Watch The Pirates of Somalia

The Pirates of Somalia is a biographical drama film directed by Bryan Buckley, based on the book The Pirates of Somalia: Inside Their Hidden World by Jay Bahadur. The movie follows the life of Jay Bahadur, a struggling Canadian journalist who decides to go to Somalia to investigate and report on the notorious pirate situation there.

Jay Bahadur (played by Evan Peters) is a young journalist who is desperate to make a name for himself in the world of journalism. He is unable to secure a job at a prestigious news organization, so he sets out to explore the world of piracy in Somalia. He is initially unsuccessful in getting any access to pirates, but he persists in his efforts and eventually manages to convince a pirate boss to give him access to his crew and their lifestyle.

Jay Bahadur becomes deeply involved in the lives of the pirates and starts to understand the complex dynamics of their world. He develops a close relationship with one of the pirates, Abdi (played by Barkhad Abdi), who starts to trust him and becomes his guide in the pirate world. Jay Bahadur learns that the pirates are not just criminals but are also regular people who are forced into piracy due to poverty and lack of opportunities.

As Jay Bahadur's relationship with Abdi deepens, he experiences the reality of the dangerous and violent world of piracy in Somalia. He also witnesses the desperate attempts of many Somalians to flee their country, risking their lives and facing unimaginable hardships in the process.

The movie does an excellent job of creating a realistic depiction of the world of piracy in Somalia. The visual detailing of the movie is stunning, with the film capturing the gritty realities of life in Somalia, including the extreme poverty and insecurity. The pacing of the movie is excellent, with the story progressing at a steady pace, keeping the viewer engaged throughout.

Evan Peters' portrayal of Jay Bahadur is commendable, with the actor bringing a sense of vulnerability and naivety to the character. Barkhad Abdi's performance as Abdi is equally impressive, with the actor bringing a sense of authenticity to the role, having grown up in Somalia himself.

The movie is not just about piracy but also focuses on the larger issues of poverty and lack of opportunity in Somalia. It raises important questions about why young men in Somalia turn to piracy as a way of life and the desperate measures they take to survive.

Overall, The Pirates of Somalia is a well-crafted and highly engaging biographical drama that provides a realistic portrayal of the complexities of the pirate world in Somalia. The movie is an eye-opener, highlighting the dark underbelly of poverty and violence that underpins the Somalian society. The Pirates of Somalia is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of journalism, piracy, or social justice.

The Pirates of Somalia is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 50 minutes.