My Country, My Country

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My Country, My Country

2006

1h 35m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

84%

Tomatometer

38 Reviews

72%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

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.

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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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

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Michael Wilmington

Chicago Tribune

A memorable portrait of a nation's growing pains.

Rated: 2.5/4

Oct 12, 2006

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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

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Amber Wilkinson

Eye for Film

Powerful and moving.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 14, 2008

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Georgan G

3.25 stars. How an average doctor in Afghanistan tried to take part in the election after US occupation. From this point of view you saw what & why the Afghan people did not have respect for the US.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/19/24

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Laura Poitras

Director

Laura Poitras

Writer

Laura Poitras

Producer

Jocelyn Glatzer

Producer

Laura Poitras

Cinematographer

Laura Poitras

Film Editing

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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
Producer: Laura Poitras, Jocelyn Glatzer
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
Runtime: 1h 35m