Baghdad in My Shadow
Baghdad in My Shadow

Movie spotlight

Baghdad in My Shadow

2019
Movie
105 min
English

A wide variety of Iraqis in exile meet at Café Abu Nawas in London, including the architect Amal, the poet Taufiq and the gay IT specialist Muhannad. They all want to finally feel free in London - something that was denied them in their homeland. But adversity threatens...

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: Samer SalamehGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

A British-Iraqi novelist grapples with his family's past and the legacy of the Iraq War while navigating relationships in contemporary London. The film interweaves personal stories of displacement, identity, and the lingering effects of conflict across generations. It explores the complexities of memory and belonging for those caught between different cultures and histories.

Critical Reception

Baghdad in My Shadow received a mixed to positive reception, with critics often highlighting its emotional depth and nuanced portrayal of the Iraqi diaspora experience. Some reviews praised its ambitious narrative structure and strong performances, while others found the pacing inconsistent or the plot occasionally convoluted.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its poignant exploration of identity and the impact of war on families.

  • Noted for strong performances, particularly from the lead actors.

  • Some critics found the narrative structure to be complex, occasionally affecting pacing.

Google audience: Audience reviews are not widely available or aggregated on Google for this film.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in London and features a blend of English and Arabic dialogue, reflecting the bicultural experiences of its characters.

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