Boys Of Abu Ghraib Review

Boys Of Abu Ghraib (2014)

Cast: Sara Paxton, Sean Astin, Michael Welch
Director: Luke Moran
Country: USA
Genre: Drama | History | Thriller | War

Editor’s Notes: Boys Of Abu Ghraib opens in limited release today, March 28th.

In 2003 after the invasion of Iraq United States-led forces, in conjunction with the new government began to use Abu Ghraib prison to house detainees. In early 2004 reports and photographs began to emerge showing the systematic and horrific abuse of prisoners by military police personnel. In the following years eleven soldiers were convicted by courts-martial and received prison sentences following dishonourable discharge. Taking inspiration from these events Boys Of Abu Ghraib follows one squad’s tour of duty at this infamous location and raises questions for which there are possibly no answers.

This is a film that does not sweeten the bitter pill of reality. If anything, and perhaps in the interests of decency, the Boys Of Abu Ghraib holds back from documenting the full extent of what really happened within those bleak and threatening walls.

Jack Farmer (Luke Moran) is an American soldier about to embark on his first tour. Desperate for his life not to drift away like his father’s Jack is keen to make a difference but after several weeks in Abu Ghraib with no more responsibility than repairing damaged vehicles in the motor pool the temptation to take up the offer of relief shifts for military police becomes too much too resist. While stationed within the infamous Hard Site Jack develops a relationship with one prisoner in particular Ghazi (Omid Abtahi) whom he believes to be innocent. This forbidden friendship convinces Jack that the extreme interrogation techniques and authorised torture strategies are against his principles until changing events make him question his own morality.

Astute and subtle observations contrast strikingly with brutal and brash actions but there is never a suspicion of any of the elements being forced together into an uncomfortable alliance.

This is a film that does not sweeten the bitter pill of reality. If anything, and perhaps in the interests of decency, the Boys Of Abu Ghraib holds back from documenting the full extent of what really happened within those bleak and threatening walls. That said the audience is left in no doubt as to the appalling conditions and suffering imposed upon men whose guilt or innocence was a secondary concern. It is through Jack’s attempts to cling on to his own fragile humanity that questions are raised and only partially answered as the film resists the temptation to preach its message too strongly. Whether that message attempts to justify the actions of a certain group of soldiers is doubtful although emotive reasons are presented on both sides.

Possibly the most impressive element of Boys Of Abu Ghraib is that it was written by, directed by, and stars Luke Moran. As a piece of work it is more accomplished that would usually be expected from someone with relatively little experience in both the film world and the real world. Astute and subtle observations contrast strikingly with brutal and brash actions but there is never a suspicion of any of the elements being forced together into an uncomfortable alliance. In assembling a supporting lineup that includes Sean Austin and Sara Paxton, Moran has surrounded himself with a cast that has the depth and talent to carry the story through and the delicate direction leaves what’s seen on the screen to take centre stage.

Boys Of Abu Ghraib is a sensitive portrayal of a difficult subject. There are issues; some of the twists are a little predictable and the ending is somewhat overblown, but these are forgettable flaws in a film that deserves respect for its bravery and clearly establishes Moran as a rising star. Much can be made of the politics on display, of the rights and wrongs, but at the end of the day this is a film with a story to tell, albeit an important one, and on those terms it is without doubt an impressive production.