeed a terrible thing.
Report
Production Company
Big Noise Films,
Civic Bakery
Release Date Jun 7, 2013
Duration 1 h 27 m
Rating Not Rated
Genres
Tagline A secret army. A war without end. A journalist determined to uncover the truth.
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 1 Nomination
Little Rock Film Festival
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
Sundance Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
