My Country, My Country

Released Jun 2, 2006

1 hr. 35 min.

Documentary

List

84%

38 Reviews

Tomatometer

73%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In the summer of 2004, filmmaker Laura Poitras begins chronicling the efforts of Riyadh al-Adhadh, a Sunni physician, to run for office in Iraq's first democratic election. As a member of a political minority, the doctor tries to convince his fellow party members not to boycott the election, but with the entire political process hanging by a thread, he faces an uphill battle.

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Critics Consensus

This war documentary offers a valuable look at Iraqi life under the U.S. occupation, and finds a compelling central subject in Dr. Riyadh.

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a.l.jude p

Compelling truth of what USA aggravated in a country without letting them handle their own problems.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Complex ideas around global politics and the Iraq elections, presented well but fairly opaquely. Makes you think hard about the long arm of America.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This should be required viewing for all who call themselves Americans. Perhaps the single most important piece of cinema of my generation.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Sobering reminder of the events before the 2005 forced election in Iraq and demonstrates how miserably we failed, the hubris of those involved on the ground, in staging this farce of a "show" which the whole world watched and now spit in contempt. And because of this film, Laura Poitras was marked by the US govt & if it weren't for this, we probably would not have had Snowden today.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Important and insightful peek into post 9/11 Iraqi.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/26/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Shocking. Americans should see this movie. Onligatorisch !!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

I can’t agree with those critics who’ve praised the film’s lack of polemics—the broader political story is too old to be news and too lacking in perspective to be good history—but as a substantial piece of the puzzle, this is worthwhile viewing.

Jun 28, 2022

Full Review

Bill Stamets

Chicago Sun-Times

A compelling report.

Rated: 3/4

Oct 13, 2006

Full Review

Michael Wilmington

Chicago Tribune

A memorable portrait of a nation's growing pains.

Rated: 2.5/4

Oct 12, 2006

Full Review

David Walsh

World Socialist Web Site

The director's attitude toward the colonial-style occupation is never made clear. ... All in all, the films seems muddy and weak.

Feb 14, 2021

Full Review

Dorothy Woodend

The Tyee (British Columbia)

. . .[Director Laura] Poitras' film allows ordinary Iraqi people to state their experiences and their understanding about what is happening in their country. Their plainspoken words have far more impact than any series of talking head interviews.

Aug 23, 2017

Full Review

Amber Wilkinson

Eye for Film

Powerful and moving.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 14, 2008

Full Review

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Synopsis

In the summer of 2004, filmmaker Laura Poitras begins chronicling the efforts of Riyadh al-Adhadh, a Sunni physician, to run for office in Iraq's first democratic election. As a member of a political minority, the doctor tries to convince his fellow party members not to boycott the election, but with the entire political process hanging by a thread, he faces an uphill battle.

Director: Laura Poitras
Screenwriter: Laura Poitras
Production Co: P.O.V. Theatricals
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 2, 2006, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Aug 4, 2006
Release Date (DVD): Mar 20, 2007
Box Office (Gross USA): $33.6K