The CIA agent Bob Barnes with great experience in Middle East that falls in disgrace after an unsuccessful mission dealing missiles in Lebanese Republic; the investigation of the attorney Bennett Holiday related to the merge of two American oil companies, Connex and Killen the traumatic association of the energy analyst Bryan Woodman with the son of a powerful emir of Emirate, and the social drama of the Pakistani immigrant worker Wasim Khan that is fired by the oil company. This movie does an excellent job of illustrating just how politics and big business conspire to preserve the status quo which also protects their power and profits. This movie is a must see. A well researched story with excellent actors for the numerous roles.
Syriana is an oil-based soap opera set against the world of global oil cartels. It is to the oil industry as Traffic was to the drug trade (no surprise, since writer/director Stephen Gaghan wrote the screenplay to Traffic): a sprawling attempt to portray the vast political, business, social, and personal implications of a societal addiction, in this case, oil. A major merger between two of the world’s largest oil companies reveals ethical dilemmas for the lawyer charged with making the deal (Jeffrey Wright), and major global implications beyond the obvious; a CIA operative (George Clooney) discovers the truth about his work, and the people he works for; a young oil broker (Matt Damon) encounters personal tragedy, then partners with an idealistic Gulf prince (Alexander Siddig) attempting to build a new economy for his people, only to find he’s opposed by powers far beyond his control. Meanwhile, disenfranchised Pakistani youths are lured into terrorism by a radical Islamic cleric. And that’s just the start. As in Traffic, in one way or another all of the characters’ fates are tied to each other, whether they realize it or not, though the connections are sometimes tenuous. While Syriana is basically a good film with timely resonance, it can’t quite seem to measure up to Gaghan’s ambitious vision and it very nearly collapses under the weight of its many storylines. Fortunately they are resolved skillfully enough to keep the film from going under in the end. To some viewers, Syriana will seem like an unfocused and over-loaded film that goes, all at once, everywhere and nowhere. Others will find it to be an important work earnestly exploring major issues. In either case, it’s a film that deserves to be taken seriously, and it’s likely to be one that will be talked about for a long time to come.Read full review
One of my top ten! Many plot lines that come together! A must watch movie!!! See it at least 3 times, to get the full story line. This is why I suggest you own it, plus, so you can lend it out to have others watch it as well.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Get a Job George,waiting for impact,insightfullness Boo Hoo Lousey Movie just awful. I swear I used to believe George Clooney could act I honestly don't just go for his "LOOKS" but this Movie is a valid stinker and just drug on and on and on,this is one folks your going to nappy time to..trust me..George,George pick a good script sometime soon..you square jawed demon you..gosh awful stuff.
It is sad that a talent like George Cloony was recognized with an Academy Award for this dark, slow, grainy, but not persuasively realistic CIA and oil industry-bashing film. Of course, that's not to say that the CIA and oil industry don't warrant some bashing, it's just sad that it is so contrived in this film. Matt Damon comes out only slightly better with his performance. Still Damon's character here lacks the sizzle of Jason Bourne, or the complexity of Mr. Ripley. All-in-all, it is a thoroughly forgettable film.
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