Taxi to the Dark Side (2007)
Strong themes and graphic images of prisoner abuse
| Director: | Alex Gibney |
| Actor: | Alex Gibney |
Oscar winner for Best Documentary 2008. Over one hundred prisoners have died in suspicious circumstances in U.S. custody during the "war on terror". Taxi to the Dark Side takes an in depth look at one case an Afghan taxi driver called Dilawar who was considered an honest and kind man by the people of his rustic village. So when he was detained by the U.S military one afternoon, after picking up three passengers, the villagers wondered why this man was randomly chosen to be held in prison, and, especially, without trial. Five days after his arrest, Dilawar died in his Bagram prison cell. His death came within a week of another death of a Bagram detainee. The conclusion, with autopsy evidence, was that the former taxi driver and the detainee died due to sustained injuries inflicted at the prison by U.S. soldiers.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 106mins |
| Origin: | AUSTRALIA |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (7)
7 Member
Reviews
says
Gruelling documentary account of the inhuman treatment doled out , by US personnel, to detainees at Abu Graib and Guantanamo. A hard watch. I can't believe that the previous reviewer "Bren"suggests that this should not be shown to the younger generation. These truths should be shown to everyone who can access M movies and isn' that everyone? To suggest that this was "over the top" was way off the mark. Superb but disturbing viewing.
Bren
says
After viewing this I wasnt quite sure to rate it good or what, interesting the way the US terrorised the afghans but I thought a bit over the top the way americans were displayed in all of this. Gruesome to say the least, I don't think should be shown especially younger generation
William C
says
Even 4 years after release this still hurts
Clouseau
says
Excellent documentary. Looks at the issue of using physical and mental abuse against detainees by the US following 9/11. Well put together and it seems to be quite balanced in its approach. Interesting, the film is dedicated to the director's father, who was a US military interrogator during WW2. He has a few words of wisdom at the end of the film about the Bush administration and the rule of law.
Lance
says
Well directed,scripted
Andrew
says
Maybe I have been a bit desensitised about all of the stuff-ups the U.S. seem to have made in Iraq etc because while this film is disturbing and tells a horrible tale of abuse, it didn't shock me. It is very well made with access to all the right peope and definitely worth a look for those that enjoy docos.
Marg O.
says
Another compelling documentary. See it at the same time as "Standard Operating Procedure"