The Secret History of ISIS
The Secret History of ISIS

Movie spotlight

The Secret History of ISIS

2016
Movie
54 min
English

Recently released top secret files from the early 2000's expose the lies told to the American people by senior US government in this PBS documentary, which outlines the real creators of ISIS.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: James BuchliGenres: Documentary, History, War

Plot Summary

This documentary delves into the origins and rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). It traces the group's evolution from its roots in al-Qaeda in Iraq to its declaration of a caliphate. The film examines the complex geopolitical factors, regional conflicts, and societal conditions that contributed to its emergence and expansion. It seeks to provide an in-depth understanding of the historical context behind one of the most notorious terrorist organizations of the 21st century.

Critical Reception

The documentary was generally well-received for its attempt to provide a historical context for the rise of ISIS, though some critics noted its broad scope and the difficulty of covering such a complex subject in a single film. It was praised for its informative nature and its efforts to explain the geopolitical landscape that allowed the group to gain prominence.

What Reviewers Say

  • Provides a necessary historical backdrop to understand the current threat of ISIS.

  • Offers insights into the complex regional politics that fostered the group's growth.

  • While comprehensive, it attempts to cover a vast amount of history in a limited timeframe.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this documentary is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The documentary utilizes archival footage and interviews with experts to piece together the complex narrative of ISIS's origins, aiming to demystify the group's rise for a global audience.

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