Watch Jirga

Jirga is a thought-provoking, independent film from 2018 that revolves around the story of a former Australian soldier, Mike Wheeler, who returns to Afghanistan three years after his squad accidentally killed an innocent family during an operation in the war-torn country. Wheeler, who is deeply haunted by guilt, embarks on a personal journey to seek forgiveness and redemption.

The movie starts with Wheeler arriving in Kabul with the intention of finding and apologizing to the family of the innocent victims. After realizing that he can not achieve peace of mind without making amends, he decides to embark on a dangerous journey to a remote village in the desert that is controlled by the Taliban to meet with the tribal Jirga, which is a traditional Afghan form of justice.

Wheeler faces many obstacles throughout his journey, including hostile Taliban fighters, dangerous terrains, and treacherous allies. Along the way, he is accompanied by taxi driver, Abdul (played by Mohammad Mosam), who is initially skeptical and mistrustful of the Australian's motives.

As the duo makes their way towards the Taliban stronghold, they encounter various characters that represent the complex and turbulent social landscape of Afghanistan. Among them is Humayun, a local poppy farmer who dreams of leaving the country to start a new life in Australia. Also, there is the mysterious and enigmatic fixer, Shahid, who seems to have connections to both the Taliban and the local government.

As Wheeler finally reaches the village, he is met with a group of armed men dressed in traditional Pashtun clothes. There, he is given the opportunity to explain his motivations and plead his case for forgiveness. Through his interactions with the Jirga elders, Wheeler gains deeper insights into the culture and beliefs of the Afghan people, which helps him to confront his inner demons and find the inner peace he so desperately seeks.

The acting in Jirga is superb, with Sam Smith delivering an outstanding performance as Australian soldier Mike Wheeler, who is torn between guilt and redemption. The Afghan cast, including Mohammad Mosam and Kefayat Lag Humani, also deliver excellent performances that add depth and authenticity to the film.

The movie's cinematography is stunning, with breathtaking shots of the Afghan desert that create a sense of isolation and danger. The film's director, Benjamin Gilmour, who is also a paramedic and war correspondent, uses his real-life experiences of Afghanistan to create an authentic portrayal of the country and its people.

Overall, Jirga is a powerful film that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and cultural differences. It is an excellent example of independent filmmaking that combines artistry and authenticity to create a captivating and thought-provoking experience. The movie was well-received by critics and has won several awards, including the Best Independent Film at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards.

Jirga is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 59.