Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden? (2008)

Very important film

Even though I thought the hook of searching for Osama Bon Laden bordered on the silly and gimmicky, I ended up being extremely fascinated and moved by this film. Like the book "Three cups of Tea" (also highly recommended), it chips away at the monolithic Western stereotype of the Muslim world with small slices of reality that are rarely seen in the mainstream media. These intriguing interviews with citizens throughout the Middle East and footage of the poverty and hardship most of them endure are compelling evidence that bringing schools, clean water, and human rights to this part of the world will do infinitely more to prevent terrorism than all of our billions spent on "the war on terror." This IS the proverbial picture worth a thousand words, and I hope President-elect Obama and all of his security advisors will see it and take it to heart. November 9, 2008

A Great Film that everyone needs to see!!!

This is a great film in that it shows the human side of waring factions. I didn't see his first film and wasn't expecting much in this one but I was taken by surprise at it's simple humanity. A very wise man told a group of his students after 911 that it was important for them to communicate with the people from other nations so as to build a better understanding and this movie does just that. It's hard to believe that some viwers couldn't see that simple fact presented here. After seeing it, I thought everyone needs to see it in order to create a better bridge of understanding between people of different nations who in the final sense just want the same things,i.e., love and acceptance, and a peaceful place to raise their kids. That shouldn't be that difficult except for the few who just can't connect to their heart causing strife for everyone else. The only question is, 'how do we help them make that connection, because it connot be forced on anyone?' Perhaps leading an inspiring life is the only real solution. This movie has further inspired me to do so. November 5, 2008

Where did we all go wrong?

In my humble opinion this is a very interesting movie/documentary. Not because it shows a reality that we do not know. In fact, we're aware of many things that go wrong in the world. It's simply a fact that we seem to keep forgetting that we're all human beings with the same basic needs: love and respect. Morgan Spurlock takes you into a world we have been taught to hate and blame for everything that is not right without even considering that maybe the truth we're presented with has in fact a different face. It's sad to see how many innocent people are dragged into a game of money and power, where human life is the last thing to be taken seriously. Where did we all go wrong? Why can't we stop, take a deep breath and look back? We're all in the same boat and if we keep rowing in the wrong direction, how are we supposed to arrive in a safe harbour? I just wish I could understand why we let things get this far. We still have a lot to learn and by what I could see in this movie, the price we pay has no boundaries. Maybe we should start keeping score and make sure we straight things out before it's too late. Or am I just being naive? You tell me.
October 22, 2008

What in the world was he thinking?

I think the problem with this movie boils down to a few factors. First of all, when this movie was being made someone let it slip/heavily implied that they had found "The Holy Grail" with this movie. Without trying to spoil it for you, they didn't even find a holy goat. Secondly, someone apparently told Spurlock that he was funny, and while he does make an amusing quip every once in a while, the whole thing feels forced, and even somewhat inappropriate considering the goal of his trip. Bin Laden is responsible for the greatest act of terrorism and murder in this country, and Spurlock turns his film into a video game. A real documentary on where Bin Laden is would be very interesting, but Spurlock seems more interested in making himself a star, and he's not that interesting, nor should he take center stage in a film on this topic.

The more I really think about the ego behind this film the more offended I get, even though when watching it you don't immediately feel such offense because of how vapid it is. But for the millions who are waiting with sorrow in their hearts until the day their loved-ones murderer is brought to justice, this movie is a slap in the face. Terrorism isn't funny, and neither is Spurlock, and he should be ashamed of what he has done in the name of a "safer world." October 4, 2008

A Trip to the Middle of the World

Morgan Spurlock takes an interesting, and sometimes, funny look, into the search for Osama bin Laden, the Middle East's outlook on the global war on terrorism and America's government's role in that war.

He starts out on this quest because his wife, is due to have a baby, and he wants to make this world as safe for the baby as possible. And that means finding Osama. So after he does some preparation, from shots, to working out, to defense training, he goes over to the Middle East and begins to interview people.

He doesn't just interview those on the street, many of whom have a low opinion of the US government, but not necessarily of the American people; but also those related to, and may have known, or did know, suspected, and no so suspected, terrorists. He also doesn't just let the good go by. There are some who cannot stand the US government or the American people. But overall many in the Middle East are saying what many people do already know. Osama and his ilk have hijacked Islam and used it for evil. The same as Fred Phelps and his ilk have hijacked Christianty and spout evil. (Granted they don't blow up people or buildings, but they're really just as bad.)

He also explores the Israeli and Palestinian conflict. I learned that many Palestinians do not appreciate bin Laden and wish he'd stop using them to further his cause. He also goes to Afghanistan and Pakistan and you see that many of the people there are frustrated with the lack of progress we're not making, but have no wish to return to the Taliban.

Overall this is a good documentary with a fun twist. I found the video game sequences very funny. I didn't find it to be a statement on the rightness or wrongness of the war on terror, but a look at it from "their" side.

I did like that he talked to many parents, himself going to become one. Many parents only wish what American parents wish. A good, safe environment for their children, education and the ability to grow up happy. Falling into bin Laden's camp is like a child going a high profile gand in the US. Any parents worst nightmare.

It's worth a watch. September 26, 2008

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