Heavy Metal in Baghdad - 2007 - 4 Stars

Director: Eddy Moretti

Heavy Metal in Baghdad details the day-to-day struggles of the Iraqi heavy metal band Acrassicauda the difficulties they have merely surviving in 2005 Baghdad, never mind finding time and space to play their music. They are the only heavy metal band in Iraq - at their rare concerts, "People don't headbang, because the authorities think that people nodding their heads in this way are performing Jewish prayers."

I thought of Hoop Dreams and the tribulations of Arthur Agee and William Gates to continue their dream of playing basketball - why do art and sport, two of the most fruitless human endeavors, affect us so when we see them restricted? Even one of the band members, in possibly the most poignant statement of the film, recognizes that there are many other Iraqis who wish to help people, but cannot due to the strife in their country. All these men want to do is to play music.