Once Upon a Time in Iraq (2020)

Once Upon a Time in Iraq, a powerful documentary by PBS FRONTLINE, delves into the harrowing and complex narrative of the Iraq war. Through the eyes of those who lived it, this film paints an intimate portrait of the tumultuous events that shaped the nation.

The documentary unfolds chronologically, beginning with life under the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein. Iraqis share their personal accounts, vividly recounting the fear, resilience, and daily struggles during this period.

The pivotal moment arrives with the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. The film captures the chaos, uncertainty, and hope that accompanied this seismic shift. Ordinary citizens grapple with the sudden upheaval, torn between anticipation and trepidation.

As the dust settles, the aftermath reveals a fractured society. Sectarian violence erupts, tearing at the fabric of Iraqi life. Families are torn apart, communities shattered, and dreams extinguished. Amidst this turmoil, the rise of ISIS casts a dark shadow, plunging the nation into a brutal reign of terror.

The documentary doesn’t shy away from the raw emotions and lasting scars. It portrays the resilience of Iraqis who endured unimaginable hardships, their stories etched into the collective memory of a nation. Their voices echo through the years, bearing witness to a war that reshaped their lives forever.

In Once Upon a Time in Iraq, the camera captures both the grand sweep of history and the intimate moments of survival. From the dusty streets to the corridors of power, the film weaves together a tapestry of resilience, tragedy, and hope. It stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, even in the darkest of times.

This poignant documentary serves as a vital reminder that behind every headline, statistic, and geopolitical maneuver, there are real lives—lives forever altered by the echoes of war.