Watch Letters From Baghdad

Letters From Baghdad is a fascinating documentary film that explores the life and legacy of Gertrude Bell, one of the most influential figures in modern Middle Eastern history. Told through a combination of archival footage, reenactments, and interviews with scholars and experts, the film paints a vivid picture of Bell's remarkable life and the impact she had on the region.

Tilda Swinton leads the cast as the voice of Bell, bringing her intelligence, wit, and determination to life in a captivating performance. Michael Higgs and Eric Loscheider also appear in the film, adding depth and nuance to the story with their portrayals of Bell's colleagues and associates.

The film begins with Bell's childhood in Victorian England, where her family's wealth and connections afforded her a privileged upbringing. From an early age, Bell showed a keen intelligence and a thirst for adventure, but it wasn't until she graduated from Oxford that her true passion for travel and exploration emerged.

After a brief stint as a social reformer in London, Bell set out for the Middle East, where she quickly fell in love with the remote and desolate landscape. She traveled extensively throughout the region, learning the language and customs of the people she encountered and gaining an unparalleled understanding of the political and social dynamics at play.

As World War I erupted across Europe, Bell became increasingly involved in politics, using her knowledge and expertise to contribute to the war effort. She worked closely with British military leaders and politicians, using her connections and influence to shape strategy and policy in the region.

After the war, Bell played a pivotal role in the establishment of modern Iraq, helping to draft the country's first constitution and serving as a senior advisor to the British government in Baghdad. Her understanding of the region and its people proved invaluable, and her vision for a modern, democratic Iraq helped lay the foundation for the country that exists today.

Throughout the film, the filmmakers use a variety of techniques to bring Bell's story to life. Archive footage gives viewers a glimpse into the world in which Bell lived, while reenactments help to recreate key moments in her life. Interviews with historians and experts provide context and analysis, and voiceover readings of Bell's letters and writings add a personal touch to the narrative.

Overall, Letters From Baghdad is a powerful and engaging exploration of a remarkable woman's life and legacy. Through the lens of Gertrude Bell's story, the film offers a nuanced and complex portrait of the Middle East and its history, shedding light on the region's past, present, and future.

Letters From Baghdad is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 71.