runamokprods I found myself surprised to like a film about heavy metal this much. Just personal taste, but it's not music that usually speaks to me.But this tragic, darkly comic, oddly triumphant and endearing look at a group of young Iraqis trying to keep their band together and play - in the middle of the insanity of war, and then later in exile in Syria - and also seeing the crazy bravery of the two young guys trying to make a film about them - has stuck in my head with very fond feelings. By making the war and it's effects this personal I came away with a much deeper understanding than I might have from a film trying to cover the whole wide landscape. I wasn't quite as moved on a second viewing with friends, but it's still a film I think of with tremendous warmth, and recommend whether you like heavy metal or not.

codeE WOW, This was such a great movie. After watching it I tried to describe it to my wife, during said explanation I realized that any explanation falls short and seeing it is the only way to "get it." On the surface it's about a struggling band. But it is so much more. I hate to use the word educational and scare any one off , but what an eye opener. Reguargless of your politics or musical preferences it will suck you in and keep you glued to the screen. Next time you here any kind artist say that they are "struggeling" show them this movie and then punch them in the face.P.SAcrassicauda if you come to this country you can stay at my place.(wait till I show my wife the movie first)

Bcbud420z This documentary really opened my eyes to the simple pleasures that we take for granted . I was really moved by the fact that I can just hop in my car go to a gig and let my anger out in the pit and just live life . This documentary brings to light the hardships that occur in Iraq , and to this band the only thing that makes them free is getting together to jam and record a album . you will feel a whole new sense of self after seeing this documentary trust me. I as a Canadian feel a great injustice of what is occurring in Iraq after viewing this , but ,media and politics dictate what they want you to see. Wake up north America ! and create a world that we can all just be free to express ourselves in whatever form we choose .

Tushar Singh (oo7tushar) Just got back from the world premier at TIFF 07 and I am impressed. Like the gun market journey from the "Vice Guide" Eddy and Suroosh drew out the important issues behind the primary subject matter. I found the journey of the young men and their evolution through extreme turmoil delivered in a raw manner that one does not get through main stream media. The raw look at life and oppression that continues from the old Saddam regime into the new present day Iraq is shocking. The movie is shown through several time periods in the bands life and how playing music is the only thing that keeps them going. The band members that are interviewed are well spoken, articulate, and emotional. That emotion keeps coming back in the film and every happiness in their lives is tempered by the Iraq war to such a degree that the true impact of what's happening over there is just now becoming clearer. For me the true role and impact of the mass market main-stream media has been exposed and for that reason alone I would suggest watching "Heavy Metal in Baghdad". I also look forward to any subsequent sequels or Vice production regarding the lives of the band members but especially Tony and his pupil Mike.Thank you Eddy and Suroosh.