This documentary on the effect the talent competition "Afghan Star" has on the incredibly diverse inhabitants of Afghanistan affords a glimpse into a country rarely seen. Contestants risk their lives to appear on the television show that is a raging success with the public and also monitored closely by the government.
One of the most hopeful and heart-rending movies I've seen this year.
– Ty Burr,
Boston Globe,
30 Jul 2009
fresh:
An informative documentary revealing how decades of war and years of Taliban repression have fallen to the wayside, however briefly, as Kabul's answer to American Idol seduces a violence-weary Afghanistan.
– Michael Upchurch,
Seattle Times,
21 Aug 2009
fresh:
Like The Kite Runner novel and movie, the documentary Afghan Star succeeds at dramatizing the lives of Afghans, but those we see on screen are real flesh-and-blood characters -- people who let their true feelings emerge.
– Jonathan Curiel,
San Francisco Chronicle,
21 Aug 2009
fresh:
Of all the films to come out of the conflict, Afghan Star is the most provocative, because its message that people are essentially the same is a dubious, double-edge sword.
– Joe Williams,
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,
17 Sep 2009
fresh:
While its style and structure conform to the well-worn template established by docs like Spellbound, its success lies in creating an accessible, fun way into serious issues.