Where's Syriana on the map?

Tonight I watched Syriana at the dollar movies with Wubbya. Syriana is a political thriller that unfolds against the intrigues and corruption of the global oil industry. From the players brokering back-room deals in Washington to the men toiling in the oil fields of the Persian Gulf, the film’s multiple storylines weave together to illuminate the human consequences of the fierce pursuit of wealth and power.

The film takes place against the backdrop of an oil-producing Gulf country, where young, charismatic and reform minded Prince Nasir is seeking to change long-established relationships with U.S. business interests; where the American oil industry is willing to do whatever it takes to close the deal; where the American government attempts to protect it’s interest in the region; and lastly where young middle-eastern men, disenfranchised by poverty are brainwashed to be terrorist.

The movie is director and written by Stephen Gaghan and stars George Clooney, Matt Damon, Amanda Peet, Jerry Wright, Alexander Siddig, and Mazhar Munir.

Although the movie was a little slow, I enjoyed the complex storyline and the multiple story lines. It’s one of those movies where you leave thinking – that probably really goes on and the movie does a good job of painting a picture that makes you feel connected to all the characters. Lasting question – what happens when everyone pursues their own interest, but those individual interests are at odds.

I’d give this movie a B.