Rating of
3/4
Ghosts of Abu Ghraib
Franz Patrick - wrote on 12/25/07
This film redefined my meaning of "torture." Upon watching shows like "Alias" and films like the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, somehow I've become accustomed to the fact that torture is okay as long as you get the information you need. I've underestimated the role of the media when it comes to my definition of what is okay and what it is not. I think one of the main reasons is that torture is now pervasive and "cool," especially in thriller or action films and television shows. Watching this film helped me reorganize my priorities. This film is about the evil of human beings, specifically those already in power (that need more power or those who want to maintain the power that they already have)--even more specifically, the United States' role and justification of torture as long as we get the information we need "to protect our interests." When I saw clips of Iraqis burning the American flag, even though I'm not part of the goverment that gave clearance to the tortures, I felt the hatred that they have against the United States. What's worse is that I feel like their hatred is justified. I mean, Americans did ravage their land. Americans did kill their loved ones... and continually killing more. Another thing that haunted me is when the film talked about the United States being once the "model of morality." Now, it obviously isn't. We desperately need a change of government. Our government is making us seem like savages to other nations. This documentary is necessary even if you're not up-to-date with the news. You don't need to be up-to-date to evaluate inhumanity.
