Parents' Guide to

The Situation

By Cynthia Fuchs, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Sobering Iraq war melodrama isn't for kids.

Movie NR 2007 106 minutes
The Situation Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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What's the Story?

The first U.S.-made film drama set during the Iraq war, THE SITUATION chronicles the tragic death of an Iraqi teenager at the hands of U.S. soldiers. The incident sets off an "investigation," a cover-up, and complications involving Iraqi mayor Sheikh Tahsin (Saïd Amadis), who has a complex relationship with the Americans. Enter American journalist Anna (Connie Nielsen), who hopes that letting Americans know what's happening in Iraq may have a positive effect. She seeks help on the bridge story from former Republican Guard officer/current insurgency leader Walid (Driss Roukh), her translator Bashar (Omar Berdouni), and cameraman Zaid (Mido Hamada). Anna becomes more immersed in the convoluted story, ignoring the warnings of her "sometimes" boyfriend, U.S. intelligence official Dan (Damian Lewis).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Philip Haas' movie is smart and riveting, if sometimes soapy. It focuses not on U.S. troops' experiences, but rather on complex interactions between U.S. civilians and Iraqis, as well as among different groups of Iraqis. The film reveals wartime arrogance stemming from ignorance. The occupying forces don't or can't comprehend the damage they do daily, or more expansively. Even when they mean well, the occupiers can't see themselves. And when, at the very last, Anna does see herself through Zaid's camera lens, she can only be heartbroken.

The character of Anna is trapped in a stereotypical female role as The Situation slips into soapiness. She's the object of multiple lusts and affections -- and the damsel when Dan and company need one. She's caught in her own willful haze, and so, like the occupiers she can no longer abide, she doesn't see what she's doing.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the many complexities the film deals with. Is it possible to expose the truth when so many potential truths exist, depending on perspectives, belief systems, and levels of trust? How does Anna's pursuit of the truth reveal her own ignorance? How does Anna's loyalty to Rafeeq complicate her relationship with the American administration in Iraq? Is there a "right thing" for Anna to do? How does this movie compare to dramas about other wars? Is it more realistic? Why?

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