“Osama.” I imagine the name of this film will probably cause two different reactions as far as who is willing to sit down to watch it. There are those who will be intrigued, as well as those who won’t give it a second look. Both of these reactions will be caused by the same misconception which is that this film is in some way about Osama Bin Laden. What is really sad is that this misconception will likely cause both factions to miss one of the finest Foreign Films in recent years. Those who are curious enough to take a look may be too single-minded to watch the whole movie once they realize it is not about Bin Laden, while the others will simply miss it altogether. What “Osama” is about is a little girl (Marina Golbahari) living in Afghanistan, under the Taliban rule. She lives with her mother and grandmother, and all are on the brink of starvation because of the ridiculous nature of Taliban law.

You see, women are forbidden to work or even travel outside the home without male companionship, so they are all but trapped in their home. In an act of desperation, the mother (Zubaida Sahar) cuts of her daughter’s hair and dresses her in men’s clothing in an attempt to pass her off as a boy. It is a dangerous proposition indeed, but they hope this disguise will allow her to work to support the family. Her mother gives the girl the name Osama, and sends her out. All seems well, until the fateful day when ‘Osama’ is recruited into joining the ranks of the very people she is attempting to hide from.

Written and directed by Siddiq Barmak, “Osama” is the first Afghan film produced since the fall of the Taliban. Barmak delivers an unflinching portrait of the Taliban and the horrible treatment of women under their rule as seen through the eyes of the young girl. Though one should remember it is a film and not a documentary, it’s not hard to believe that this type of persecution by religious zealots actually exists. The most important thing I think I learned from watching the movie is that people are people, no matter where they come from. As a rule, the American public only sees the lives of people in other countries through our governmentally controlled news outlets. People from the Middle East are generally shown rioting and creating havoc, which leads us to see them as a nation of maniacs. I’m somewhat ashamed to say I have had this perception for years. But recently, through films like “Osama” and having had the opportunity to work with someone who lived for many years in the Middle East, I’ve come to understand that there are people in these countries who are tired of oppression and have dreams of a better life. Some of their ultimate goals may be different from ours simply because the culture is different, but this doesn’t make their dreams any less valid.

People everywhere deserve to have the freedom to realize their goals, as long as they are willing to work towards them. What is unfortunate for these people is that the Taliban may be gone, but they are being replaced by an equally insidious group of profiteers from our country that have lied, cheated and swindled the American public into sending their children off to die for all the wrong reasons. The rich get richer, America’s heroes are dying, and the people of the Middle East will not be the better for it. But I digress. (I’ve been doing that a lot lately.)

The story of “Osama” takes place well before 9/11, so of course, there is no mention of it. In the long-run, it really doesn’t matter where the film took place. What is really important is that it is a story of survival, the desire for freedom and the lengths a person is willing to go to achieve it. The girl often dreams of skipping rope, which is what represents freedom to her. Her story is terrifying as well as heartbreaking. Barmak chose to film the movie with non-actors, and the casting is superb. Marina Galbahari, who in real life suffered under Taliban rule, is outstanding as ‘Osama’. It is as if you can see her entire life in her soulful eyes.

The MGM DVD release of “Osama” has a featurette that focuses on how director Barmak had his work cut out for him in making this film. Through a lengthy interview, intercut with pieces of the movie, he relates a lot of the difficulties that he had, as well as the lucky breaks. He fills us in a little bit on the people he cast in the film, and we get a pretty good idea of where his political views lie. It is a very good piece, and I highly recommend watching it if you like the film.

“Osama” is the recipient of many awards and nominations, most notably winning a well-deserved Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film in 2004. If you’re not turned off by sub-titles films (and even if you are), I cannot recommend this film enough.

Directed by: Siddiq Barmak
Starring: Marina Goldbahari, Arif Herati, Zubaida Sahar
Extras: “Sharing Hope and Freedom” Featurette with Director Siddiq Barmak, Original Theatrical Trailer
Specifications: Widescreen (1.85:1) Enhanced for 16X9 Televisions, Original Pashtu - Mono
Studio: MGM
Release Date: 4/27/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (For Mature Thematic Elements)
Website

We'll give Osama an A.