Osama (2003)

This was very drawn out with very little storyline. I didn't feel it showed what was happening today with the people of Afghanistan and the Taliban. If you want to see just what its like to live there, watch The Stoning of Soraya M. This gives a much better account of what is happening there today. I felt this film only glossed over what is going on

A great movie about trying to show the reality of living under Taliban. I was, in fact, more moved than the actual movie, by the Behind the Scenes documentary. There it proves how real the storyline of the movie is and really speaks to you about the traumatic inhumane treatment women and girls are subjected to since their birth. We see the opportunities and chances if life because we know and see and feel that our equality and rights are respected and upheld in our society. But when people are born into the state of such mistreatment and abuse, they cannot even dream of fighting against what we think of as injustice and bigotry because they don’t have anything else to compare their lives to. What they have and know are it. Must see movie to open your eyes to a bigger picture of the world – life is not just about what surrounds you, the movie asks us to see what we don’t see on a daily bases, but there.

Movie is in Arabic and boring. The title is deceptive. nThe only saving point is that it depectics life for a female under the Taliban. That fact is adequately depicted in the news/documentaries.

A really insightful and confronting story. Can't stop thinking about it. Had to watch it again before returning it as it was such a powerful story. A must see.

So sad :( There was never going to be a happy ending to this one. It still haunts me.

Must see. Touching story of a little girl who has to "become" a boy in order to keep her family alive and the sacrifices these people have to make under Taliban rule. heartbreaking.

A powerful, if somewhat slowly-paced, film.. What a nightmare society the Taliban created! Even more disturbing is the documentary about the making of the movie in the Extras. These are not actors, but child beggars and genuine victims of this terrible regime. An extraordinary, and very moving, piece of film-making..

A story of time that stood still. How can western values ever live and thrive here? One can only hope that more humanity and the valuing of women will ultemitly win over this cruel society.

I can not think of any film that transmits a sense of fear so palpable. What is genuinely astonishing is that this was not the film that was planned; we learn in one of the special features that the films starts differently because initially it was supposed to be something else entirely. This is not a big story but it is astonishingly well told.

A very moving movie ina different way. These people are so poor and controlled, and still living in a time long gone... Thats the Taliban for you. War on terror must go on

Very touching movie, with great performances, especially from the children. The adults were able to display the subtle but compassionate emotions. The documentary in the 'additional features' part is really worth it. Great film.

A detailed snippet of life under the Taliban in Afganistan. So realistic a protrayal that you feel part of it. Needless to say it is quite an awful glimpse of what the people had to endure under this fundumentalist regime.

This is a harrowing tale, in a war torn area where people disappear every day. A young life is sacrificed at the altar to religious ideals, in a time of conflic and privation. It was impossible not to be moved by this young girl's struggle to survive, and the scars as they are created.

The movie is worth watching..The story is powerful especially during times like this...beautifully acted by the whole cast..However, i found myself annoyed with Osama. She scared about everything! Her sense of weakness against the men did not sit well with me..

This movie is a must see for anyone who is interested in what happened in Afghanistan during the Taliban regime. As with most Afghani/Iranian movies the photography is superb and the director caputures the essence of these incredibly brave people. It makes it all the more credible when you realise (by watching the accompanying documentary) that the lead role of Osama is played not by an actress but a girl named Marina who the director literally found on the streets after interviewing over 3000 girls for the role. This is a movie that will stay with you for a long time after viewing it.

A fascinating insight into the state of Afghanistan during the Taliban reign even if it is to reveal the appalling treatment of women and the decrepit state of the country.

Opens the eyes to life in Afganistan... beautifully filmed.

A fascinating peep into the absurd world of a country managed by incompetent ideologues. The film could have ventured a little bit into the tribal nature of the 'government' but maybe that's for another film.

Well shot movie with a realistic storyline - plot a bit confusing at times - intriguing insight into Afghan society.

At least it sent the message how bad the country was when Taliban in charge. Excellent story!

Harrowing tale of a nation held captive by a radical & corrupt minority in the name of Allah. Excellent acting & direction and scenery

An emotionally challenging doco, vividly portraying the practices of the disgusting and cowardly religious fanatics known as the Taliban. Hopefully stoning women to death, making them wear revolting burkhas so that the faces of women are not revealed, and preventing defenseless women and children from working when they no longer have a bread winner (they just starve!)have been eliminated.I was utterly revolted by this doco! God is NOT good for these "people", just affronted by this example of inhumanity to man in the name of some crazy religion! (You may get the message that I'm still upset by this doco!) Self-inflicted?

A fairly grim movie. But an honest snapshot of a dysfunctional society and the way women have suffered. Our own culture was probably not too dissimilar a cenury or so ago.

A grim movie, but incredibly important and moving. Forget"The Fog of War" or Michael Moores 9/11 mockumentary on War, this candid story depicts the real tragedy of war. The psychological damage done to the children who grow up in a war zone. Its a movie that will leave you thinking how lucky we are.

A terribly boring subtitled movie with no real story and not even any sort of an ending. Dont waste your time.

Well worth a watch, and especially to see the matching doco with it.

A sad story about the tradgedy of war and the effect that it has on women. This film is more meaningful because of the modern setting; a backdrop of political dilema which America is a major part of.