Watch House of Saddam

House of Saddam is an HBO historical drama miniseries that premiered in 2008. The show chronicles the rise and fall of the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, from his ascent to power in the late 1970s to his capture and execution in 2006. The series is based on factual events and accounts of key figures in Saddam's inner circle, as well as his family members.

The role of Saddam Hussein is played by Israeli actor Yigal Naor, who delivers a mesmerizing performance as the ruthless dictator. Naor captures the essence of Saddam's personality, his charisma, his paranoia, and his delusions of grandeur. Shohreh Aghdashloo plays Saddam's wife Sajida, who is often portrayed as being the power behind the throne. Aghdashloo brings depth and nuance to her character, portraying her as a woman who is fiercely loyal to her husband and family, yet deeply conflicted about the atrocities committed by Saddam's regime.

Other key characters in the show include Saddam's sons Uday and Qusay, played by Philip Arditti and Amr Waked, respectively. The two actors convincingly portray the complex relationship between the siblings, as well as their brutal and impulsive natures. Saïd Taghmaoui plays Saddam's right-hand man, Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, who is shown to be deeply loyal to the dictator, even as he becomes increasingly disillusioned with his regime.

House of Saddam is not a light-hearted show. It is a grim and often unsettling depiction of a brutal dictatorship, where human rights are routinely violated, dissent is crushed, and violence is used as a tool of state control. The series is a sobering reminder of the high cost of authoritarianism and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole. The series portrays graphic scenes of violence and torture, which may be distressing to some viewers.

Despite its bleak subject matter, House of Saddam is a well-crafted and compelling drama that offers a nuanced exploration of Saddam's legacy. The series provides valuable insights into the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, as well as the internal power struggles and conflicts within Saddam's regime. The show also explores the human toll of dictatorship, as ordinary Iraqis struggle to survive under an oppressive and corrupt regime.

Overall, House of Saddam is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that offers a bleak yet necessary portrayal of one of the most notorious dictators in history. The series is an outstanding example of historical fiction, offering a nuanced and compelling narrative that sheds light on a dark era in Iraqi history. For those interested in Middle Eastern politics, human rights, and international relations, this series is a must-watch.

House of Saddam is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between July 30, 2008 and on HBO