The Pirates of Somalia

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The Pirates of Somalia

R

Released Dec 8, 2017

1h 58m

Biography

Drama

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Popcornmeter

63%

Tomatometer

19 Reviews

70%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

In 2008, rookie Canadian journalist Jay Bahadur's impulsive plan to embed himself among the pirates of Somalia provides the first close-up look at who these men are, how they live, and the forces that drive them.

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Michael Rechtshaffen

Los Angeles Times

The genuine rapport between Peters and the magnetic Abdi...mainly succeeds in keeping it all on an even keel.

Dec 19, 2017

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John DeFore

The Hollywood Reporter

A lively tale bent on deepening our understanding of its sensationalism-ready subject.

Dec 8, 2017

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Glenn Kenny

RogerEbert.com

It's not as cute as it thinks it is.

Rated: 1.5/4

Dec 8, 2017

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Susan Granger

SSG Syndicate

Simplistic dramedy. enhanced by another superb performance by Barkhad Abdi...

Rated: 6/10

Feb 24, 2018

Full Review

Robert Roten

Laramie Movie Scope

While the story does seem a bit laid back and comedic for such a serious subject, it is entertaining and well-acted by Evan Peters, Al Pacino and Barkhad Abdi.

Rated: B

Jan 12, 2018

Full Review

Mark R. Leeper

Mark Leeper's Reviews

Writer-director Buckley seems to think that his viewer wants to know more about Bahadur than about Somali pirates. At least he can make that funnier.

Rated: 6/10

Jan 2, 2018

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Rosana B

Tão surreal que parece ser impossível de ser real, mas é baseado nos livros e memórias de Jay Bahadur... Um jovem lucro suficiente e corajoso suficiente, talento aliado a hora certa no momento exato... Fiquei com vontade de experimentar Khat, uma erva alucinógena local...

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/24/24

Full Review

Nim T

The movie was interesting as Evan Peters was able to show how a college graduate can transition into a different person based on environment and social atmosphere. Not only was the plot was real, but was well executed with a great supporting actor. It was surprising to see the BAFTA actor that was in Captain Phillips playing a key role in this movie. The chemistry was there followed by the usage of the setting and the people make the film uplifting and not boring. A refreshing film to watch and recommended for people that need some inspiration.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/22/24

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Giulia P

Nice movie totally ruined by the last sentence referred to Somali people by the Canadian protagonist:"they are like young us", reflecting a colonialist and western capitalist vision of African countries. Like if they had something to learn or imitate. Very bad ending !

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

05/03/23

Full Review

T T

It's an informative biography, mixed with some comedy. My major problem with it is that it was way too long for the content. This movie was almost 2 hours long when it could have easily been a 60-70 minute watch, max. The needless and unnecessary stretching out and prolongation of the movie made it pretty boring because there wasn't enough meat to fill up all that time.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The Pirates of Somalia is an interesting well-made little film that shows some of the struggles in Somalia. The movie is well acted and interesting but some of the comic relief was not necessary and the movie starts off a bit slow. I wish AL Pacino was in the Film more. Still it’s an informative and good little film and worth a lazy Sunday DVD rental.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/30/21

Full Review

Audience Member

the film is nothing exceptional, but the story as true is very exciting, it transports you to those lands

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

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Bryan Buckley

Director

Evan Peters

Jay Bahadur

Al Pacino

Seymour Tolbin

Barkhad Abdi

Abdi

Melanie Griffith

Maria Bahadur

Russell Posner

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The Pirates of Somalia: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In 2008, rookie Canadian journalist Jay Bahadur's impulsive plan to embed himself among the pirates of Somalia provides the first close-up look at who these men are, how they live, and the forces that drive them.

Director: Bryan Buckley
Producer: Claude Dal Farra, Mino Jarjoura, Matt Lefebvre
Screenwriter: Bryan Buckley
Distributor: Echo Bridge
Production Co: BCDF Pictures
Rating: R (Language Throughout|Drug Content|Brief Strong Violence)
Genre: Biography, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 8, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 8, 2017
Runtime: 1h 58m

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